Reuters referenced the internal documents, found that LG Energy Solutions of South Korea has been a visa exemption for a long time. Before President Donald Trump and his government will proceed to suppress strict immigrants. Until leading to the arrest of L -Chinese company
LG began to rely on a visa exemption project since the first leader of Trump. Reflecting the problems that South Korea has been faced for a long time regarding short -term visa for experts who need to work in high -tech factory in the United States.
Documents of LG in August 2023, which Reuters saw that the company had guided the employees and contractors to use the electronic system for travel Authorization to avoid business visas. After the many types of visa applications were rejected
From the search of Hyundai battery factory Motor in Georgia in early September, more than 300 workers were arrested, including 250 LG employees, and the dissemination of Korean labor was arrested with a hand chain and feet. It is a very shocking image of the South Korean people.
LG suggests employees directly to the esta system.
Using a visa exemption system instead of B-1 visa or other types of work visas Emphasizing the risk of South Korean companies that set up a factory in the United States while the country is trying to avoid Trump tax. And send skills with skills to support business expansion And occurs during the period that the United States strictly enforces the immigration law
In the information of the Visa to the US of LG Company Referred to the denial of the B-1 business visa that Korean people ask Therefore recommends choosing a system exemption of the esta visa, also suggests how to interview with US immigration officers By saying to dress neatly And bringing invitations from business partners in the United States as well And warned to avoid saying “work” in the interview Because it may look suspicious And risk being denied into the country
However, LG warned that The use of a visa exemption system often enters the United States and residing for 2-3 months per visit. 1 time may be rejected to enter the country as well.
The US officials revealed that the latest Korean labor arrest is caused by workers doing more activities than the visa. Or residence over the specified period
The lawyer for immigrants Which is a representative of the LG workers who have been arrested, saying that the labor is legally licensed
LG said with Reuters. The company recommends employees to use the ESTA system for business trips. Because the B-1 visa has a high rejection rate And being rejected by B-1 visa will not be able to request to enter the United States with the esta system.
LG revealed that In March Last year, the company has updated a new way. Suggest that employees use ESTA for short -term US residences. Or going to work only one time that takes less than 1 month and submit an esta visa, B-1 or L-1 visa for a trip to the United States for 1-6 months.
The ESTA will allow the visa applicant to reside in the United States for 90 days and a half of the B-1 visa application, but both visas are limited to work type and not for duplicate.
The work of the visa is correct?
Han Jung Ae, a member of the South Korean Parliament, said The Korean labor that was arrested for about half is the person who uses the ESTA, whose LG workers choose to use this visa 44%.
While the advice from the US Department of State states that Temporary Business Visa holder can “install services or repair of commercial equipment or machinery purchased from a company outside the United States. Or training workers in the United States to carry out such services. “
The immigrant lawyer said Such activities Including construction labor training in the United States Get the right to be done under the esta system or V-1 visa.
LJ told Reuters The employees who travel to do business are responsible for the installation of machinery produced outside the United States. And prepare machinery to make the production process stable early Including the transfer of knowledge that is necessary to local employees “and emphasized that these activities are under the ESTA or Visa B-1.
However, the immigrant lawyer said Some South Korean workers use esta to reside in the United States for three months. And then choose to use this system again when going back to work There is a risk of being rejected to enter the country.
The solution
LG therefore asked the United States to consider opening another type of visa. Due to applying for B-1 visa and the use of the ESTA system is often rejected, even if the labor has a travel purpose that is consistent with the visa requirements.
South Korean authorities reported on Sunday (14 September) that Christopher Landen, Deputy Secretary -General of the US Department of Foreign Affairs, has expressed regret to the incident. And called for Washington and Seoul Accelerate consultation at the operational level To ensure a visa issued in accordance with the participation of South Korean workers
The Trump government has sent a signal to amend the visa policy to facilitate South Korea’s investment.
