• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent endorses a new policy allowing overseas workers to train Americans before returning home.
  • The initiative, aligned with President Trump's proposed "Foreign Experts Program," aims to bridge high-tech skill gaps without permanent migration.
  • The program forms part of broader economic reforms focused on American self-reliance and competitive advantage.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has thrown his support behind a novel approach to workforce development that would bring foreign experts to the U.S. to train American workers, after which those overseas specialists would return to their home countries. The policy is designed to directly transfer critical skills and best practices to the domestic labor force, particularly in high-tech sectors where skill shortages persist.

According to people familiar with the administration's planning, the initiative aligns closely with President Donald Trump's recently proposed "Foreign Experts Program." The program's structure is a deliberate attempt to leverage global expertise for domestic gain while avoiding the permanent diversion of talent from other nations, a balancing act that has long challenged policymakers.

"This is about smart engagement, not isolation," a Treasury official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the policy details are still being finalized. "We can learn from the best global practices without creating a brain drain from our partner nations."

Efforts to structure the program have accelerated in recent weeks, with administration officials holding preliminary discussions with industry leaders in the technology and advanced manufacturing sectors. The program is seen as a key component of a broader reform package that also includes recently proposed tax code improvements aimed at spurring domestic business investment.

While the concept has drawn interest from some business quarters, it has also sparked debate among labor economists. Some question whether short-term knowledge transfer can effectively address deep-seated structural skill gaps, while others warn that the program's success will depend heavily on the quality and duration of the training engagements.

A spokesperson for the Treasury Department declined to comment on the specific timeline for implementation but confirmed that Secretary Bessent views the initiative as a "pragmatic solution to a complex challenge."

The "train and return" model represents a significant shift from traditional guest worker programs, which have typically focused either on long-term retention or brief consulting stints. By explicitly linking the temporary presence of foreign experts to the upskilling of American workers, the administration aims to create a more sustainable model of knowledge exchange.

As trade discussions with China and other economic partners continue, the program's development is being closely watched by international business leaders who see it as a potential template for other advanced economies grappling with similar workforce challenges.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the official title of the proposed program. It is the "Foreign Experts Program," not the "Foreign Expert Program."