MANILA – The Philippine Embassy in Washington has confirmed that Lewelyn Dixon, a 64-year-old Filipina green card holder, remains in US custody following her detention upon returning to the United States on February 28. Dixon, who immigrated to the US from the Philippines five decades ago, was reportedly held by Customs and Border Protection after her arrival.
According to her lawyer, Benjamin Osorio, Dixon’s detention stems from a non-violent conviction from 2001, for which she had already served a 30-day sentence in a halfway house and paid a $6,400 fine. Dixon was never required to serve jail time, Osorio clarified.
In an interview with ANC, Philippine Ambassador to the US, Jose Manuel Romualdez, expressed concern over the situation. He noted that despite the case’s long history, the government could revoke her green card at any time since it’s a privilege, not a permanent status.
Romualdez described the incident as “unfortunate” and emphasized that Dixon has legal support to challenge the detention and retain her green card.
The detention occurs amid ongoing efforts by the US government to crack down on illegal immigration.
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