The government needs to get ready to help Filipinos in the U.S. who might get sent back home soon. Lawmaker Marissa Magsino is worried that about 300,000 undocumented Filipinos could be deported once Donald Trump starts his presidency.
Magsino stressed the need for special programs to support these Filipinos. These could include help finding new jobs, retraining, and reskilling. She also mentioned that it’s crucial to offer returning Filipinos good job opportunities similar to the ones they had in the U.S.
Magsino respects the U.S.’s right to enforce its immigration laws but pointed out the impact on families who built their lives there. She also asked the Department of Foreign Affairs to ensure that Filipinos facing deportation are given fair legal procedures, including a chance to attend hearings and appeal their cases.
Meanwhile, Philippine Ambassador Babes Romualdez advised undocumented Filipinos to return voluntarily before they are forced to leave. According to data from the Pew Research Center, as of 2022, there are about 130,000 undocumented Filipinos in the U.S., ranking the Philippines 13th among countries of origin for undocumented immigrants.
Magsino emphasized the importance of planning now to avoid a crisis later if mass deportations begin.
