Seoul Urges US to Reform Visa System to Secure Korean Investments The Korean government has initiated talks with the US to improve the visa system for Koreans and prevent workplace immigration raids after several Korean workers were detained at a battery plant in Georgia. The incident has sparked demands for an official apology from US President Donald Trump and systemic changes. Key Points Government Response: Kim Yong-beom, presidential office policy chief, expressed South Korea's strong diplomatic protest over the detention of Korean workers in Georgia. Trade, industry, and energy ministry issued a strict protest beyond usual diplomatic language. President Lee Jae Myung called for maintaining mutual trust and alliance spirit, emphasizing the importance of preventing unfair infringements on Koreans and their businesses in the US. Visa System Challenges: Korea and its businesses have pursued the E-4 visa quota to facilitate skilled Korean workers for over a decade. Anti-immigration sentiment in the US has weakened support for this visa. Kim emphasized the need to turn this crisis into an opportunity to fix the visa system, noting Korea is the US’s top investor and further investments depend on addressing these issues. Political Views: Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Young-bae highlighted Korea’s new position as a top investor that can now demand changes from the US government and Congress. Demands include legislation like the Partner with Korea Act, which guarantees visas for Korean professionals. Protest and Demands: Four lawmakers from the progressive Jinbo Party delivered a letter of protest to the US Embassy in Seoul, demanding an official apology and condemning the treatment of Korean workers as human rights violations and insults to the Korean people. Visuals Images depict Jinbo Party lawmakers delivering protest letters to the US Embassy and migrant rights groups protesting outside the embassy over the ICE raid. Related Issues and Editorial Context Related articles cover topics such as the potential departure of detained Korean workers, editorials advocating expansion of US visa issuances, and the effect of US immigration crackdowns on Korean firms. --- The incident has elevated Korea's stance from a passive partner to a vocal stakeholder seeking fair treatment for its nationals abroad and improved bilateral cooperation in workforce mobility, essential for sustaining investments and alliance relations with the US.