[fn Editorial] Mass Arrest of Korean Workers in the U.S., Measures Needed to Prevent Recurrence

The fact that Korean workers working at Korean companies in Georgia, USA, were arrested and detained by U.S. authorities is shocking. On September 4 (local time), U.S. immigration authorities and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations conducted an illegal immigration crackdown at the battery joint plant construction site of Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution in Georgia, arresting over 450 people, including about 300 Koreans. There were also reports of excessive arrest attempts, such as handcuffing during the arrest process. It is astonishing that this indiscriminate action took place at a site where Korean companies were building a plant with billions of dollars in response to U.S. policy.

The site raided by immigration authorities is a 3 million square meter facility aimed at mass-producing battery cells for 300,000 electric vehicles (EVs) annually. The initial investment was $4.3 billion (approximately 6 trillion won), but an additional $2 billion (approximately 2.8 trillion won) was added, bringing the total to nearly 9 trillion won. The battery cells produced here are planned to be transferred to Hyundai Mobis on the same site to be made into battery packs and then supplied entirely to Hyundai Motor Group's U.S.-made electric vehicles.

Construction began two years ago, and the process was reportedly in its final stages this year. With the recent start of major production equipment imports, the plant was expected to be operational early next year, but this incident has left the future uncertain. It is an incident that could negatively impact the judgment and decisions of Korean companies rushing to invest in the U.S. Furthermore, it could severely affect Korea-U.S. economic cooperation. The government must check the health status of the detained workers and do its utmost to ensure their safe return.

The fact that the Korean government did not receive any prior notification from the U.S. government must also be examined. Overseas corporate investment is based on government cooperation. When companies make astronomical investments overseas, it is a prerequisite that the government resolves business difficulties. The same applies to U.S. investments. It is unimaginable to forcibly arrest and detain a large number of personnel dispatched for local plant operations.

The government deserves criticism for failing to actively resolve visa issues. To work in local offices or factories, professional employment (H-1B) visas, non-agricultural temporary worker (H-2B) visas, or intra-company transferee (L-1) visas are required. However, issuance takes several months, and the number is limited. Many companies inevitably used the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) or short-term business (B-1) visas, which waive visa applications for business trips.

Holders of these visas can engage in activities such as business meetings or market research for up to six months, but employment activities are strictly prohibited. The previous Biden administration turned a blind eye to such expedients amid soaring U.S. investments, but the atmosphere changed dramatically under the Trump administration. Companies sensed this and continuously requested an increase in visa quotas, but it was not reflected. Our government is also at fault.

The massive crackdown by the U.S. is intended to protect local jobs. A Georgia politician, said to be the informant of this incident, claimed that "Korean companies that received tax benefits hardly employed Georgia residents." President Trump and the Governor of Georgia's statements that they "did what needed to be done" are in the same context. Korean companies are in a difficult position as it is not easy to find skilled workers locally for the desired processes. The government should prepare measures to prevent recurrence and promptly discuss local employment issues with U.S. authorities.