Partner with Korea Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Kim, Young [R-CA-40]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 23, 2025
Bottom line
This bill establishes a dedicated visa pathway for high-skilled workers from South Korea, aiming to strengthen economic ties and address U.S. labor demands in specialized fields.
What it actually does
This bill creates a new E-4 nonimmigrant visa category specifically for South Korean nationals to work in specialty occupations in the U.S., capped at 15,000 principal visas annually. It requires employers to file an attestation with the Department of Labor, similar to the H-1B visa program, ensuring compliance with wage and working condition standards.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill would enhance the U.S.-South Korea alliance by facilitating the exchange of high-skilled talent, boosting innovation, and filling critical labor shortages in U.S. industries without impacting the existing H-1B cap. They emphasize the reciprocal nature of such agreements, benefiting both economies.
Opponents contend
Critics might contend that creating a new country-specific visa category could exacerbate competition for U.S. workers, potentially depress wages in specialty occupations, and further complicate an already complex immigration system. Concerns could also be raised about the potential for abuse of the attestation process, similar to issues observed in other temporary work visa programs.
The bill is very short and can be read and understood quickly, allowing ample time for informed evaluation.
Section 2(a), 2(b), 2(c), 2(d)
Establishment of E-4 Specialty Occupation Visa for South Korean Nationals
This provision amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to create a new nonimmigrant visa classification, E-4, specifically for nationals of the Republic of Korea. These visas allow South Korean citizens to come to the United States to perform services in "specialty occupations," which generally require a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field. The bill caps the number of these principal visas at 15,000 per fiscal year and requires employers to file an attestation with the Department of Labor, confirming they will pay prevailing wages and meet other working conditions.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision directly addresses the need for specialized talent in critical U.S. industries, fostering innovation and economic growth. They highlight that the attestation requirement protects U.S. workers by ensuring fair wages and working conditions, while the cap manages the inflow.
Critics contend
Opponents might argue that this provision could lead to wage stagnation or job displacement for U.S. workers in specialty occupations, especially if the enforcement of attestation requirements is insufficient. They may also express concern about the creation of country-specific carve-outs in the immigration system.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the desire to attract global talent and strengthen international partnerships with concerns about protecting domestic labor markets and managing immigration flows. It seeks to provide a streamlined process for specific high-skilled workers while attempting to mitigate potential negative impacts through caps and labor protections.