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Trump to prioritize new 'manufacturing visas' to safeguard Korean workers: Georgia governor
This article is by Sarah Chea and read by an artificial voice.
[INTERVIEW]
The Donald Trump administration is "prioritizing" its consideration of introducing "manufacturing visas" to safeguard Korean workers stationed in the United States, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said.
The newest visa proposal, requested by Kemp, is designed as a strategic response to the labor requirements of Korean companies after a sweeping federal immigration raid at a battery factory jointly run by Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution in Georgia in early September.
"This incident was very regrettable. The federal government has acknowledged this. We've had great conversations on this with our federal partners, who have shown they are prioritizing this issue," Kemp said in a recent written interview with the Korea JoongAng Daily after he made a three-day visit to Korea last week.
"Government work takes time, but we are working hard on this issue. I'm optimistic we will be able to achieve something positive in this space."
Korea stands as the No. 1 country in Georgia in terms of both investment and job creation. Korea has invested over $20 billion in the U.S. state, which is now home to over 140 Korean companies, including Hyundai's $5.5 billion EV plant, a $4.5 billion battery factory by Hyundai and SK On and Hanwha Solutions' $2.5 billion solar plant.
The following are edited excerpts from the interview with Kemp on the recent detention issue and how he plans to support Korean companies.
Q. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention incident in September sent shock waves through the Korean community, both here and in the U.S. As the Governor of Georgia, what measures are you taking in response to this situation?
This incident was very regrettable. The federal government has acknowledged this, and the state government was not given any prior notice. We sincerely regret that Korean companies were unintentionally caught up in the situation. We are working closely with the federal government and the companies involved to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
In light of the recent detention of Korean workers, I've asked the federal government to consider introducing a streamlined "manufacturing visa" to allow skilled Korean professionals to support U.S. manufacturing operations more effectively.
How has the Trump administration responded to your proposal for manufacturing visas?
Those conversations are ongoing. We've had great conversations on this with our federal partners, who have shown that they are prioritizing this issue and working with Korean partners as well. We're optimistic that we can get a positive outcome for everyone.
We have worked with the federal government from the start to address visa challenges and ensure that the individuals that LG Energy Solution and Hyundai need to complete their nearly-finished battery facility are available.
Government work takes time, but we are working hard on this issue, because we treat any company investing in Georgia as if they are a Georgia company. We are here in Korea to be a good friend. We know recent weeks have presented some challenges, but we have 40 years of positive relationships that we have built, and we want our partners to know how much that means to us and how much they are valued.
You have talked with Hyundai executives during your visit to Korea. Could you share how you see your relationship with Hyundai moving forward?
Hyundai is one of our closest partners. They recently announced an expanded investment in the Metaplant in our state, and we're really excited about that. We've been in touch with Hyundai throughout their project - daily here on the ground, and certainly even more closely following the incident.
The State of Georgia has built Hyundai a brand-new, state-of-the-art work force development facility next to the Metaplant in which their "Metapro" team members and employees of affiliate companies will be able to take great pride as well as enjoy an immersive, ha...
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By Newsroom of the Korea JoongAng DailyThis article is by Sarah Chea and read by an artificial voice.
[INTERVIEW]
The Donald Trump administration is "prioritizing" its consideration of introducing "manufacturing visas" to safeguard Korean workers stationed in the United States, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said.
The newest visa proposal, requested by Kemp, is designed as a strategic response to the labor requirements of Korean companies after a sweeping federal immigration raid at a battery factory jointly run by Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution in Georgia in early September.
"This incident was very regrettable. The federal government has acknowledged this. We've had great conversations on this with our federal partners, who have shown they are prioritizing this issue," Kemp said in a recent written interview with the Korea JoongAng Daily after he made a three-day visit to Korea last week.
"Government work takes time, but we are working hard on this issue. I'm optimistic we will be able to achieve something positive in this space."
Korea stands as the No. 1 country in Georgia in terms of both investment and job creation. Korea has invested over $20 billion in the U.S. state, which is now home to over 140 Korean companies, including Hyundai's $5.5 billion EV plant, a $4.5 billion battery factory by Hyundai and SK On and Hanwha Solutions' $2.5 billion solar plant.
The following are edited excerpts from the interview with Kemp on the recent detention issue and how he plans to support Korean companies.
Q. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention incident in September sent shock waves through the Korean community, both here and in the U.S. As the Governor of Georgia, what measures are you taking in response to this situation?
This incident was very regrettable. The federal government has acknowledged this, and the state government was not given any prior notice. We sincerely regret that Korean companies were unintentionally caught up in the situation. We are working closely with the federal government and the companies involved to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
In light of the recent detention of Korean workers, I've asked the federal government to consider introducing a streamlined "manufacturing visa" to allow skilled Korean professionals to support U.S. manufacturing operations more effectively.
How has the Trump administration responded to your proposal for manufacturing visas?
Those conversations are ongoing. We've had great conversations on this with our federal partners, who have shown that they are prioritizing this issue and working with Korean partners as well. We're optimistic that we can get a positive outcome for everyone.
We have worked with the federal government from the start to address visa challenges and ensure that the individuals that LG Energy Solution and Hyundai need to complete their nearly-finished battery facility are available.
Government work takes time, but we are working hard on this issue, because we treat any company investing in Georgia as if they are a Georgia company. We are here in Korea to be a good friend. We know recent weeks have presented some challenges, but we have 40 years of positive relationships that we have built, and we want our partners to know how much that means to us and how much they are valued.
You have talked with Hyundai executives during your visit to Korea. Could you share how you see your relationship with Hyundai moving forward?
Hyundai is one of our closest partners. They recently announced an expanded investment in the Metaplant in our state, and we're really excited about that. We've been in touch with Hyundai throughout their project - daily here on the ground, and certainly even more closely following the incident.
The State of Georgia has built Hyundai a brand-new, state-of-the-art work force development facility next to the Metaplant in which their "Metapro" team members and employees of affiliate companies will be able to take great pride as well as enjoy an immersive, ha...