Shock and Betrayal Ripple Through Korean Community in Georgia
After Major Investments by Korean Companies,
Immigration Crackdown Leaves Many Feeling Unwelcome
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on September 7 (local time) that U.S. immigration authorities conducted an enforcement operation at the Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution battery factory construction site in Georgia, resulting in the detention of 475 people, including around 300 Koreans. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local Korean community.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp had signed a $5.5 billion contract with Hyundai Motor Group, and the factory was expected to invigorate the regional economy.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) released on the 7th a video taken on the 4th (local time) at a battery factory construction site, a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution in Georgia, showing the enforcement of illegal immigration and employment laws. The enforcement video and photos were made public on their official website. EPA·ICE
In fact, census data shows that the population in the Pooler area surged by 22% between 2020 and 2024. The local community estimates that about half of this increase is due to the influx of Koreans. According to Georgia’s Commissioner of Economic Development, Pat Wilson, there are about 100 Korean-owned companies in Georgia, employing more than 17,000 people as of last year. As the Korean population grew, dozens of new homes were built, and large supermarkets that recently opened began selling Korean foods such as kimchi, seaweed, and dumplings.
However, the WSJ pointed out that the enforcement operation on the 4th delivered a significant shock to both the automotive industry and Korea. Some people expressed feelings of betrayal, stating that the crackdown came after Korean companies had decided to make massive investments in the United States.
Kim Hoseong, a local pastor, told the WSJ that Koreans had been proud to be welcomed as diligent workers in the U.S., but this enforcement shattered that image and left many people feeling fear and anger. He added that even among friends who came legally and were unrelated to the crackdown, there was a sense of being watched or judged, saying, "Many people are trying not to stand out."
A couple who came from Korea to work as engineers at the Hyundai Motor factory explained that Korean workers are needed to operate many Hyundai machines, but it takes several months to obtain a work visa.
Cho Min, a permanent resident working at a logistics company, said he was worried he might not be able to re-enter the U.S. after visiting his family in Korea. He stated, "I came here through the proper process, investing both time and money," and added, "I know there are many people like me."
In a large group chat of Koreans living in the area, a message was posted saying, "We have worked hard, built businesses, and created jobs. But instead of being supported, we feel like we are being pushed out."
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