In a significant immigration enforcement action, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested over 300 South Korean workers at the Hyundai and LG plant under construction in Georgia this week. The raid, which resulted in a total of 475 arrests, has raised concerns about the potential impact on foreign direct investment from South Korea into the United States.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung expressed that the immigration raid "could have a significant impact on foreign direct investment in the U.S." This statement reflects growing fears among South Korean investors regarding the stability of their investments in the American market following the raid.
Amid the fallout, former President Donald Trump announced a postponement of deportation for the arrested Koreans to explore options for their continued presence in the U.S. for training purposes. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick also reached out to Hyundai, offering assistance in securing necessary visas for their workers, stating, "If you have trouble obtaining it, call me. I"ll call Kristi Noem. We will help you get the right visa."
The ramifications of this raid may extend beyond individual companies, potentially affecting broader economic relations between the U.S. and South Korea. As previously reported, the geopolitical landscape continues to shift, with similar situations prompting discussions about investment security and immigration policies.
