South Korea Urges US Congress to Support New Work Visa Amidst Immigration Raid Controversy

Published on
September 13, 2025

In a move that has captured significant attention, South Korea is urging the United States Congress to support the creation of a new work visa for Korean professionals. This request follows the recent detainment of hundreds of South Korean workers during a massive immigration raid at a US battery factory. The raid, which took place on September 4, 2025, resulted in the arrest of nearly 475 workers, most of whom were employed by South Korean companies involved in high-tech industries. The workers were detained while participating in investment projects in the United States, raising concerns over the handling of their work visas and the broader implications for South Korean-American relations. The South Korean Foreign Minister, Cho Hyun, emphasized these issues during his meetings with US senators in Washington, highlighting the strain caused by the arrests and the need for improved visa solutions for Korean businesses operating in the United States.

The Impact of the Immigration Raid on South Korea

On Friday, a chartered Korean Air Boeing 747-8i landed at Incheon International Airport in Seoul, carrying over 300 workers who had been detained in Georgia after the raid. These workers had been held for days before being released and sent back to South Korea. As the plane touched down, scenes of workers arriving at the airport were captured on television, with some individuals wearing masks as they passed through the arrival hall. Senior officials were seen applauding as the workers arrived, symbolizing the relief of their safe return. However, there were also efforts to ensure the workers’ privacy, with the South Korean Foreign Ministry requesting that the media blur their faces, in response to the workers’ concerns.

The workers had been detained during an immigration raid at a Hyundai battery factory under construction at the company’s sprawling auto plant near Savannah, Georgia. The factory, which is critical to Hyundai’s expansion in the United States, is now facing delays of two to three months, according to Hyundai’s CEO, Jose Munoz. The raid has not only disrupted the factory’s operations but also raised alarm about the potential strain on South Korea-US trade relations. These tensions come at a sensitive time when both nations were seeking to finalize a trade deal, making the raid a catalyst for deeper diplomatic concerns.

The Role of US Immigration and Visa Issues

The immigration raid itself stemmed from allegations that many of the South Korean workers were operating under incorrect or insufficient visas. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick addressed the situation by stating that the detained workers had the wrong type of visas. In an interview, Lutnick said, “I called up the Koreans, I said, Oh, give me a break. Get the right visa and if you’re having problems getting the right visa, call me.” These remarks highlighted the confusion and miscommunication that may have led to the workers’ detainment.

For years, South Korean companies have expressed frustration over the difficulty in obtaining short-term work visas for specialists who are essential to the operation of their high-tech plants in the US. The situation has become more complex in recent years, as South Korean businesses have come to rely on a looser interpretation of visa rules under previous US administrations. This reliance on gray areas in the interpretation of visa requirements has led to the current crisis, as the new US administration has cracked down on such practices, leading to the detentions at the battery plant.

South Korean authorities had initially planned to bring the detained workers back to South Korea earlier, but their departure was delayed by US President Donald Trump, who halted the process to consult with South Korea about whether the workers should be allowed to stay and continue their work, helping to train US workers, or be sent back to South Korea.

Bilateral Relations Under Strain

The immigration raid has not only created tension between the two nations but also threatens to destabilize an already delicate relationship. As both countries were in the midst of negotiating a trade deal, this raid could have serious consequences on the outcome of those discussions. South Korea has long been a critical partner for the US in terms of trade and economic collaboration, and any disruption to that relationship could have ripple effects on other sectors. This incident highlights the challenges that can arise when immigration and visa issues intersect with international business and diplomacy.

In light of this, South Korea is pushing for more comprehensive solutions to ensure that its businesses can continue to operate smoothly in the United States without the risk of further raids or detentions. The creation of a new visa category would help address the specific needs of South Korean workers who are integral to high-tech industries and projects that involve cross-border collaboration. By addressing these concerns, both countries could avoid similar incidents in the future, ensuring that the focus remains on economic growth and mutual cooperation.

The recent immigration raid in the United States has brought the issue of work visas for South Korean professionals into the spotlight. With more than 300 workers detained, the South Korean government has pushed for reforms and greater clarity in the visa process to prevent future incidents. This situation has strained South Korea-US relations, especially at a time when both nations were focused on finalizing important trade agreements. Moving forward, it is crucial for both governments to work together to address the visa challenges that have led to these tensions and ensure that South Korean companies have the necessary support to continue their operations in the United States.