The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has advice for undocumented Filipinos living in the United States: Keep a low profile.

“The new president already said, he doesn’t want illegal aliens so maybe it’s time to take a lower profile and try to legalize yourself first. But be sure that the embassy and the consulates will be there to see what assistance can be given,” DFA Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega said, referring to US President Donald Trump's move anti-undocumented worker rhetoric since beginning his campaign.

De Vega attempted to allay the fears of kababayans in the US and clarified earlier statements made by Ambassador Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez following President Donald Trump’s electoral win.

“What Ambassador Romualdez's warning was, he was not saying 'you illegals will be deported'. He's just saying, if you don't have a job there, it's better to go home so you don't get deported,” the undersecretary said.

He emphasized that Trump was targeting illegal aliens who are “threats” to the US.

“If you remember the Trump campaign, he was targeting illegal aliens, criminals, terrorist threats, who was brought in and most importantly the millions that the Biden administration brought in, usually from south of the border… Latinos who have no economic benefit from the US. The US is feeding them, so he doesn't want them,” he noted.

Trump okay with Filipinos?

De Vega stressed that Trump has never criticized Filipinos.

“No! They’re appreciated,” he said. He also described Filipinos as “productive” despite facing documentation problems.

De Vega advised Filipinos to look for ways to have their stay in the US legalized. He said Trump is open to working with the Democrats in legalizing immigrants who are not like the illegal aliens that the new and returning US President is going after.

“That means they will make legal means to encourage these productive overstaying aliens to be totally legalized. So, take advantage of that,” he said.

The DFA official also noted that an opportunity may arise in Los Angeles as the California city looks to rebuild homes that were affected by the wildfires.

“I think the stars are aligning for us where Filipinos in the US are concerned. As long as they follow the advice of our embassy and consulates, we won’t see mass deportation,” De Vega said.

He added that Filipinos who may be targeted for deportation can contest their case and stay legally in the US for several months while immigration lawyers argue in court.