Trump's Presidency Creates New Wave of Filipino Emigration

by@PHwriters -

MANILA, Philippines - With President-elect Donald Trump set to return to the White House and his promise to tighten borders and implement mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez has urged the estimated 250,000 to 300,000 undocumented Filipino immigrants in the United States to leave voluntarily to avoid being blacklisted.



"Some of them have already filed for legal status and are currently in limbo, waiting for their papers to be processed," Romualdez stated in a forum with the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) on Friday. "My advice to many of our fellowmen who are still here but cannot obtain any kind of legal status is to not wait to be deported."


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Romualdez's statement comes as a wave of anxiety washes over the Filipino community in the US, many of whom fear the consequences of Trump's return to power. Trump's previous administration was known for its hardline stance on immigration, including the separation of families at the border and the implementation of travel bans targeting several Muslim-majority countries.

The ambassador's advice to leave voluntarily aims to help Filipinos avoid potential complications and blacklisting, which could make it difficult for them to re-enter the US in the future.

"We want to ensure that our countrymen are safe and protected," Romualdez emphasized. "We are working closely with the US government to provide assistance and support to Filipinos who may be affected by these new policies."

The Philippine government has pledged to provide assistance to Filipinos returning from the US, including financial aid and job training programs. However, the prospect of leaving their lives behind in the US is a difficult decision for many Filipinos who have built families and careers in the country.

The situation highlights the precarious position of undocumented immigrants in the US, who are often caught in the crossfire of political rhetoric and policy changes. The coming months are expected to be challenging for the Filipino community in the US as they navigate the uncertain landscape of immigration under the Trump administration.

Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez has issued a stark warning to undocumented Filipinos in the United States, urging them to leave voluntarily before facing potential deportation under the incoming Trump administration.

"I can see that the administration of President Trump is really going to be very strict with the immigration policy," Romualdez stated in a recent forum. "That was a promise he made to the American public, and it's probably the reason why he won. It's an issue that's very important to a large number of Americans."

Addressing undocumented Filipino immigrants directly, Romualdez emphasized the urgency of their situation. "My advice to them is to immediately leave voluntarily because once you are deported, you can never come back to the United States," he said. "At least if you leave, there is always an opportunity or a chance that you will be able to file for legal status and follow the rules and regulations of the country."

The ambassador highlighted the likelihood of a "big operation" to enforce stricter immigration policies, noting that the Republican control of both the House and the Senate would likely facilitate the implementation of new legislation.

"A lot of Americans resent the idea that people can just come in here and go through the process without facing the same difficulties they did to become permanent residents," Romualdez explained, citing conversations with members of the Filipino-American community.

Romualdez's warnings underscore the heightened anxieties within the Filipino community in the US. The prospect of mass deportation, coupled with the potential for blacklisting that could hinder future entry into the US, has prompted calls for immediate action.

The Philippine government has pledged to provide assistance to Filipinos returning from the US, but the decision to leave behind established lives and careers is a difficult one for many. The situation highlights the precarious position of undocumented immigrants in the US, who are often caught in the crossfire of political rhetoric and policy changes.


## Ambassador Romualdez: Trump's Immigration Policies Driven by Conservative Values, Nurses May Be Exempt


**MANILA, Philippines** - Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez has shed light on the factors behind the Trump administration's immigration policies, attributing them to a combination of public sentiment and conservative values.


Romualdez stated that President Trump was able to connect illegal immigration to issues like inflation, a sentiment that resonated with a significant portion of the American public. This, he believes, contributed to Trump's electoral success.


Furthermore, Romualdez attributed the support for Trump among Filipino-Americans to their conservative values, particularly among older generations. He highlighted the influence of Catholicism and the preference for stricter abortion laws among this demographic, aligning them with the Republican platform. "Whatever they threw his (Trump's) way, they still believe that he was the best person to lead the United States," Romualdez said.


