MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has urged undocumented and overstaying Filipinos in the United States to maintain a low profile and take steps toward legalizing their stay amid stricter immigration policies under the Trump administration.

Speaking at the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City, DFA Undersecretary Eduardo Jose De Vega assured Filipinos in the US that the DFA is ready to provide assistance through the Philippine Embassy and consulates.

“Our advice is to keep a low profile as much as possible and work on your legalization,” De Vega said.

Opportunities for Legalization

De Vega highlighted that the US government may offer legal pathways for certain undocumented immigrants, particularly those who are not classified as criminals or terrorists.

“That means there will be legal means to encourage productive overstaying aliens to be legalized. Take advantage of that,” he added.

He also emphasized that most undocumented Filipinos in the US initially entered legally with valid visas.

“Lahat iyan may visa. Nag-expire lang. Walang halos tumawid na walang kapapel-papel (Everyone had a visa; it might have just expired. No one crossed without at least one document),” he explained.

Deportation Concerns

The estimated 300,000 undocumented Filipinos in the US are unlikely to face mass deportation under the current administration, De Vega reassured.

“It is almost impossible to deport them all by the end of the Trump administration,” he said, noting that during the first Trump presidency, deportations of Filipinos were fewer than during the Obama administration.

De Vega advised Filipinos facing deportation to seek legal assistance to contest the process. “Some immigration lawyers could argue that you are productive in the US, which sometimes prevents deportation,” he added.

Government Assistance

The DFA stands ready to support affected Filipinos using the DFA’s Assistance-to-Nationals fund and the Department of Migrant Workers’ Aksyon Fund. These resources can be used for legal aid, medical support, repatriation, and other needs.

De Vega also noted that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has spoken with US officials to ensure assistance for Filipinos affected by immigration challenges.

“Rest assured, the Philippine government is prepared to respond,” De Vega said.

The DFA continues to monitor developments and encourages undocumented Filipinos to seek help through official channels.

ia/mnm