'Train US Workers, Then Go...': Scott Bessent Explains Trump's Strategy With New H-1B Visa Plan

Last Updated:November 13, 2025, 07:13 IST

Bessent stated that Trump’s goal is to utilise temporary visa programmes to import expertise for a limited time, allowing US workers to gain skills.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. (Photo: AFP file)

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent clarified that President Donald Trump’s new H-1B visa policy aims to temporarily bring in skilled foreign experts to train American workers, not to replace them.

In an interview with Fox News, Bessent explained that the policy is a “knowledge transfer" strategy intended to revive US industries like manufacturing, shipbuilding, and semiconductor production after years of outsourcing.

“Train the US workers. Then go home. Then the US workers fully take over," Bessent said, summarising the administration’s vision for the new visa system.

Addressing concerns about potential job displacement for Americans, Bessent responded firmly. “An American can’t have that job — not yet," he said. “We haven’t built ships or semiconductors here for years. Overseas partners coming in, teaching American workers — that’s a home run."

Bessent stated that Trump’s goal is to utilise temporary visa programmes like H-1B to import expertise for a limited time, allowing US workers to gain skills before foreign professionals return home. This plan aligns with Trump’s broader effort to bring critical industries back to the US and reduce reliance on imports.

These comments come as Trump’s remarks on foreign labour have created division within his MAGA base. In another Fox interview, the president mentioned that the US “doesn’t have certain talents," indicating that foreign experts are necessary to train Americans in technical fields. “You can’t take people off the unemployment line and say, ‘We’re going to make missiles,’" Trump said.

Bessent also touched on the administration’s economic agenda, confirming discussions on a possible USD 2,000 tariff rebate for families earning under USD 100,000. “The president’s talking about a $2,000 rebate," he said. “It’s part of ensuring families feel the benefits of strong trade policy."

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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...

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News world 'Train US Workers, Then Go...': Scott Bessent Explains Trump's Strategy With New H-1B Visa Plan

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