Does South Korean President Feel a Heavy Responsibility Over US Immigration Raids on Workers?
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Synopsis
In a recent Cabinet meeting, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung expressed a strong sense of responsibility regarding the detention of over 300 South Korean workers in Georgia. He extended his sympathy and hopes for their swift return home, while addressing the need for better protection of workers and businesses amid rising anti-immigration sentiment in the US.
Key Takeaways
- President Lee Jae Myung expresses sympathy for detained workers.
- Over 300 South Koreans were apprehended in Georgia.
- Government is working on voluntary departure for detainees.
- Need for revised visa regulations highlighted.
- Incident raises concerns about US-Korea relations.
Seoul, Sep 9 (NationPress) South Korean President Lee Jae Myung expressed a profound sense of responsibility on Tuesday regarding the apprehension of South Korean workers at a battery plant construction site in Georgia by US immigration officials, extending his heartfelt sympathy.
During a Cabinet meeting, President Lee addressed the situation, noting that over 300 South Koreans had been detained at a facility in Georgia following a recent immigration raid targeting the electric battery plant being built by Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution.
He conveyed a “heavy sense of responsibility” as the leader committed to safeguarding the welfare of the populace, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.
“Our citizens who were detained by US immigration authorities are anticipated to return home shortly,” Lee stated. “I offer my deepest sympathy for the shock and distress they must have experienced from this unexpected incident.”
Lee emphasized, “I hope that no unjust interferences with the operations of our people and businesses, which contribute to the mutual growth of both Korea and the United States, will occur again.”
Kim Yong-beom, the presidential chief of staff for policy, mentioned that the government has expressed strong regret to the US authorities regarding the detention of the South Korean workers.
In a discussion with broadcasting journalists, Kim revealed that Seoul officials are in the process of finalizing administrative measures to facilitate the return of the detained Koreans under “voluntary departure” rather than “deportation”.
He highlighted that attempts to ease visa restrictions for Korean workers in the past decade have yielded limited success amidst rising anti-immigration sentiments in the US, stressing the necessity to revise visa regulations in collaboration with Washington to bolster investments from Korean firms in the US.
“If necessary, the presidential office and the White House should form a working group to identify a short-term solution and advocate for legislative amendments in the long run,” he stated.
This immigration raid coincided with a period when South Korean enterprises have been aggressively increasing investments in the US, particularly during the previous administration's initiative to rejuvenate American manufacturing, shipbuilding, and other sectors.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the gravity of the situation concerning the US immigration raid on South Korean workers. The responsibility lies not only with the South Korean government but also highlights the broader implications of immigration policies affecting bilateral relations. The focus should remain on ensuring the safety and rights of workers while fostering cooperation and understanding between nations.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the detention of South Korean workers in Georgia?
The detention occurred following a raid by US immigration authorities targeting a battery plant construction site involving South Korean companies.
How many South Korean workers were detained?
More than 300 South Korean workers were taken into custody during the immigration raid.
What measures is the South Korean government taking for the detained workers?
The government is finalizing administrative procedures to facilitate the return of the detained workers under voluntary departure.
What concerns did President Lee express regarding the incident?
President Lee expressed a heavy sense of responsibility and sympathy for the detained workers and emphasized the need to prevent future unfair infringements on their rights.
How has the US immigration sentiment affected Korean workers?
Growing anti-immigration sentiment in the US has made it challenging for Korean workers to navigate visa processes, hindering business investments.
