The Philippine Embassy assured that assistance and consular services will remain accessible to all Filipino nationals in the United States, regardless of their immigration status.
This statement comes after President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to “deport all immigrants,” who entered the US illegally over his four-year term.
Trump also revealed plans to take executive action on his first day in office to end birthright citizenship, which grants citizenship to anyone born in the US regardless of their parents’ immigration status.
Responding to the statement, Philippine consuls and envoys held a discussion on December 10-11 to prepare for the “emerging immigration policies” of the incoming Trump administration. They acknowledged the “uncertainty felt by certain segments of the Filipino community” in the US.
“Recognizing the right of the United States to enforce its own laws, the Philippine Embassy and Consulates General will intensify their engagement with relevant US officials to advocate for the protection of the rights of Filipinos residing in the United States and the promotion of their security and welfare,” the embassy said on Thursday.
“The Philippine Embassy and Consulates General will continue to provide consular services to all Filipino nationals regardless of their immigration status,” it reaffirmed.
The meeting aims to establish a “unified, coordinated, and effective response” to the evolving policies, reiterating the embassy’s commitment to “supporting and providing appropriate consular assistance to Filipino nationals while respecting US laws.”
