By Matt Underwood 
Seoul says US must fix its visa system if it wants Korea’s investments, and honestly, that sentiment makes a whole lot of sense. It seems like a pretty basic expectation: if you want foreign money, you need to treat foreign workers, and anyone visiting, with a degree of respect and fairness. The current situation, as it’s being perceived, feels far from that.
It’s hard to ignore the growing concerns. Stories of detentions, racial profiling, and the general feeling of being unwelcome are circulating. Why would anyone, especially a company looking to invest millions, subject themselves to that kind of environment? It’s not just about the visa system itself; it’s about the arbitrary enforcement of the rules and the lack of due process. It boils down to a feeling of being treated unfairly and being unsafe.
The underlying problem seems to be a fundamental distrust of the US government’s intentions. The perception is that ICE operates with quotas, not justice, and that the current administration is actively dismantling the systems that are supposed to protect people. This creates a chilling effect, making it less attractive for Korean companies to bring their investments and their employees, who are now considered a risk. It’s no wonder that discussions are turning to other countries, places where the business environment feels more stable and welcoming.
One of the main points being raised, which is crucial, is the blatant disregard for existing visa regulations. If workers are entering on the wrong visas, it is not acceptable. If companies are encouraging this kind of activity to cut down on wages, tax evasion and to be able to hire any worker on any wage, it needs to be addressed. There is no point in fixing the visa system if the current immigration laws are ignored.
The irony isn’t lost on anyone, that the very entities that were courted with incentives – tax breaks, etc. – are now finding themselves in a situation where their workers are being targeted. It’s creating a lose-lose scenario. The US loses investments, and the companies face reputational damage. There is an air of frustration, as the narrative paints a picture of a country seemingly oblivious to the consequences of its actions.
The situation is even more complex as the current administration is often perceived as being in the process of “wrecking the ship.” This is the perception that a large part of the global community is looking to other nations to do business with, and the fact that the US is losing the trust of many. This makes the US less of a favorable investment target.
Ultimately, it’s a simple proposition. If the US wants to attract foreign investment, it needs to fix its act. That means addressing the problems within the visa system and, more importantly, rebuilding the trust that has been eroded. It’s about creating a fair and consistent environment where companies and workers feel safe, respected, and welcome. If not, the investments will go elsewhere.