As Donald Trump begins another term, Filipino Americans under Trump’s administration are facing a mix of challenges and opportunities. Representing the third-largest Asian group in the U.S., Filipino Americans are preparing for potential policy changes that could impact immigration, employment, and international relations. While polls indicated strong Democratic leanings within the Asian American community, political behavior is often unpredictable.
Marc Ang, a leading Filipino American conservative organizer and Trump supporter, views the election results as a testament to Trump’s growing coalition. Ang, who has championed Trump within the Filipino American community, believes Trump will be a supportive partner for the Philippines, eager to strengthen ties and advance initiatives benefiting the Asian community.
Concerns Rise for Filipino Americans under Trump
Melissa Ramoso, co-founder of the Filipino Americans for Harris-Walz campaign, expressed deep concern over Harris’s defeat, fearing that vulnerable communities may suffer under Trump’s renewed administration. Having led Filipino American efforts for Clinton and Biden, Ramoso emphasized that issues like women’s rights, immigrant protections, health care, and education are at risk. She worries that this shift could undo hard-won progress and jeopardize the future for many.
Ambassador Warns Undocumented Filipinos to Seek Legal Status
Philippine Ambassador to the U.S., Jose Manuel Romualdez, has urged undocumented Filipino workers—estimated at 250,000 to 300,000—to begin the process of legalizing their status before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Romualdez warned that without legal assistance, they risk deportation and permanent re-entry bans. Trump’s recent electoral win, fueled by promises of “the largest deportation effort in American history,” has heightened concerns in the community. Trump affirmed his commitment to mass deportations, stating there’s “no choice” but to follow through.
Ambassador Romualdez estimated that most “TNTs” (short for tago nang tago, a Filipino term for individuals in hiding or overstaying abroad) will likely be discovered, given the interconnected U.S. agencies like immigration and TSA. He warned that even a simple photo shared with ICE could trigger deportation issues. With a Republican-led Congress, the Trump administration is expected to expedite stricter immigration laws, enforcing new policies on undocumented immigrants.
Potential Growth in Legal Work Opportunities
These potential new laws could impose stricter criteria for obtaining U.S. permanent residency, Romualdez noted. However, he highlighted that legal work opportunities for Filipinos might grow, especially in essential sectors. Guam officials, for instance, are in talks to hire more Filipino construction workers for military projects, praising their work ethic. Additionally, healthcare companies are seeking to recruit more Filipino nurses, enhancing the positive image of the Filipino community in the U.S.
This strong Filipino workforce presence adds depth to Philippine-U.S. relations, especially as Trump returns amid South China Sea tensions. While some expect less U.S. involvement in countering China, Romualdez believes defense cooperation will remain strong due to shared interests.
