Seoul: South Korea is pressing the United States to overhaul its visa framework for Korean workers after a large-scale immigration raid at a Hyundai–LG battery plant in Georgia left hundreds of South Korean employees detained. The incident has not only raised concerns in Seoul about the safety and rights of its citizens abroad but also highlighted the gaps in U.S. visa policies that fail to match the growing scale of bilateral economic ties.
The recent raid by U.S. immigration authorities on a massive Hyundai–LG facility has turned into a diplomatic flashpoint. Many South Korean workers at the site were found to be on short-term visas such as the ESTA waiver or B-1 business permits, which do not allow extended employment or training. Their detentions have drawn strong reactions in Seoul, with lawmakers and industry leaders warning that the episode risks undermining one of the most successful investment stories between the two allies.
Unlike nationals from certain U.S. treaty partners such as Canada or Australia, South Koreans lack an intermediate visa category that allows long-term technical postings without permanent relocation. As a result, companies investing billions in U.S. manufacturing plants often rely on temporary workarounds. South Korean firms say this leaves their workers vulnerable to legal challenges and creates uncertainty for projects that depend on specialized expertise.
The South Korean government is now seeking the creation of a joint working group with Washington to explore new visa pathways. Seoul’s request centers on allowing skilled technicians, engineers, and business managers to stay for several months or even years to oversee training, technology transfer, and operations in the United States. Officials argue that without a clear and flexible framework, both countries’ economic and strategic goals could suffer.
American officials have acknowledged the problem, with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo calling for “better coordination” between U.S. agencies and foreign investors. President Trump’s administration has also indicated that detained South Korean workers may be permitted to stay temporarily to help train American staff. While these signals are seen as positive, there is still no long-term policy in place to address the structural issue.
Immigration policy reform remains deeply divisive in Washington. Any move to create new visa categories would likely require congressional approval, a challenge in today’s polarized climate. Moreover, local authorities and federal agencies often lack alignment on enforcement, leaving companies caught between investment commitments and uncertain immigration rules.
South Korea is among the largest foreign investors in U.S. green technology and manufacturing. Major projects by Hyundai, LG, and other firms are seen as critical to America’s electric vehicle ambitions and energy transition. Seoul has warned that unless workers are granted a more stable legal status, such investments could face delays or even reassessment.