In the largest immigration enforcement operation in a decade, U.S. immigration authorities arrested 475 workers at a Korean-owned car battery plant in Georgia. Over 300 of those currently detained are South Korean nationals. The Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) ran the operation. They emphasized that people on short-term or recreational visas are not authorized to work in the United States. This detention has raised concerns regarding the implications for foreign companies operating in the U.S. and has prompted a swift response from South Korea’s government.
Hyundai and LG jointly constructed this facility, representing one of the largest foreign investment projects in Georgia’s history. It’s highly specialized, too—further emphasizing its focus on manufacturing components exclusively for brand-new electric vehicles. The U.S. plant will employ some 1,200 workers. This averages 47 full-time employees directly from Hyundai, paired with roughly 250 skilled workers to be provided by various contractors. The timing of the raid is astonishing. It was unfortunate timing, coming just two weeks after South Korea had promised to invest billions of dollars in the U.S.
South Korea’s Foreign Minister, Cho Hyun, is on her way to the U.S. His goal is to negotiate the safe return of those workers still detained. In a remarkable display of cooperation, both countries collaborated to arrange for a chartered flight. This agreement will help speed the return of those impacted. The South Korean national government prudentially worried about the operation and deepened regret. It seeks to hold the U.S. government accountable for violations of its citizens’ rights.
The ramifications of this case go far beyond one artist. South Korean media have decried the raid as a “shock.” They cautioned that it would scare South Korean businesses away from the United States. Some questions have been raised about how difficult it is for foreign companies to move their manufacturing here. They can’t really do that without attracting a diverse pipeline of critical technical experts to their workforce.
Hyundai looks to have already started doing their part by suspending all non-essential corporate travel to the U.S. They are calling for immediate safe return home of employees now on assignment in America. This is an important precedent as it demonstrates the company’s acute sensitivity to the risks of cross-border operations. The extraordinary circumstances of the past few years have contributed to that consciousness.
ICE’s justification for the detentions was highlighted in their explanation about visa requirements.
“People on short-term or recreational visas are not authorized to work in the US.” – ICE
This foebodes the reality that foreign nationals face an uphill battle when they look for employment in the U.S. That’s especially true as foreign competitors rapidly expand their footprint in America. The current situation continues to test South Korean companies. To survive and thrive in the still-developing U.S. market, they need to be nimbler and more agile.