Trump Desired Hyundai's Workers in Korea to Remain and Educate Americans, But Seoul Responded with a Firm No | Carscoops

      Challenges in swiftly acquiring the appropriate visas are placing some foreign companies in a difficult predicament.

      By Brad Anderson, 9 hours ago

      Many South Korean workers were brought to the US without the necessary work visas.

      President Trump delayed their release from detention to assess if they could remain in the country.

      The Prime Minister of South Korea has indicated that this situation could deter Korean investments in the US.

      Recently, US President Donald Trump encouraged over 300 South Korean workers who were detained at a Hyundai factory in Georgia to remain in the country and train American staff. However, this hope will not materialize as they are set to be repatriated on a chartered Korean Air flight back home.

      Last week, US immigration officials raided a joint venture plant of Hyundai and LG in Georgia, detaining about 475 individuals labeled as ‘unlawful aliens.’ Following the raid, it was disclosed that over 300 of those detained were skilled Korean workers brought in to assist with establishing the site, many of whom lacked the correct work visas.

      A South Korean foreign military official stated that President Trump halted their release to determine Seoul’s stance on whether they should stay to educate and train US workers or return home since all detained South Korean nationals were skilled laborers.

      Unresolved Diplomatic Matters

      South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier this week in Washington. During the discussions, Cho made it clear that Seoul wanted the workers to return home while leaving open the potential for their future return to the US. The South Korean foreign ministry later confirmed that 330 workers were released and transported by bus to Atlanta for a chartered flight home, with assurances that they would not be restrained during the trip.

      Visa Issues Emerge

      It has been noted that many of the workers were sent to the US under temporary visa exemptions or short-term business visas due to the challenges in securing long-term work visas. This incident has angered South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who stated at a press conference that the raid could dissuade Korean companies from investing in the US.

      "I believe this will significantly affect direct investments in the United States in the future," he remarked. "Our companies that have expanded internationally are likely feeling very perplexed. Our presence is not for long-term research or employment. A facility manager is needed to install machinery and equipment when setting up a factory, correct?"

      While numerous workers entered the US on B1 business visas or via the ESTA visa waiver program, they should have obtained visas such as H-1B, L1, or E2 to hire employees for US workplaces. However, acquiring these visas can take months, making it impractical for businesses that require rapid deployment of foreign workers to a US site.

      Today, ATF Atlanta, along with HSI, FBI, DEA, ICE, GSP, and other agencies, conducted a significant immigration enforcement operation at the Hyundai mega battery plant in Bryan County, GA, leading to the apprehension of approximately 450 unlawful aliens, underscoring our commitment to community safety. #ATF