Washington: US President Donald Trump, who recently sparked controversy by insisting that only American citizens should be prioritized for jobs, has taken a U-turn, stating that foreign workers are essential for the growth of US industries. His shift in tone comes after South Korea warned it might reconsider its investments in the United States following the detention of several of its nationals working illegally in the country.
Earlier, US Homeland Security detained 475 undocumented workers in Georgia, many of whom were found to be employed at a Hyundai plant. The crackdown strained diplomatic ties, prompting South Korean President Lee Jae-myung to caution that such actions could deter Korean companies from investing in the US. Responding to the escalating tensions, Trump wrote on X that foreign companies investing heavily in the US would require skilled workers, and such experts should be brought in temporarily to train American workers. He added that without this, the full benefits of foreign investments cannot be realized, and assured that the US would welcome employees from these overseas firms.