SEOUL, South Korea (RTW News) — South Korean President Lee Jae Myung stated on Thursday that South Korean companies could be deterred from making further investments in the United States unless the Biden administration modernizes its visa system for their employees. This announcement comes on the heels of a significant immigration raid at a Georgia factory where over 300 South Korean workers were detained.
During a press briefing commemorating his first 100 days in office, President Lee highlighted the necessity for an improved US visa system, especially after the alarming events of the September 4 raid, which involved the arrest of more than 300 South Korean workers at a Hyundai battery manufacturing site.
After widespread scrutiny, South Korea's Foreign Ministry confirmed the release of 330 detainees, primarily Koreans, who were being transported back to South Korea. Lee expressed frustration that the US has yet to advance its visa system to allow skilled Korean workers, vital for setting up manufacturing operations, to work legally in the US.
The influx of criticism from various lawmakers, alongside public sentiment in South Korea, arguing that the detentions were severe and excessive, only fanned the flames of diplomatic tension. The incident has been framed by some as a heavy-handed crackdown by US immigration authorities, significantly impacting South Korea's investment strategy in the US.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun also addressed the situation, indicating that US officials have indicated their willingness to facilitate future work for those detained. He mentioned plans to establish a working group to address the visa issues, which could pave the way for a new visa category aimed at easing the hiring of South Korean workers.
President Lee articulated that current work visa frameworks are inadequate, emphasizing that US policies should evolve to accommodate short-term and technical skilled workers essential for ongoing industrial projects. He cautioned that without an accommodating visa policy, South Korean firms might reconsider their investment in US infrastructure, causing delayed project timelines detrimental both to their enterprises and the broader US economy.
As South Korea and the US continue their negotiations on this pivotal issue, the outcome will not only influence bilateral relations but could also shape future economic collaborations between the two nations.
