Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez has called on undocumented Filipino immigrants in the United States to consider voluntary repatriation in light of anticipated stricter immigration policies following former President Donald Trump’s election victory.

As reported by the Philippine News Agency, Romualdez encouraged undocumented Filipinos to leave voluntarily to avoid the risks and disruptions of forced deportation, which could result in severe consequences such as blacklisting and permanent bans from re-entering the U.S. He underscored that voluntary repatriation provides a more dignified and manageable solution for affected individuals.

According to ABS-CBN News, the ambassador emphasized the urgency for undocumented Filipinos to carefully evaluate their options amid limited pathways to legalize their status under anticipated immigration crackdowns. He reiterated the importance of complying with immigration laws for those intending to remain in the country, urging proactive decisions to avoid the challenges of deportation.

AsAmNews is published by the non-profit, Asian American Media Inc.

We are supported through donations and such charitable organizations as the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. All donations are tax deductible and can be made here.

Please purchase your tickets to our fundraiser Up Close with Connie Chung, America’s first Asian American to anchor a nightly network newscast. For a limited time, you can get 10% off tickets. The in-depth conversation with Connie will be held November 14 at 7:30 at Columbia University’s Milbank Chapel in the Teacher’s College. All proceeds benefit AsAmNews.

Related