US Immigration Raid Sparks Concerns in South Korea and Washington Relationship

A recent US immigration raid on a South Korean battery plant construction site in Georgia has raised concerns in South Korea about the potential impact on the Seoul-Washington relationship. The raid, which took place on September 4, resulted in the arrest of over 310 South Korean workers, who were found to be working illegally in the US. The workers were later released from detention on September 11. The US Congressional Research Service report notes that the raid has raised questions about whether US immigration policy may conflict with the US objective of increasing US manufacturing jobs through foreign investment. In response, South Korea has proposed establishing a working group with the US to discuss a new visa category for skilled Korean workers.

Key Takeaways:

• Over 310 South Korean workers were arrested in a US immigration raid at a Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution battery plant construction site in Georgia on September 4.
• The workers were found to be working illegally in the US, including those on short-term or recreational visas that bar them from working.
• The raid has raised concerns in South Korea about the potential impact on the Seoul-Washington relationship.
• South Korea has proposed establishing a working group with the US to discuss a new visa category for skilled Korean workers.
• Rep. Young Kim (R-CA) and Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA) have re-introduced the "Partner with Korea Act," which would provide high-skilled visas for Korean nationals.
• The act would allocate 15,000 E-4 visas for Korean nationals with specialized education or expertise.

Statistics:

• 310: Number of South Korean workers arrested in the US immigration raid.
• 4: Date of the US immigration raid at the Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution battery plant construction site in Georgia.
• 11: Date of the release of the detained South Korean workers from detention on September 11.
• 15,000: Number of E-4 visas proposed for Korean nationals with specialized education or expertise under the "Partner with Korea Act."
• 2: Number of US lawmakers who have re-introduced the "Partner with Korea Act" in the US Congress.

Sources:

• U.S. Congressional Research Service report, cited in Yonhap News Agency article, September 18, 2025.
• Yonhap News Agency article, September 18, 2025, citing US President Donald Trump's remarks.
• "Partner with Korea Act" (name of legislative proposal).
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security (no mention of date).
• Yonhap News Agency, without a cited date.