Firms will hesitate to invest in US after raid – S Korea president
16 hours ago
- #Foreign investment
- #Immigration raid
- #US-South Korea relations
- South Korean President Lee Jae Myung stated that Korean companies will be hesitant to invest in the US following a large immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia.
- Over 300 South Koreans arrested in the raid were released and are set to return home after a delay caused by the White House.
- President Trump paused their release to check if workers wanted to stay in the US for work and training purposes.
- Lee expressed bewilderment, noting that sending workers to set up overseas factories is common for Korean firms.
- Seoul is negotiating with Washington for better visa options for South Korean workers.
- The raid involved 475 people, mostly South Koreans, accused of working illegally at a Hyundai-LG battery plant.
- LG Energy Solution stated many detained workers had valid visas or were under a visa waiver program.
- A worker described panic during the raid, with most detainees being mechanics employed by a contractor.
- South Korean media called the raid a 'shock,' warning it could deter business activities in the US.
- The White House defended the raid, with Trump urging foreign companies to hire Americans.