News Summary
Governor Brian Kemp is on an economic development trip to South Korea, aiming to strengthen Georgia’s ties with the country amid concerns following a significant ICE raid. The raid, which led to the detention of many Korean workers, raised questions about Georgia’s investment appeal. During the trip, Kemp stated that there have been no indications of a deterrent effect on Korean investments. He also addressed the implications of the raid while meeting with corporate leaders, emphasizing Georgia’s commitment to fostering positive economic relations.
Atlanta – Governor Brian Kemp is in South Korea this week for an economic development trip aimed at strengthening ties between Georgia and South Korea. This visit comes less than two months after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid at a Hyundai car factory in the Savannah area, which led to the detention of 475 workers, including 300 Korean nationals, marking the largest workplace enforcement action in the history of Homeland Security.
The raid has raised concerns regarding its impact on Georgia’s status as an attractive investment location for international companies, especially amidst the backdrop of the existing economic partnership with South Korea that spans 40 years. However, during his trip to Korea, Kemp reported that there have been no indications that the raid deterred investment from Korean companies.
The ICE raid occurred in September and resulted in the majority of the detained Korean workers being sent back home within days after their arrest. ICE officials stated that these workers were in the U.S. on the wrong type of work visa, mainly as contractors who possess specialized knowledge. In response to the incident, Kemp has advocated for changes to the short-stay visa program for such workers, seeking to ensure that this kind of enforcement action does not negatively affect the economic relationship between Georgia and Korea.
Kemp’s current trip to South Korea was planned well in advance of the September raid. It includes discussions with corporate leaders of Korean firms operating in Georgia. Notably, Hyundai’s significant factory in Ellabell and its subsidiary Kia, along with battery manufacturers SK and QCells, symbolize substantial investments that Korean businesses have made in Georgia. There are over 400 companies from Korea currently operating in the state, employing more than 50,000 people.
During the trip, Kemp is also scheduled to attend a joint meeting of the Southeast U.S.-Japan Association while in Japan, further reaffirming the importance of economic ties in Asia. Kemp has had to address the implications of the raid during meetings with South Korean officials, who have expressed concerns regarding its effect on diplomatic relations between the U.S. and South Korea. The Korean government intervened to secure the release of the detained workers, who were not charged with any crimes.
Following the raid, Kemp communicated with the White House to address concerns raised by international companies in Georgia, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to fostering a positive economic environment within the state. Kemp’s relationship with South Korean leadership is viewed as a central component of Georgia’s economic strategy, reflecting the governor’s personal engagement with issues affecting international relations and trade.
The governor has previously visited South Korea during his first economic development trip as governor in 2019, which laid the foundation for ongoing discussions and cooperation between Georgia and South Korean enterprises.
In summary, Governor Brian Kemp’s visit to South Korea seeks to reinforce the strong economic ties between Georgia and Korea while addressing fallout from a significant ICE raid that has raised diplomatic questions. His administration continues to promote Georgia as a welcoming state for international investment, underscoring the state’s importance in the global marketplace.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Atlanta News First
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- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Korea Georgia Relations
- Global Atlanta
- Google News: Kemp Asia mission ICE raid
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
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