SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Amid backlash and worries about U.S. immigration practices affecting its citizens and laborers abroad, South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun has departed for the United States to negotiate the return of several hundred South Korean workers detained during a significant immigration raid in Georgia.
The raid on September 4 targeted a battery factory under construction at a Hyundai plant, resulting in the detainment of 475 workers, more than 300 of whom were South Korean. The operation drew international attention when footage showed workers being shackled during their arrests.
South Korea expressed shock and confusion over the incident, as the U.S. government had not provided adequate explanations regarding the raid's necessity. President Donald Trump justified the action, stating that the workers were in the U.S. illegally, but the fallout has led many South Koreans to feel a sense of betrayal.
In response to the uproar, Cho called the situation a very serious matter during a legislative hearing, emphasizing the potential harm to South Korean investments in the U.S. The heightened tensions may complicate Seoul's future business dealings in America, especially as South Korean companies plan to increase investments in U.S. manufacturing.
Demands are mounting within the South Korean government for the U.S. to revise its restrictive visa policies, which many claim have hindered skilled workers from entering the country legally. This is especially concerning as South Korea seeks to improve collaboration with the U.S. in areas such as technology and manufacturing.
The fallout from the raid could delay significant projects, including the operational launch of the Hyundai battery plant, adding strain to economic relations between South Korea and the United States.
South Korea's hopes for a collaborative approach may now be challenged by the realities of U.S. immigration enforcement and policies. As Cho emphasized, it is critical that South Korean experts are permitted to return to the U.S. to conclude their work, a need that both countries should address constructively.
