South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has raised alarms over a recent U.S. immigration crackdown that detained hundreds of Hyundai workers in Georgia, warning it could chill future investments by Korean companies in the U.S. 🚨
During a press conference Thursday, Lee called the raid "confounding" and said it left businesses "hesitant" about American ventures. The incident, which saw 300 South Korean workers detained, has triggered diplomatic tensions and sparked debates over U.S. visa policies.
Why It Matters 🌍
Hyundai’s Georgia project—a $5.5B electric vehicle plant—is a cornerstone of U.S.-South Korea economic ties. But the raid, described by Foreign Minister Cho Hyun as "shocking," has cast doubt on the stability of cross-border partnerships. Cho flew to Washington this week to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, stressing that the workers were there to "transfer technology" and boost U.S. manufacturing.
Visa Headaches ✈️
Korean firms also slammed strict U.S. visa rules for skilled workers, calling them a barrier to training local staff and managing projects. While both nations are now discussing smoother visa processes, Lee warned businesses remain "seriously confused" about U.S. commitments.
Meanwhile, 316 detained workers are set to return to South Korea via chartered flight Thursday—a move that may cool tempers but leaves long-term questions unanswered.
