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US President Donald Trump speaks before signing the Laken Riley Act at the White House in Washington, DC, 29 January 2025. The Laken Riley Act -- which mandates the detention of undocumented immigrants charged with theft-related crimes -- is named for a 22-year-old student murdered by a Venezuelan man with no papers who was wanted for shoplifting.
PEDRO UGARTE / AFP
The largest deportation campaign in US history is underway, and Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez is urging Filipinos with unclear legal status to act swiftly in securing their documents before it’s too late.
Speaking in an interview on DZBB, Romualdez acknowledged that while some Filipinos may still have a chance to legalize their status, those without options will eventually be forced to leave.
“For Filipinos whose status is unclear, they should go to an immigration lawyer as soon as possible. There is still a chance for them to secure legal status,” he said.
The crackdown comes after U.S. President Donald Trump revoked legal protections for over 500,000 immigrants, primarily from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. These individuals were part of a temporary immigration program launched by President Joe Biden in October 2022 and expanded in January 2023. With the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) order set to take effect on 24 April, those affected must either leave the U.S. or find a legal pathway to stay.
While the Filipino community is not the primary target of the current wave of mass deportations and revocations of legal status, Romualdez warned that those who entered illegally could still be at risk.
“If your status is illegal in America, you can be included in the deportation process. It’s important for Filipinos to study and understand their legal status,” he stressed.
Romualdez assured that the Philippine Embassy has been assisting concerned Filipinos, although most inquiries are confidential. He also pointed out that Filipinos have generally maintained a positive reputation in the US, unlike other groups that have been linked to crime.
“Our image here is good. It’s not negative like that of Venezuela, where there are many Venezuelan gangs in America,” he remarked.
Since regaining the presidency, Trump has doubled down on his hardline stance against immigration, emphasizing border security and mass deportations as key priorities. His administration recently invoked wartime legislation to deport over 200 alleged Venezuelan gang members, sending them to El Salvador’s mega-prison, which has drawn international criticism for its harsh conditions.
However, reports suggest that some deportees were wrongfully classified as gang members simply due to their tattoos — a concerning development for many immigrant communities.
The Biden-era parole program, which granted temporary legal status to 30,000 migrants per month, was always intended as a short-term measure. The DHS clarified that parole does not serve as a foundation for permanent residency, meaning its cancellation was inevitable under the Trump administration.
For Filipinos caught in the uncertainty, employment and tax contributions may serve as a potential lifeline. Romualdez explained that those who are working and paying taxes have a chance to secure legal status, but they must act quickly.
While immigration remains a pressing issue, the U.S. continues to see the Philippines as a strategic ally in its defense policies. Romualdez confirmed that U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is scheduled to visit the Philippines this week to meet with Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“This visit shows that the Philippines remains an important ally for the U.S. in terms of security. We have a role to play in their defense strategy, and we are positioning ourselves to modernize our Armed Forces,” Romualdez said.
