Filipinos safe from Trump immigration pause — envoy

The Philippines will not be included in the latest U.S. immigration tightening, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez said.

This comes after U.S. President Donald Trump announced he wants to “permanently pause migration” from third world countries, following the recent shooting of two National Guard members, one of whom has since died, in Washington, D.C. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan immigrant, was identified as the primary suspect.

“So far, 19 third world countries… hindi tayo kasama roon,” Romualdez said in a DZBB interview Monday.

He added that he doesn’t think the Philippines will be included in the list, citing the strong U.S.–Philippines relationship and the positive reputation of Filipinos in America.

Romualdez also noted that recent changes impact more than just developing nations. “They are tightening up,” he said, pointing out that even Europeans seeking permanent status must now navigate tougher scrutiny.

Trump’s immigration crackdown also includes terminating benefits for noncitizens and re-evaluating asylum and green-card approvals — including refugees and migrants admitted under prior administrations.

Romualdez said many of the countries included in the list of concern are those they have labeled as terrorists.

Filipino migration declines

The envoy noted that migration of Filipinos to America has declined.

"Marami ngang mga [Pilipino] that were planning to stay here in the United States then decided to leave na lang," he said, citing new Trump policies, adding that exchange Filipinos opt to study in America rather than change schools.

The 19 countries of concern are Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela.