Hontiveros Seeks Government Action on US Immigration Crackdown

Shan Charies Cabigao, March 2025

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros has called on the Philippine government to take immediate action in assisting Filipinos at risk of deportation from the United States amid the Trump administration’s intensified immigration crackdown, as stated in a press release on March 7, 2025.

“The Philippine government has an obligation to protect all Filipino nationals, wherever they are in the world,” Hontiveros said in a statement. “Kung may mga Pilipinong tuluyang ma-deport pabalik ng Pilipinas, dapat handa narin ang gobyerno para tanggapin at suportahan sila,” she added.

Senator Hontiveros called on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to allocate funds for possible repatriation.

Senator Risa also called on the Philippine Embassy in the US and its consulates to ensure that Filipinos facing deportation are informed of their legal rights and have access to proper legal assistance.

The Senator made the appeal after meeting with leaders of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA), who highlighted the struggles of undocumented Filipinos in the US.

APALA emphasized that many Filipinos could still seek remedies under US immigration laws. However, without proper legal assistance, they may face deportation without due process.

“Huwag nating hayaang maabuso ang mga kababayan natin sa Amerika,” Hontiveros said.

The lawmaker also underscored the constitutional duty of the Philippine government to protect overseas Filipinos, especially amid rising anti-immigrant sentiments.

“Sa panahong talamak ang mga pagbabanta at pananakot sa mga foreigner sa Amerika, sana huwag talikuran ng ating gobyerno ang ating kapwa Pilipino,” she added.

Meanwhile, last January 30, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. released a statement expressing his intent to initiate immigration talks with US President Donald Trump to address the concerns of Filipinos in the US.