Fil-Ams share mixed reactions to Trump victory

Supporters embrace after Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a concession speech after the 2024 presidential election, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, on the campus of Howard University in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

NEW YORK CITY — Filipino American Democrats were deeply disappointed as Vice President Kamala Harris failed to secure the required electoral votes to win the presidency.

On November 5, millions of voters participated in what many consider as the most consequential election in American history. Former President Donald Trump made headlines for being reelected, becoming the first convicted felon in history to win an election.

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump pumps his fist as he arrives to speak at a campaign event at Nassau Coliseum, Wednesday, Sept.18, 2024, in Uniondale, N.Y. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

In Brunswick, Ohio, Mayor Ron Falconi and his family celebrated late into the evening.

“This victory is a win for America,” he told Inquirer.net USA. “The President-elect is poised to revive the economy, address inflation, secure the border and ultimately fulfill his vision to Make America Great Again.”

Mayor Ron Falconi / FILE PHOTO

A staunch Republican, Falconi believes that Trump deserves his second presidency.

“We’re witnessing one of the greatest political comebacks in American history,” he said. “Despite facing two impeachments, relentless media criticism and criminal charges after leaving office in 2020, Trump never gave up. Even after enduring civil lawsuits and two assassination attempts, his victory is unprecedented.”

Unfazed by the former president’s criminal history, Filipino American community leader Ed Logan from Virginia explained his support: “I voted for him not for his personality but for his policies,” he told Inquirer.net USA.

“He made the economy a priority, and I felt connected to that. Moreover, international diplomacy is critical in our globalized economy. As a survivor of abortion, I align with him on religious freedom.”

Alarm bells

Many have expressed concerns about Trump’s erratic mindset, including statements made during the campaign that he would fire the special counsel who indicted him and that he would free some rioters convicted in the January 6 US Capitol attack.

However, the most alarming to some Democrats is his plan to deport millions of migrants, vowing to round up those living in the US without legal permission — a move that alarms the Asian American community.

In a statement sent to Inquirer.net USA, Fil-Am Democrat Arvin Amatorio, mayor of Bergenfield, New Jersey, expressed hope for constructive immigration reform under new policies.

Mayor Arvin Amatorio / FILE PHOTO

“As both a mayor and an attorney, I understand the critical role immigration plays in strengthening our communities and driving our economy,” the mayor said.

“I hope the new immigration policies under the Trump administration will open more pathways for skilled immigrants, especially in essential sectors like healthcare and engineering.

While changes may impact pathways to citizenship, family unity and community safety, I remain confident in our nation’s resilience and commitment to these values. I encourage everyone to stay informed, advocate for inclusive policies and work constructively towards a future that honors our shared principles.”

Actor and Broadway producer Lora Nicolas Olaes fears Trump’s second term will cause a rise in hate crimes against minorities.

Lora Nicolas Olaes / CONTRIBUTED

“I foresee another rise in hate crimes towards minorities, which increased 200% during his previous presidency,” she told Inquirer.net USA.

“Filipinos who voted for him are delusional to think they are safe when his base only sees the color of our skin. Just today, a friend’s Vietnamese coffee shop was vandalized in Kansas, not even a day after he was declared the winner.”

Fil-Am community leader Rozita Lee congratulated Trump, saying, “the people have spoken, he won the electoral college votes. ”

Rozita Lee / FILE PHOTO

“I pray that he will work on unifying our America. Without a doubt his rhetoric during the campaign was beyond disrespectful and, in fact, most divisive,” she said.

“Does he have the capacity to unite our country or even want to? Only by the grace of God, and that is my prayer.”

Lee said Vice President Kamala Harris was “exceptional in her drive to win.”

“To do what she did in such a short period of time shows her definitive character and how millions of people feel about her,” she said. “I know that God is in control. We must make the changes that are necessary in our lives, in our policies, and turn to God and pray for unity in our country, America.”

Protecting New Yorkers

Meanwhile, both New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and NYC Mayor Eric Adams have assured New Yorkers that the state will continue to protect its vulnerable undocumented community.

On November 6, Hochul and New York Attorney General Letitia James updated New Yorkers on efforts to safeguard fundamental freedoms in preparation for President-Elect Donald Trump’s second term.

They announced a strengthened partnership, including new dedicated staff, to address potential federal legal threats to reproductive freedom, gun safety laws, and other key issues.

