The United States has dropped a major hint regarding its new H-1B visa policy. According to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant , President Donald Trump ‘s new policy aims to temporarily attract skilled foreign experts to the United States—so they can train American workers , not take their jobs. Bessant clarified that this visa model is designed for temporary knowledge transfer , and experts will return to their home countriesafter completing their training .
“Train and Retrain”—The New Direction of US Policy
Speaking to Fox News, Bessant described the new visa system as a straightforward “knowledge transfer scheme.” In his words:
“Train American workers. Then go home. Then American workers will take over.”
From manufacturing to semiconductors – America is building a new workforce
The new H-1B policy’s primary goal is to revitalize sectors that have been weakened by decades of outsourcing. The policy primarily focuses on reviving the following industries:
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American Manufacturing
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Shipbuilding
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Semiconductor production
According to Besant, over the years, the US has virtually stopped shipbuilding and semiconductor manufacturing in its own country , making it necessary to skill American workers by inviting foreign partners .
Temporary visa = temporary expertise import
Bessant explained that the Trump administration’s goal is to use programs like the H-1B to import expertise for a limited period . This policy is part of a larger US strategy that includes—
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Bringing vital industries back to America,
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Strengthening the supply chain,
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and reducing dependence on foreign imports .
Trump’s remarks raise questions
Interestingly, this statement comes at a time when Trump’s comments on foreign labor have caused confusion among many of his MAGA supporters. In a recent TV interview, he said,
“America is missing some talent… We need foreign experts in technical fields.”
Trump also said that unemployed Americans can’t suddenly be put to high-tech work—
“You can’t just pick somebody off the unemployment line and say, ‘Let’s build missiles.'”
The big message is clear
The fundamental goal of the new H-1B policy is not to take away jobs but to provide training . The US will bring in experts, upskill its workforce, and then hand over industries to American workers.
The US wants to use foreign talent as a bridge —temporarily, but strategically.