Washington, DC – Yesterday, House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific Chairwoman Young Kim (CA-40) and Representative Sydney Kamlager‑Dove (CA-37) introduced the bipartisan Partner with Korea Act (H.R.4687) to encourage greater collaboration between U.S. and Korean businesses.
The Partner with Korea Act builds on the U.S.–Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) by creating an allotment of 15,000 E-4 highly skilled work visas for Korean nationals with specialized education or expertise, provided that potential employers ensure the visa holders are not hired for positions that American workers could fill. Similar visa categories have been created through free trade agreements with countries, such as Australia and Singapore.
“As the Chinese Communist Party and North Korea increase aggression and work to rewrite the world’s rules-based international order, our partnership with South Korea has never been more vital,” said Rep. Young Kim. “South Korea’s highly skilled workforce can help support our economic and national security amid rising threats in the Indo-Pacific. As we mark 72 years of the U.S.-ROK alliance, I’m proud to join forces with Rep. Kamlager-Dove to unlock new economic opportunities that strengthen both of our nations.”
“Immigrants power our economy—not just in Los Angeles but nationwide,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “Korean immigrants are an integral part of America’s fabric, making essential contributions in various industries, from technology to healthcare and beyond. As a proud representative of the vibrant Korean American community in Los Angeles, I am honored to introduce legislation that will open doors for high-skilled workers from the Republic of Korea. When we fail to attract and retain immigrant talent, our businesses and economy suffer—that’s why the Partner with Korea Act is crucial for keeping America competitive.”
The KORUS FTA passed Congress in 2011 and took effect in March of 2012. The Partner with Korea Act was previously introduced in the 113th, 114th, 115th, 116th, 117th, and 118th Congresses by the late Congressman Gerry Connolly (VA-11). Rep. Kim has helped lead this bipartisan effort since she’s been in Congress.
Read more about the bill HERE.
