Trump Freezes Deportation of Korean Workers After Hyundai Raid, Sparks Immigration Debate
U.S. President Donald Trump has stopped the deportation of hundreds of South Korean workers after a surprise immigration raid at a Hyundai–LG battery plant in Georgia. The raid led to the arrest of about 330 Korean workers who were set to be sent back to Seoul. But Trump told officials to halt deportation and instead let the workers stay to help train American employees.
The raid created tension between South Korea and the U.S., as Korean diplomats criticized the treatment of workers, who were reportedly handcuffed and chained. This comes at a time when South Korean companies are investing billions of dollars in U.S. factories under recent trade and investment deals.
Trump’s team defended the raid, saying U.S. immigration laws must be followed, and warned companies against hiring undocumented staff. At the same time, talks have started about creating a special visa program for Korean workers to avoid such conflicts in the future.
The issue has now become part of the wider debate on US immigration policy, foreign investment, and jobs.
Impact:
This move might calm tensions with South Korea and open talks on new visa rules. But strict raids and worker treatment could still spark backlash and affect future investments.
