Visa Controversy Sparks Diplomatic Dispute

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick criticized Hyundai Motor for employing South Korean workers with incorrect visas after an immigration raid led to arrests. He suggested that Hyundai should have contacted him to resolve the visa issues properly, emphasizing the importance of maintaining legal workforce standards.


Devdiscourse News Desk | Washington DC | Updated: 12-09-2025 00:51 IST | Created: 12-09-2025 00:51 IST
Visa Controversy Sparks Diplomatic Dispute
Howard Lutnick
  • Country:
  • United States

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick sharply criticized Hyundai Motor on Thursday following an immigration raid that resulted in the arrest of hundreds of South Korean workers. The workers were reportedly found to have the wrong visas.

Lutnick stated that Hyundai should have reached out to him to ensure the correct working visas were obtained, highlighting the significance of adhering to proper immigration protocols.

'I called up the Koreans, I said, oh, give me a break. Get the right visa and if you're having problems getting the right visa, call me,' Lutnick told Axios during an interview. The incident underscores ongoing challenges in immigration policies and workforce management.

(With inputs from agencies.)

Give Feedback