THE Department of Foreign Affairs has allotted funds to cover plane tickets for undocumented Filipinos in the United States, who want to return to Manila amid expected changes in immigration policy under the incoming Donald Trump administration.
There are some 4.6 million Filipinos in the US, including about 300,000 illegally staying there.
The Philippine Consulate General in New York City said the funds will come from the Assistance to Nationals (ATN) allocated to each consulate. Aside from the embassy in Washington, the Philippines also maintains consulates in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Honolulu, and Guam.
“Filipino citizens in the United States who need help for repatriation may be eligible to access the ATN Fund. Once they have made the decision to go home, they may visit our Assistance to Nationals Section, which is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM,” the consulate said.
“They can also consult via email at newyorkpcg.atn@dfa.gov.ph. In cases of urgent need, our mobile hotline is (917) 294-0196,” it added.
Consul General Senen Mangalile said they are ready to provide assistance to Filipinos who may be affected if the Trump administration will push through with its plan for the mass deportation of undocumented immigrants.
“We want to reassure our kababayan that the consulate, as an agency of the Philippine government, is committed to assisting Filipino citizens regardless of their immigration status,” Mangalile said.
“We will assist within the bounds of what we can legally do, as far as the resources that the DFA can make available to us will allow, and with due respect to US laws,” he added.
Many of the over 4.6 million Filipinos in the US, and Filipino Americans, are living in California, Hawaii, New Jersey, Texas, Illinois and Washington DC.
Filipinos make up the fifth largest group of undocumented immigrants.
Ambassador Jose Martin Romualdez earlier met with the consul generals to map out plans on how to assist undocumented Filipinos in the US.
Romualdez said embassy and consulate officials will also further intensify their engagement with US officials to advocate and ensure the protection of the rights of Filipinos in the US.
Romualdez has said many Filipinos, especially those staying illegally in the United States, are anxious about Trump’s plan to deport illegal immigrants.
Trump, a Republican who will make a comeback at the White House, is expected to declare illegal immigration a national emergency when he takes office on Jan. 20, 2025.
