The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) assured on Wednesday that it is ready to provide assistance to Filipinos facing deportation due to their immigration status in the United States (US).
On the sidelines of Jobstreet and DOLE's Career Con 2025 in Pasay, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said the department will follow President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to assist Filipino deportees.
"The DOLE will support efforts in providing assistance to Filipinos facing deportation," Laguesma told reporters.
Marcos' order comes amid growing concerns over stricter US immigration policies under the administration of President Donald Trump.
Twenty-four Filipinos in the US were recently deported for alleged illegal activities, while around 80 others were up for deportation, according to Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez.
On Monday, 27 January, Trump kicked off his sweeping immigration crackdown, tasking the US military with aiding border security, issuing a broad ban on asylum, and taking steps to restrict citizenship for children born on US soil.
Trump said it would prioritize the deportation of around 1.3 million immigrants who have already been processed and those with alleged links to criminal activities and gangs.
The Department of Foreign Affairs earlier advised Filipinos in the US to stay "low key" and work on legalizing their stay to avoid deportation.