South Korean companies may reconsider their investments in the United States following a significant immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia last week, as expressed by President Lee Jae-myung. Over 300 South Korean nationals were arrested during this raid, with their return home set for Friday after delays attributed to issues on the US side.
President Lee described the situation as perplexing, emphasizing that it is common for South Korean businesses to send workers abroad to assist in setting up operations. He raised concerns that if such practices are restricted, it may complicate the establishment of manufacturing facilities in the US, leading companies to question the viability of continuing their investments.
The immigration raid resulted in the detention of 475 individuals, of which more than 300 were South Korean workers allegedly employed illegally at the battery facility, noted as one of the largest foreign investment projects in Georgia. A worker from the plant remarked on the panic and confusion experienced during the event, stating that most detainees were mechanics tasked with installing production lines, working through a contractor.
Despite South Korea being a close US ally, pledging substantial investments to support the American economy, the timing of the raid has raised concerns in Seoul, particularly as the two nations are engaged in sensitive trade discussions. The White House defended the operation, asserting that it would not deter foreign investment.
In a related commentary, US President Donald Trump referenced the raid in a recent social media post, encouraging foreign companies to prioritize hiring American workers. He indicated that the government would facilitate the legal entry of foreign workers for companies that comply with immigration laws.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly0e4k750go?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss