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Emigration and immigration

South Korean Workers Detained in US Immigration Raid May Return Home Voluntarily

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Seoul has been in talks with Washington to arrange the detained South Koreans' return under voluntary departure, as deportation upon release could hinder their future travel to the United States by triggering stricter visa screening or even a travel ban. Over 300 South Korean nationals are being held at a detention center in Folkston, Georgia, following Thursday's raid at an electric vehicle battery plant construction site operated by a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution near Savannah. South Korea's presidential office announced that a chartered plane will fly to the U.S. to bring them back home after completing consultations with Washington. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun will meet officials in Washington to finalize the fundamental issues and ensure a smooth process for securing the release of the citizens.

Key Takeaways:

  • The South Korean government is working with the US to resolve the matter swiftly and ensure the safe return of all detained citizens under voluntary departure.
  • A chartered plane is expected to head to the US as early as Wednesday to bring back the detained South Koreans at the earliest possible date.
  • The detained South Koreans have been offered two options by US immigration authorities: accept deportation and take a five-year reentry ban, or remain in custody and stand trial.
  • The possibility of entry restrictions upon future visits to the US cannot be entirely ruled out, depending on the individuals' visa status.
  • Seoul has consistently called for Washington to expand visa quotas for South Korean workers, but there has been little headway due to growing anti-immigration sentiment in the US.
  • Countries like Chile, Singapore, and Australia secured visa quotas through free trade agreement negotiations with the US in the early 2000s.
  • US President Donald Trump has stated that the raid and arrests of South Koreans will not strain the relationship with South Korea.
  • Over 250 South Korean detainees have undergone health checks and treatment at the detention facility in Folkston.
  • Consular officials have assured that there has been no unfair treatment of the detained people or any potential violations of human rights.
  • Seoul plans to request the US consider revising visa quotas and related policy concerning South Korea to prevent similar cases from recurring.

Statistics:

  • 300 South Korean nationals are being held at a detention center in Folkston, Georgia.
  • 250 South Korean detainees have undergone health checks and treatment at the detention facility.
  • 475 people, including about 300 South Koreans, were detained in Thursday's raid.
  • 5-year reentry ban offered to detained South Koreans who choose deportation.
  • 50-minute bus ride from the detention center to Jacksonville International Airport in Florida.
  • Expected flight date to the US: as early as Wednesday (South Korean time).

Sources:

  • Yonhap News Agency
  • South Korean presidential office
  • US immigration authorities
  • US President Donald Trump

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