Metro Manila, Philippines — Philippine foreign service officials in the United States have set strategies of engagement with Filipinos under the incoming Trump administration.
Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez, consuls, and representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Office of American Affairs met on Dec. 10-11 in Washington, D.C., to discuss a wide range of issues, including the looming crackdown on illegal immigrants.“This planning session is especially important because not only are we taking stock of the work we have done for the last 11 months and preparing for a new year ahead, but we will need to prepare and strategize in the context of a new US administration,” said Romualdez in a statement.Donald Trump will assume the presidency on Jan. 20, 2025.Romualdez acknowledged the uncertainty among segments of the Filipino community. “While the exact contours of the incoming administration’s policy have yet to take shape, the meeting is an important step in ensuring a unified, coordinated, and effective response. The Heads of Posts reaffirmed their collective commitment to supporting and providing appropriate consular assistance to Filipino nationals while respecting US laws,” the embassy said in a statement. The Philippine government has vowed to intensify its engagement with relevant US officials to advocate for the protection of the rights of Filipinos living and working in North America. “The Philippine embassy and consulates general will continue to provide consular services to all Filipino nationals regardless of their immigration status,” the embassy said. Around 200,000 Filipinos in the United States could face immigration issues if Trump proceeds with his plan to crack down on undocumented foreigners. In a previous interview with NewsWatch Plus, Romualdez noted that while the figure “remains small” in relation to the total number of Filipinos there, addressing their immigration requirements should be prioritized. “The figure that we have, at least this is the figure that we’ve been able to gather, is approximately 200,000,” he said. Romualdez said a number have pending visa or permanent residence applications. “So, they have some form of legality. Kaya lagi kong ina-advise sa kanila, just follow what the rules and the laws are para hindi kayo mahirapan,” he said. [Translation: That’s why I always advise them to just follow the rules and laws so they don’t encounter difficulties.]
