President Donald Trump has said foreign workers are “welcome” in the United States, just days after nearly 475 South Koreans were arrested during a raid at a Hyundai-LG battery factory construction site in Georgia.
Trump stressed that he does not want to “disincentivize investment” and emphasized the value of skilled foreign workers who bring expertise in building complex products such as semiconductors, computers, and trains. He noted that these experts play a temporary role in training American workers before returning home.
The raid earlier this month sparked alarm in South Korea after images showed detained workers in chains and handcuffs. Though the US decided against deportation, the workers were later repatriated by Seoul. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung criticized the raid as “bewildering,” warning it could discourage future investment.
In his remarks, Trump sought to reassure global investors, stating: “We welcome them, we welcome their employees, and we will proudly learn from them, and do even better than them at their own game.” Meanwhile, Korean trade unions have demanded an official apology from Washington.