South Korean President Urges Reforms in US Visa System Amid Immigration Controversy

SEOUL, South Korea — South Korean President Lee Jae Myung emphasized that South Korean companies may be reluctant to continue investing in the United States unless there are significant improvements to the current visa system, which affects their ability to send skilled workers. This statement comes in light of the recent detention of more than 300 South Korean workers during an immigration raid at a battery factory construction site affiliated with Hyundai in Georgia.

Following a news conference marking his first 100 days in office, President Lee reiterated the need for reform in the US visa system, raising concerns about its impact on direct investment. The immigration raid, which ended with the release of the detained workers, has ignited widespread outrage in South Korea, particularly after a summit held just weeks prior between Lee and US President Donald Trump, where both countries had discussed economic cooperation.

The South Korean Foreign Ministry confirmed that the detainees, including 316 Koreans, are being transported back to South Korea, while Lee expressed disappointment in the US's handling of the situation. He acknowledged that both countries are discussing potential improvements to the US visa system, a long-time demand from South Korea.

In his remarks, Lee highlighted that many Korean workers are temporarily deployed to the US for essential roles in building and setting up facilities and emphasized that the lack of a clear path for these skilled workers poses significant hurdles for future investment opportunities. Without an updated visa policy, he warned, Korean companies may have to reconsider their operational strategies in the US.

The recent events have underscored a cultural rift between the US and South Korea regarding immigration enforcement, with South Koreans accustomed to a different approach to foreign workers. As discussions around visa reform continue, economic analysts warn that the failure to reach a resolution could have negative repercussions for both the US economy and South Korean investment interests.