Undocumented Filipinos in US urged to legalize status amid deportations

Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez warns that Filipinos without proper documentation could be swept up in broader immigration enforcement efforts. Photo from US-Philippine Society website

With deportations on the rise, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez is urging undocumented Filipinos in the US to take immediate steps to legalize their status.

This comes in the wake of the US government’s move to revoke the temporary protected status (TPS) of 530,000 nationals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela – a policy set to take effect on April 24 this year. 

As the crackdown intensifies, Romualdez warned that Filipinos without proper documentation could be swept up in broader immigration enforcement efforts. 

In a recent interview with Super Radyo dzBB, Romualdez stressed the importance of seeking legal counsel, warning that those with unclear residency – such as individuals working and paying taxes without proper documentation – face a high risk of removal.

With this, he advised them to consult with immigration lawyers as soon as possible to explore potential pathways to legalization.

“Lagi kong sinasabi na ‘yung mga Pilipino na medyo ang status ay neither here or there, meaning to say, nagta-trabaho sila, nagbabayad sila ng taxes, pero ‘yung status nila ay hindi klaro, pwede silang pumunta sa immigration lawyer at ngayon pa lang, ayusin na nila at meron silang chance na maging legal ang status nila,” the ambassador emphasized in the interview.

This policy change will end the parole entry program introduced by former US President Joe Biden, which allowed nationals from these countries to enter with the support of US-based sponsors.

Although the program directly affects specific nationalities, Romualdez warned that undocumented Filipinos could also be targeted under broader immigration crackdowns.

He cautioned that individuals deported from the US may face permanent bans on re-entry.

With thousands of Filipinos residing in the US under uncertain circumstances, the ambassador’s appeal highlights the urgency of securing legal status before immigration enforcement efforts intensify.

Romualdez encouraged affected individuals to act quickly and seek legal assistance to avoid the potential consequences of forced removal.