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The president Donald Trump assured this Sunday that foreign companies investing in the country will be able to bring in their own employees “for a time,” in order to train American workers in the manufacturing of complex products.
The statement, published on their social media platform Truth Social, comes after the controversy generated by the immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia, where 475 employees from various countries were detained, in the largest operation of this type since the beginning of his administration, according to the agency EFE.
An attempt to reassure investors
Trump stated that he does not want to "scare away or discourage investment" from foreign companies, and he argued that the temporary arrival of expert personnel is necessary for the United States to relearn the manufacturing of strategic products such as chips, semiconductors, ships, or trains.
"When foreign companies (...) come to the United States with massive investments, I want them to bring their skilled personnel for a period of time to teach and train our people," he wrote.
The tension with South Korea
The president's words come days after 316 South Korean workers returned to their country following a raid in Georgia. The action caused unrest in Seoul: President Lee Jae-myung warned that the operation undermined South Korean companies' confidence in investing in the U.S., while the South Korean Foreign Ministry revealed that Trump asked his officials to "encourage them to stay."
Although he avoided referring directly to that incident, the U.S. president justified his stance in strategic terms: if companies cannot bring in their trusted personnel to kick off projects, "all that massive investment would never come in the first place."
Between migration rigidity and selective openness
The message reflects the contradiction between Trump's hardline immigration policy and the need to attract foreign investment in key sectors. "We welcome your employees," he assured, "and we will proudly learn from them so that, in the future, we can do even better."
Trump and Job Reductions for Immigrants in the U.S
Trump has openly celebrated the layoffs of foreign workers in the United States, framing them as a victory for his policy of "Americans first." For the President, every cut to foreign personnel represents another step towards what he calls "recovering stolen jobs," regardless of the collateral effects on international investment or the stability of companies relying on specialized labor.
In contrast, Trump only praises job growth when it involves citizens born in the United States, reinforcing a nationalist discourse that marginalizes immigrants and creates a narrative of confrontation in the labor market.
Under this perspective, foreigners are only tolerated temporarily and with the aim of transferring knowledge, while true success, according to their rhetoric, is measured by the number of jobs filled by "the locals".
Frequently Asked Questions about Trump's Immigration Policy and Its Impact on the U.S. Economy.
What did Trump say about the arrival of employees from foreign companies to the U.S.?
Trump stated that foreign companies will be allowed to bring their own employees to the U.S. "for a time". This measure aims for foreign workers to train Americans in the manufacturing of complex products. The goal is to not scare off foreign investors and to allow the U.S. to relearn the manufacturing of strategic products.
How does Trump's immigration policy affect foreign investment?
Trump's immigration policy creates tension with investing countries, such as South Korea. Following a raid at a Hyundai facility, discontent arose in Seoul, impacting the confidence of South Korean companies in the U.S. Trump is trying to balance his tough immigration policy with the need to attract foreign investment in key sectors.
Why is Trump's immigration strategy controversial in sectors such as agriculture and construction?
Trump's immigration strategy threatens sectors such as agriculture and construction, which rely on migrant labor. Raids and mass deportations create fear and uncertainty, impacting production and the economy. Trump has considered a "temporary pass" to prevent the paralysis of these sectors, but no details have been finalized.
What contradictions does Trump's immigration policy present?
Trump's immigration policy reveals contradictions between its harshness and the need for workers in key sectors. While advocating for mass deportations, he also acknowledges the importance of immigrants in the economy, particularly in agriculture and construction, leading to criticism and calls for adjustments in his approach.
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