Washington, D.C. — Philippine Ambassador to the United States, Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez, has reiterated his advice for undocumented Filipinos in the U.S. to consider voluntary departure to avoid the risks associated with detention and deportation.
Speaking during an interview on ANC, Romualdez highlighted the increasing number of Filipinos detained by U.S. immigration authorities.
“Quite a number have already been detained and have been processed for deportation,” Romualdez stated. “The last one we reported was about 30 of them, and I think there are quite a number that have already been put in detention in many parts of the United States that had already been considered to be undocumented and ready for deportation.”
A Growing Concern
While exact figures are not publicly disclosed, Romualdez acknowledged that numerous undocumented Filipinos have been apprehended and are undergoing deportation proceedings. He emphasized the importance of addressing one’s immigration status proactively to avoid such situations.
Understanding Voluntary Departure
Voluntary departure allows individuals to leave the U.S. at their own expense without a formal removal order, potentially facilitating future legal re-entry.
Romualdez advised, “If there is absolutely no chance for you to legally stay, it is best that you just simply voluntarily leave. Why? Because then you’ll have the chance to be able to come back and you don’t go through that harrowing experience of being in a detention center.”
Consular Support and Legal Aid
The Philippine Embassy and Consulates across the U.S. offer assistance, including legal consultations and referrals to immigration attorneys. Romualdez urged undocumented Filipinos to seek legal counsel to explore options for legalizing their status. He noted, “Filipinos here who have a status that is neither here nor there… they can go to an immigration lawyer now as they still have a chance to make their status legal.”
Policy Shifts and Enforcement Trends
Under President Donald J. Trump’s administration, immigration enforcement has intensified. In 2023, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported over 170,000 removals, a significant increase from the previous year, involving individuals who overstayed visas or entered without authorization. This underscores the administration’s focus on stringent immigration policies and border security.
The Human Side of Immigration
Advocacy groups have expressed concern about the emotional and psychological toll of detention and deportation on families. Romualdez emphasized the importance of addressing immigration status proactively to avoid such hardships.
Call to Action
The Philippine Embassy encourages undocumented Filipinos to seek immediate legal guidance. For assistance, contact the nearest Philippine Consulate General or visit the Embassy’s website at https://philippineembassy-dc.org.
