Collins Calls for Investigation into SK Innovation Hiring Illegals From Korea for Commerce Plant

U.S. Representative Doug Collins has called for an investigation into alleged illegal hiring practices on the part of South Korea-based SK Innovation in Commerce and one of their contractors.

The investigation comes after an undercover report by reporter Randy Travis on Fox5 in Atlanta showing dozens of Korean and Malaysians be shuttled back and forth to the plant from surrounding neighborhoods.

SK Innovation makes lithium batteries for electric cars and recently began construction began construction in July on their second electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility in Commerce – part of the company’s announced $1.67 billion investment in Georgia.

Collins said he learned of the issue from both Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and constituents in Northeast Georgia, who complained to his office and the media.

In a press release, Collins said Tuesday he has sent a letter to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and CBP requesting a full investigation into the alleged ongoing, illegal scheme.

Since then, Collins said he learned the situation was even worse than thought.

He said in early July, local officials discovered over 200 Korean foreign nationals training for on-the-job welding at a non-operational chicken farm just five miles from the SK construction site, proving either SK or a contractor of theirs broke the law in an effort to replace Georgia workers with Korean foreign nationals.

Collins noted he and other elected officials in Georgia encouraged SK to locate in Jackson County because of the number of jobs it would bring.

He said the hiring of Korean and Malaysian illegals to work in their Commerce plant is quote, “a betrayal” to Georgia taxpayers who have invested heavily in SK’s development in Jackson County.

Collins said he has urged ICE and CBP to use every resource at their disposal to investigate SK and their contractors in order to identify and deport the illegal workforce and hold responsible anyone involved.