Hochul also introduced the Empire State Freedom Initiative, which began developing comprehensive plans to address any policy and regulatory threats from a Trump Administration.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul / Facebook

She highlighted Proposition 1, which enshrines reproductive freedoms in the state constitution, as one step taken to protect access to safe and legal abortions.

“The safety and well-being of New Yorkers are my top priorities,” Hochul stated. “I’m committed to working on policies that make our state stronger, safer, and more livable—and my administration will be prepared to protect New Yorkers’ fundamental freedoms from any potential threats.”

Meanwhile, James made this announcement: “As attorney general, I will always stand up to protect New Yorkers and fight for our rights and values.

My office is ready to ensure our state does not go backwards. Together with Gov. Hochul and partners in state and local government, we will work every day to defend Americans, regardless of what this new administration throws at us. We are ready to fight back again.”

A team of experts with the Empire State Freedom Initiative will develop strategies to protect New Yorkers from policy and regulatory threats under President-elect Trump.

This team is set to focus on areas like reproductive rights, civil rights, immigration, gun safety and the environment. The Empire State Freedom Initiative aims to drive proactive measures through state legislation and partnerships once it has ascertained the potential vulnerabilities.

In a separate statement, Bethany Li, executive director of the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF), expressed readiness to defend the Asian American community against threats to safety and civil rights.

“We are ready to use every tool at our disposal to organize and defend our community,” she said.

AALDEF plans to litigate, advocate and educate to protect communities, in a bid to counter what is perceived as rhetoric that incites violence, coming from Trump.

Joined by NYC First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer, Adams reassured New Yorkers of their commitment to protecting what matters most.

NYC First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer / FILE PHOTO

“This city will always stand up for the rights of women, our immigrant brothers and sisters, our LGBTQ+ community, and millions of others,” the NYC mayor. “We intend to protect our immigrant communities and work with Congress for a compassionate national immigration strategy.”

Commissioner Manuel Castro of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs emphasized the city’s sanctuary status, stating, “We intend to follow the law and ensure that our city agencies adhere to sanctuary laws. We will continue to protect our immigrant communities.”

He addressed concerns about potential mass deportations, urging the community not to succumb to fear and misinformation. “I want to reassure people that they do not need to self-deport or hide. They can continue to use our city services, especially emergency services.”

Joy and disappointment on social media

Meanwhile, on social media, Filipino Americans who supported different candidates expressed both joy and disappointment.

Motivational speaker and cancer survivor Ferlie Almonte shared, “Woke up to very sad news about America. The future feels uncertain. In my heart, I believe Kamala Harris is my president. She represents what I and millions of Americans want for ourselves and our country.

Thank you for the hard fight you are doing for us. I will face the future with hope and positivity, praying for enlightenment and guidance for elected leaders.”

JayR Castillo expressed frustration: “It seems we’re about to experience a shift towards more authoritarian leadership. Let’s see how it unfolds. Bad character has been normalized here in America by a felon. Sad!”

For Arleigh Simon, it was a triumph: “It was a clean sweep! We got the presidency, the Senate, AND the House! Time to get to work and FIX our country! HAH!”

Doc Ime Cruz celebrated: “God is good! Answered prayers…time to heal this land. Time to unite for a peaceful and better country. No more wars, hopefully. Thank you, Lord, for letting the good prevail. God bless America!”

Filmmaker Rhadem Musawah offered insight into why Kamala Harris did not win: “Trump won or is leading not because he got more votes, but because Kamala lost support due to her unwavering stance on Israel. No amount of celebrity endorsements can wash away the sense of betrayal felt by Democratic followers.”

Military reserve officer James Rich from the Bay Area provided a voter’s analysis on how Trump won the election.

He outlined the reasons in this post:

“1.) Illegal immigration is at an all-time high. As a legal immigrant, I didn’t receive free assistance. People who cross the border illegally should be apprehended, not rewarded.

2.) The economy—many feel the pain of decreased purchasing power and excessive regulations. The Democratic Party’s regulations can stifle innovation.

3.) Extreme liberalism has gone too far. Society isn’t ready for ultra-liberal policies like shared bathrooms. Issues like law and order are concerning, with rampant crime in cities.

4.) Americans are tired of ongoing wars and unchecked foreign threats. Many see Trump as someone who could address these issues. I urge Americans to move forward with unity. Let’s demonstrate how democracy works. I hope we can agree to disagree civilly and respect the election results.”