Korean media: Georgia's delayed statement: Korean workers are the only ones who have taught the technology
Governor: It's not just a Hyundai Motor issue... It is necessary to reconsider the visa system comprehensively
Recently, after 300 South Koreans were detained and released at the Hyundai Motor-LG Energy Solution battery factory, an official from Georgia stated on the 17th: "It is crucial for the South Koreans who returned home to come back to the United States." Georgia is a state where South Korean companies have invested significantly in the U.S., but Governor Brian Kemp of the Republican Party initially supported the crackdown on illegal immigrants and remained indifferent, only later stating: "It is necessary to reconsider the U.S. visa system comprehensively."
On that day, Trimph Torison, director of the Savannah Economic Development Authority, which oversees the Hyundai Motor electric vehicle factory, told local media: "It is crucial for (South Korean workers) to return to the United States," "because the South Koreans working at the Hyundai Motor factory are the only ones who can install equipment and teach American employees the battery cell technology." The Savannah Economic Development Authority is a private organization that works closely with the state government to promote regional economic growth. Torison said: "I fully understand the disappointment experienced by the South Koreans," "we rely on the South Koreans. They have excellent skills and came to install battery equipment."
He said that last week, in Detroit, he met with Deputy Secretary of State for Economic Development Pat Wilson and discussed with the Hyundai Motor management: "They were very surprised and deeply shocked," "Wilson and I expressed our willingness to assist Hyundai Motor in completing the project and had many discussions about getting the South Koreans back to the United States." After this incident, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he would improve the system so that foreign professionals could train and educate American workers. However, it is expected that resolving the visa issues and developing measures to prevent recurrence will take a considerable amount of time.
On the 16th, Kemp attended the groundbreaking ceremony of the Rivian electric vehicle factory and made a statement regarding this incident: "It is necessary to reconsider the U.S. visa system comprehensively," "this incident is not just a problem for Hyundai Motor." He also said: "This incident may lead to a reduction in investments by foreign companies in Georgia." While the immigration authorities were cracking down on "illegal immigrants" and arresting South Korean nationals en masse, Kemp emphasized the need to follow the law.
Source: Chosun Ilbo
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1843686270224715/
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