Deportation Starts for Some Filipinos in the U.S.
As Donald Trump's immigration policies come into effect.
(SPOT.ph) Some Filipinos in the U.S. are now facing deportation as the Trump administration kicks off a massive crackdown on undocumented immigrants.
According to Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez, several newly arrived Filipinos have already been informed that they will be sent back to their home country. Although exact numbers remain unclear, most of those affected are reportedly in California, New York, and New Jersey, which are home to large Filipino communities.
"I don’t know what status it is right now, but I keep on saying the same thing. If there’s a legal path for you, then you should try to work on it now," Romualdez told One News. "If there’s none, then it’s best that you leave the country voluntarily instead of being detained and processed for deportation."
In January, it was reported that 24 undocumented Filipinos involved in "petty crimes" had already been deported under the Biden administration.
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Which Filipinos are in danger of deportation?
Romualdez also pointed out that the likelihood of staying in the U.S. depends on a person’s immigration history. He noted that those who have been living in the U.S. for more than five years, working, and even paying taxes may have a better chance of legalizing their stay—especially if they initially entered on a valid work visa, even if it has since expired.
However, it’s a completely different story for those who arrived on tourist visas.
“That would be a real major problem. You’re overstaying, you’ve broken the law. The likelihood of you being given a chance to stay in the United States is very, very slim,” Romualdez said.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently launched an ad campaign telling illegal immigrants to leave voluntarily or risk being deported with restrictions on re-entry (“Under President Trump, America’s borders are closed to lawbreakers”).
Despite the immigration crackdown, Romualdez assured that the Philippines’ relationship with the U.S. remains stable under Trump’s second term. He dismissed concerns that the latest policies would strain diplomatic ties.
“There’s not really going to be any major change in the way we interact with the administration of President Trump. Knowing President Trump personally, I feel that our relationship is just as good as it was in the first Trump administration,” Romualdez told One News.
Back in Manila, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Migrant Workers have funds set aside for legal, financial, and medical aid for affected Filipinos, while the Department of Labor and Employment offers support with employment opportunities.
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