PHILIPPINE diplomats in the United States are preparing for the possible deportation of around 300,000 undocumented Filipino immigrants, with a planning session scheduled in December to address next steps.
“That’s one of our top priorities. All the Philippine consulates here in America will be gathering in Washington, D.C. to discuss how we’ll go about it,” Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said in a radio interview on Monday.
The Philippines maintains consulates in Agana, Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco, in addition to its embassy in Washington, D.C.
Romualdez said they are also awaiting guidance from the Department of Migrant Workers, Department of Foreign Affairs, and Malacañang on how they can assist undocumented Filipinos once President-elect Donald Trump begins implementing stricter immigration policies.
Out of the more than four million Filipinos and Filipino Americans in the U.S., an estimated 200,000 to 300,000 may be at risk of deportation, according to Romualdez.
Voluntary Return as a “Better Option”
Romualdez noted that some Filipinos entered the U.S. legally through exchange programs or temporary visas but became undocumented when their permits expired. Returning voluntarily to the Philippines, he suggested, might be the best path forward, as it could improve their chances of returning legally in the future.
“For those considering staying, I strongly advise consulting real lawyers—not advisers who may take advantage of their situation,” Romualdez cautioned.
According to Romualdez, Trump’s transition team has indicated that, upon taking office on January 20, 2025, the president intends to prioritize stricter immigration controls alongside economic reforms.
“My advice to Filipinos, especially the undocumented, is if they don’t have a clear pathway to legal status, they may want to go home first. If they are deported, they won’t be able to come back,” Romualdez said.
Trump’s Campaign on Immigration Reform
Trump’s campaign emphasized a tough stance on immigration, which resonated with public concerns about border security. In a December 2023 speech, he spoke of immigration as a crisis, controversially claiming that incoming migrants were “poisoning the blood of our country.”
Trump is expected to rapidly roll back Biden-era immigration programs that expanded temporary residency and work opportunities for migrants. Over 500,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela were permitted temporary entry under Biden’s policies.
His proposals include invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 and the Insurrection Act to use military forces for immigration enforcement.
This anticipated policy shift has raised concerns among the Filipino community, prompting Philippine diplomats to proactively plan for the possible repercussions on undocumented Filipinos in the U.S.