Twenty-four Filipinos have been deported from the United States for being involved in some illegal activities, although not major crimes, according to Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez. In an interview with dzBB yesterday, Romualdez said that those who were deported involved minor crimes but not serious violations. "Our number is about 24. They have been deported because they are ... not major crimes, but they have been involved in some illegal activities," he said.
Romualdez reminded Filipinos without legal status in the US not to wait for deportation and return to the Philippines voluntarily or start processing their documents. According to him, there is little hope for those currently working and paying taxes to obtain legal status, especially if their employer supports them.
The Philippine Embassy and Consulates General in the US announced that they will intensify their communication with US officials to ensure the protection of the rights and interests of Filipinos. Despite changes in immigration policy under President Donald Trump, they have ensured the continued provision of consular services to all Filipinos, regardless of their immigration status.
The embassy also said that all Filipinos have rights in the US, regardless of their legal status. In a Facebook post, the embassy emphasized that they are there to ensure knowledge, safety, and support for Filipinos. "Compatriots, you have the right to know your rights," they said.
According to the White House, hundreds of illegal immigrant criminals were arrested on Thursday, and many were flown out of the country on military aircraft. Trump has repeatedly emphasized his promise to carry out the largest deportation campaign in American history, which has raised fears among many undocumented immigrants.
