Many Filipinos living in the U.S. without proper documents are now worried about Donald Trump’s plan to deport illegal immigrants, said Philippine Ambassador to the U.S., Jose Manuel Romualdez. He shared that many Filipinos are anxious and seeking guidance on what to do next.
Romualdez advised those without legal status to start fixing their documents or consider going back to the Philippines voluntarily. He warned that getting deported could mean they may never be allowed back in the U.S.
The ambassador explained that Trump’s win is largely tied to his promise of strict immigration policies. With growing concerns from U.S. citizens about illegal immigrants, Romualdez believes that this time, the crackdown on undocumented individuals will be taken seriously.
Currently, there are over 4.6 million Filipinos living in the U.S., and around 350,000 of them are undocumented, making Filipinos the fifth-largest group of unauthorized immigrants in the country. The ambassador emphasized that once deported, it is nearly impossible to return to the U.S. He advised those who don’t have a chance to obtain legal status to go home instead.
Romualdez added that the Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers focuses on assisting legal immigrants, so those who are undocumented should either seek legal help in the U.S. or prepare to return home.