Addressing the concerns of undocumented Filipinos facing potential deportation, Romualdez advised them to seek assistance from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) attaché. He emphasized the near-impossibility of returning to the US after deportation, stating that the chances of re-entry are less than 1%.


However, Romualdez offered a glimmer of hope for Filipino nurses, who are in high demand in the US. He believes that their skills and contributions to the American healthcare system could make them an exception to tighter immigration rules.


Romualdez's statements offer a glimpse into the complex dynamics shaping immigration policies under the Trump administration, highlighting the interplay of political rhetoric, public sentiment, and cultural values. While the future remains uncertain for many undocumented Filipinos, the ambassador's insights provide valuable context for understanding the challenges they face. 


United States President-Elect Donald Trump to Tighten Borders; Philippine Ambassador Advises Undocumented Filipinos to Leave Voluntarily


In a historic political shift, President-elect Donald Trump is preparing to return to the White House, reigniting his pledge to strengthen U.S. border security and enforce a stringent immigration policy. As part of this platform, Trump has vowed to reintroduce measures to curb illegal immigration, including the potential for mass deportations.


Philippine Ambassador to the United States, Jose Manuel Romualdez, responded to these developments by advising undocumented Filipino immigrants in the U.S. to consider leaving voluntarily. An estimated 250,000 to 300,000 undocumented Filipinos currently reside in the United States, many of whom may face uncertain legal statuses in the wake of Trump's impending policies.


At a forum held by the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) on Friday, Ambassador Romualdez expressed his concerns and urged affected Filipinos to avoid waiting for forced deportation, which could complicate their futures. “Some of them have already filed [applications], and so they are here in limbo, waiting for their papers to pass through. My advice to many of our fellowmen who cannot secure any kind of status is to consider returning voluntarily, rather than risk being blacklisted,” Romualdez said.


Trump’s renewed stance on immigration aligns with promises he made during his initial 2016 campaign, when he first advocated for stringent immigration policies. His administration previously targeted undocumented immigrants through strict border control and high-profile immigration enforcement, leading to significant reductions in both illegal border crossings and asylum applications.


For undocumented Filipinos who are currently in the U.S., the path forward remains complex. Many are already pursuing pathways to citizenship or permanent residency, but Ambassador Romualdez cautioned that without a legal status, their presence could lead to complications, especially under the anticipated heightened immigration enforcement.


The Filipino community in the U.S., one of the largest Asian-American groups, may soon be weighing tough decisions in light of these developments. Meanwhile, Philippine authorities have committed to continuing their support for overseas Filipinos, offering assistance and guidance to those considering repatriation to the Philippines.


The future of Trump’s immigration policy and its enforcement will become clearer in the coming months as he prepares to take office, yet for now, Filipino nationals are encouraged to seek legal advice and explore their options. The Philippine Embassy in the U.S. has assured that they remain available to provide information and resources to their nationals throughout this transition period.



Playground of the Gods Scorched: Massive Fire Devastates Mount Pulag's Forests

Mount Pulag, the majestic mountain range often referred to as the "playground of the gods," suffered a devastating blow recently as an eight-day wildfire ravaged its slopes, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The blaze, which ignited on February 11th and was finally contained on February 18th, consumed a staggering 191.54 hectares of land, resulting in the loss of an estimated 160,547 trees and saplings planted under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources' (DENR) Expanded National Greening Program (NGP).

The fire, according to Office of Civil Defense-Cordillera Administrative Region and Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council chairman Albert Mogol, originated in Sitio Bulok of Barangay Adaoay in Kabayan town, Benguet province, before rapidly spreading to neighboring Barangay Anchokey. The mountainous terrain, characterized by steep to very steep slopes and high exposure to the elements, significantly hampered firefighting efforts and contributed to the fire's rapid and extensive spread. The challenging topography, coupled with the dry conditions prevalent during the time of the fire, created an extremely hazardous environment, making containment efforts arduous and protracted.

