With the US tightening its immigration policies, Philippine Ambassador to the US, Jose Manuel Romualdez, has a message for Filipinos with green cards: Having one is a privilege, not a right, and it can be taken away.
Why Can a Green Card Be Revoked?
Even if you hold a US green card, which allows you to live permanently in the United States, it does not mean your status is untouchable. The US State Department has made it clear that a green card can be revoked, especially if:
You have a past legal issue You stay too long outside the US You fail to pay taxes You don’t maintain strong ties to the US
Romualdez gave this warning after a Filipino-American green card holder was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after returning from a vacation in the Philippines.
What Happened to the Detained Filipina?
The 64-year-old Filipina, who has lived in the US for 50 years, was stopped by customs officers in Seattle when she arrived from the Philippines. Reports say her past legal case from 2001 resurfaced, leading to her detention at the Northwest ICE Detention Center.
The Philippine Consulate in San Francisco has stepped in, offering legal and financial aid through its Assistance to Nationals program.
How Can Green Card Holders Avoid Problems?
Romualdez advised Filipino green card holders to be aware of US immigration laws and make sure they:
Spend at least six months per year in the US Pay their taxes on time Avoid legal troubles Show strong ties to the US (e.g., work, property, family)
If a person spends too much time in the Philippines, US immigration may question why they have permanent residency in America at all.
Mass Deportation Risks
Romualdez also urged Filipinos at risk of deportation to consult immigration lawyers immediately. This comes as the US plans to revoke the temporary legal status of 530,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans by April 24, 2025.
Meanwhile, Filipino-American Mayor Arvin Amatorio of Bergenfield, New Jersey, who is also an immigration lawyer, warned undocumented Filipinos—especially those with criminal cases or deportation orders—to consider voluntarily returning to the Philippines instead of waiting to be arrested.
Final Advice for Filipinos in the US
Know the immigration rules—don’t assume your green card is forever! If you’re undocumented, talk to a lawyer before it’s too late! Stay informed and always follow US immigration laws!
With the US cracking down on immigration, Filipinos must be extra careful about their legal status. Being prepared can make all the difference!
