The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that a Filipino will soon be deported to the Philippines from the United States after the U.S. Immigration Court denied his Application for Stay of Removal.
In a statement on Monday, the DFA identified the Filipino deportee as Greggy Sorio, known to the Filipino community in Washington as Kuya G.
Sorio, who earlier claimed neglect while detained at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility and suffering from ulcerative colitis, was ordered deported to the Philippines by U.S. authorities.
The DFA did not disclose the exact date of his deportation.
"The Department respects this decision and recognizes the sovereign right of the United States to determine who may be allowed to remain in its territory," the DFA said, assuring that necessary assistance will be provided to Sorio upon his arrival in the Philippines.
"The Department notes that, through the Legal Assistance Fund, it previously provided funding for his legal representation. From the time the Consulate General (in San Francisco) was made aware of his medical concerns, it repeatedly coordinated with the relevant officials to ensure that he was examined and provided with appropriate medical attention," the DFA further stated.
The DFA said the consulate had been informed by both Sorio and ICE officials about his hospitalization and had conducted welfare checks during his confinement.
“The consulate also monitored his subsequent checkups and the provision of his medications,” it added.
San Francisco-based Filipino diplomats had earlier requested humanitarian consideration to allow Sorio to recover from his medical condition before deportation.
However, the DFA said the ICE Health Services Corps assessed Sorio’s condition and deemed him "medically cleared for deportation."
"The Department reiterates its commitment to provide assistance to Philippine nationals abroad, through its Foreign Service Posts, in accordance with relevant conventions and international agreements, and with due respect for applicable local laws and regulations," the DFA said.
In January this year, U.S. President Donald Trump released an order titled Protecting the American People from Invasion, stating that over the last four years, the prior administration oversaw what he described as an unprecedented influx of illegal immigration into the United States.
Trump said millions of illegal aliens crossed American borders or were permitted to fly directly into the U.S. and settle in communities, allegedly in violation of longstanding federal laws.
“Many of these aliens unlawfully present within the United States present significant threats to national security and public safety, committing vile and heinous acts against innocent Americans. Others are engaged in hostile activities, including espionage, economic espionage, and preparations for terror-related activities. Many have abused the generosity of the American people, and their presence in the United States has cost taxpayers billions of dollars at the Federal, State, and local levels,” his order read.
Trump added that enforcing immigration laws is critical to national security, saying the federal government must prioritize the safety and economic well-being of Americans.