Quezon City: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has advised undocumented and overstaying Filipinos in the United States to maintain a low profile and take steps to legalize their stay. This advisory comes in response to the Trump administration’s intensified immigration policies.

According to Philippines News Agency, during the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo Jose De Vega emphasized that the DFA is ready to assist Filipinos seeking help from the Philippine Embassy or consulates in the US. He urged undocumented Filipinos to seek legalization opportunities, highlighting President Donald Trump’s willingness to work with Democrats on finding ways to legalize productive undocumented immigrants who are not categorized as “criminals and terrorists.”

De Vega pointed out that all undocumented Filipinos initially entered the US with valid visas, suggesting that their documents have since expired. He reassured the community that mass deportation of the estimated 300,000 undocumented Filipinos is unlikely by the end of Trump’s term. Furthermore, he noted that legal avenues exist for those targeted for deportation to contest their status and potentially extend their stay in the US.

During Trump’s first presidency, the US deported a smaller number of undocumented Filipinos each month compared to the Obama administration. De Vega urged caution in drawing conclusions about potential increases in deportations until data is available in the coming months.

The Philippine government, he assured, is prepared to respond should mass deportations occur. The DFA can utilize its Assistance-to-Nationals fund, and the Department of Migrant Workers’ Aksyon Fund is also available to provide legal, medical, and financial assistance to affected overseas Filipino workers. De Vega confirmed that discussions between President Trump and the Philippine President have taken place, with the assurance of support from the Philippine ambassador in the US.