Koreans anxious over stricter US entry checks after worker arrests

Concerns are mounting among Koreans planning trips to the United States amid fears that immigration authorities may tighten entry procedures after the recent detention of hundreds of Korean workers in Georgia.

A 33-year-old office worker surnamed Goo, preparing for a honeymoon in Hawaii next month, said he is worried his Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval may be delayed or denied.

“It used to come through in a day or two without problems, but this time I’m nervous it could be rejected,” he said. Goo has booked nonrefundable flights and hotels, and said he plans to carefully note details of his stable job in Korea on the application to avoid raising suspicions of overstaying.

The detention of more than 300 Korean workers for visa violations rattled would-be travelers, even though Seoul and Washington have since agreed to secure their release. Many of the workers had entered the U.S. under ESTA or on B-1 business visas.

ESTA, available under the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP), allows citizens of 40 countries, including Korea, to visit for up to 90 days without a visa for limited purposes such as tourism, transit or business meetings. The B-1 visa permits similar activities but allows a stay of up to six months.

Concerns of tighter screening

While the immediate dispute appears to be easing, many expect U.S. immigration authorities to adopt a tougher stance toward Korean travelers. Some worry even minor missteps at entry interviews could result in being turned away.

“This was bound to happen sooner or later,” said Park, 47, who travels to the US several times a year for business. “There should be no issue since I’m going for client meetings, but I’ll have to prepare more carefully to explain the purpose of my trip.”

Speculation has also spread online about Korea being excluded from the VWP. Posts on Korean and Korean American forums express fears that ESTA privileges could be revoked.

The U.S. currently extends the VWP to countries such as the United Kingdom, Israel and New Zealand, based on criteria that include counterterrorism, law enforcement and immigration cooperation.

Impact beyond ESTA

The heightened scrutiny could extend to other visa categories as well. Holders of student visas (F-1) are banned from working outside campus jobs or official internships, yet many reportedly take part-time jobs at Korean-owned businesses.

“Immigration officers may start viewing Koreans with the same bias they sometimes hold toward Mexicans, assuming we’re violating visa rules even when we’re not,” said Park, a 25-year-old student in California.

Hong Chang-hwan, a U.S. lawyer who runs an immigration consultancy, advised travelers to keep visits short and provide clear documentation.

“The U.S. is applying a zero-tolerance policy,” he said. “Travelers should present return tickets and hotel bookings to reduce suspicion, and business visitors must stress they will not engage in on-site labor.”

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.