South Korean workers return after U.S. raid

Emotional scenes unfolded as approximately 300 South Korean workers returned home from the U.S., greeted by cheers from family members and officials, including the presidential chief of staff. This homecoming followed a large-scale immigration raid at a battery project site in Georgia, where the workers were detained under shocking circumstances, handcuffed and shackled, prompting outrage in South Korea.

The incident led to intense negotiations by the South Korean government to secure their release, highlighting the delicate nature of U.S.-South Korea relations, especially as both countries work to finalize a significant trade deal involving a $350 billion investment fund aimed at bolstering strategic U.S. industries. South Korean businesses have faced ongoing challenges in obtaining proper visas for specialized workers, often leading to reliance on ambiguous areas of U.S. visa enforcement.

In response to the raid, South Korea's foreign minister visited Washington to discuss the possibility of establishing a working group focused on creating a new visa category for Korean workers. The raid has also resulted in delays for the Hyundai-LG battery plant project, with Hyundai estimating a setback of at least two to three months.

The workers returned on a chartered flight to Incheon International Airport, where they were met with emotional reunions. Public outrage had escalated following the release of videos showing the detained workers being transported in chains, which many deemed humiliating. The South Korean government stated that while most of the returning workers held valid visas or entered under visa waiver programs, many were found to be in violation of their visa terms, either by working when prohibited or overstaying their authorized period.

In light of the incident, South Korea is advocating for clearer visa guidelines and the potential introduction of a new visa category or quota system for its nationals engaged in work in the U.S., particularly for joint ventures like the Hyundai-LG battery projects. Despite offers for temporary stays in the U.S. to train American workers, nearly all the detained workers opted to return home, with only one reportedly accepting the offer.