The DENR's assessment of the damage paints a grim picture of the environmental devastation. The report details the loss of 191.54 hectares of vegetative cover, predominantly grassland and pine forest. The fire's impact on the ENGP is particularly concerning, with the destruction of 160,547 trees and saplings representing a significant setback to the country's reforestation efforts. The estimated cost of the damage to the ENGP alone is a staggering PHP1,564,230, a stark reminder of the economic consequences of such environmental disasters.

The overall damage extends beyond the ENGP, however. The fire also affected an additional 643.69 hectares of forest cover, resulting in an estimated loss valued at PHP106,225. The combined damage, totaling PHP1,670,455, underscores the immense economic and environmental toll of this devastating wildfire. The loss of forest cover has significant implications for biodiversity, soil erosion, and water resource management, impacting not only the immediate environment but also the surrounding communities that rely on the mountain's ecosystem for their livelihoods.

The incident highlights the urgent need for enhanced forest fire prevention and management strategies in the region. The challenging terrain and susceptibility to wildfires necessitate a multi-pronged approach, including improved early warning systems, increased community involvement in fire prevention, and the development of more effective firefighting techniques suited to the region's unique geographical challenges. The scale of the damage on Mount Pulag serves as a stark warning, emphasizing the vulnerability of even the most pristine environments to the devastating effects of uncontrolled wildfires. The long-term consequences of this fire will undoubtedly be felt for years to come, underscoring the critical importance of investing in robust forest protection and conservation measures. The "playground of the gods" has suffered a significant blow, and the road to recovery will require concerted efforts from government agencies, local communities, and environmental organizations alike.

The recent eight-day wildfire that ravaged 191.54 hectares of Mount Pulag, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake, remains shrouded in uncertainty despite an investigation. While initial reports pointed towards potential causes linked to human activity, the subsequent investigation conducted by local authorities yielded inconclusive results, highlighting the challenges in determining the precise origin and responsibility for the devastating blaze.

Initial reports from Kabayan firemen suggested that the fire originated in Sitios Sacob and Abat of Barangay Adaoay, areas characterized by grazing cows and community gardens. This information, coupled with a report from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), pointed towards community livelihood activities as potential contributing factors to the wildfire. The OCD report emphasized that such activities are frequently implicated in forest fires throughout the Province of Benguet, highlighting the complex interplay between human activity and environmental vulnerability.

The OCD report further highlighted the multifaceted nature of the problem, noting that the fire was exacerbated by several factors beyond human activity. The biophysical conditions of the area, including the challenging terrain, high heat exposure, and prevailing winds, all contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. The report also cited shortcomings in forest fire management by concerned agencies and what it described as "the apparent indifference of the community people towards the prevention of forest fires." This assessment underscores the need for improved coordination among agencies responsible for forest fire prevention and management, as well as the crucial role of community engagement in mitigating the risk of wildfires.

However, despite these initial leads, the follow-up investigation conducted by Barangay Adaoay captain Roy Tomillas yielded no definitive conclusions. The investigation, hampered by a lack of willing witnesses, failed to identify any specific perpetrator or perpetrators responsible for starting the fire. This lack of concrete evidence underscores the difficulties inherent in investigating wildfires, especially in remote and sparsely populated areas. The absence of witnesses, coupled with the rapid spread of the fire, made it extremely challenging to trace the origin of the blaze and determine accountability.
The devastating consequences of the fire have prompted immediate action by the Mount Pulag park management. As a precautionary measure to ensure visitor safety, the southern ingress of the Akiki Trail, one of the primary paths leading to the summit, has been closed. This closure, while impacting access for hikers and visitors, prioritizes safety and underscores the severity of the damage caused by the wildfire.

The incident has also prompted renewed efforts in wildfire prevention and mitigation. In January, prior to the Mount Pulag fire, the Cordillera Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) reactivated its Inter-Agency Task Group for the Reduction of Fire Incidents and Effects of the El Niño Phenomenon. 
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