An estimated 300,000 undocumented Filipinos in the United States (US) are currently at risk of deportation, based on the stricter immigration policies under President-elect Donald Trump, the Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez said.
The thousands of Filipinos who will face potential deportation under the incoming administration for January 2025, alarmed government officials. With the said changes, Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo urged that all Filipinos at risk of being deported should consider voluntary repatriation as an option.
The Kabayan Party-list representative added that the Trump administration is known for its strict deportation policies. Therefore, they should consider voluntary repatriation if there are no legal options left. This also echoed Romualdez’ call for undocumented Filipinos to consider the same option.
Moreover, the amount of people who overstayed their visas poses a great challenge. Romualdez is appealing to all the affected immigrants to avail of or consider the option they are presenting.
Salo assured that the Philippine government is ensuring that the existing integration programs for returning Filipinos are currently being handled. However, cooperation from all government agencies like the following are needed: the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW);
- the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA);
- the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE);
- the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD);
- the Department of Interior and Local Government Unit (DILG);
- and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)
With joint efforts from these sectors, a robust comprehensive reintegration program for returning Filipinos would be pushed at a sooner time.
He also stressed that returning Filipinos should also have access to legitimate legal guidance and have clear information on their options like voluntary repatriation support and assistance in reconnecting with their families in the Philippines.
