PH ambassador urges filipinos in US to prepare as trump’s deportation promise nears reality

Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez expressed concern that Trump’s win signals heightened anti-immigration sentiment and an urgent need for Filipinos to prepare for potential mass deportations.

In a recent radio interview with dzBB, Romualdez shared insights from conversations with individuals close to the Trump campaign, emphasizing that this time, the deportation plan might be more than political rhetoric.

“There’s a stronger push now in American public opinion. Immigration was a major factor in Trump’s victory,” he said, adding that this shift could bring unprecedented challenges to undocumented Filipinos.

Romualdez urged Filipinos without legal status to consider returning to the Philippines voluntarily or begin securing the necessary documents to remain in the US legally.

“We encourage our kababayans to make proactive steps—those who wait may face permanent barriers to re-entry if forcibly deported,” he cautioned.

Senate President Francis Escudero echoed this sentiment, urging the Philippine government to take proactive steps and prepare contingency plans for affected Filipinos. He suggested that government agencies should assess the potential impacts of deportation waves and explore ways to support returning citizens.

With over 300,000 undocumented Filipinos estimated to be in the US, this potential policy shift has ignited anxiety within the community, with many concerned about the future of their families and livelihoods.