Phl outposts in U.S. gearing up for Trump 2.0

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez has met with consuls general from various parts of the US in anticipation of the policies of President-elect Donald Trump.

On Thursday, the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. said Romualdez met with the consuls on 10 and 11 December to discuss a wide range of issues related to the incoming Trump administration, particularly its immigration policies.

“The heads of posts understand the uncertainty felt by certain segments of the Filipino community in the United States following recent pronouncements by the incoming administration,” the embassy said.

“While the exact contours of the incoming administration’s policies have yet to take shape, the meeting was an important step in ensuring a unified, coordinated, and effective response,” it added.

Trump, who secured a second term after defeating Democratic presidential bet Vice President Kamala Harris, will be inaugurated as the 47th US president on 20 January next year.

One of Trump’s campaign promises was to deport an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the US, with the goal of expelling around one million per year.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, there are an estimated 370,000 undocumented Filipinos in the US.

The heads of posts reaffirmed their “collective commitment” to support and provide the appropriate consular assistance to Filipino nationals while respecting US laws.