Learn US immigration law, envoys urged

(UPDATE) THE Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in San Francisco raised the need to equip Philippine missions in the United States with knowledge on how to assist Filipinos who would be affected by US President Donald Trump's order to deport illegal migrants. The PCG in San Francisco held a hybrid learning forum titled "2025 Critical Updates in US Immigration Law" on Jan. 23 at the Philippine Center in San Francisco. The event was attended by all PCG personnel, including representatives from attached agencies, and was joined by 30 participants from other Philippine foreign service posts across the US. The Philippines has six other PCG in the US: Agana (Guam), Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Honolulu (Hawaii) and Houston. Philippine Consul General to San Francisco Neil Frank Ferrer said the forum was an "important step in ensuring that the consulate is equipped with the right knowledge and insights to effectively guide those who may need assistance." "The Philippine Consulate General stands ready to extend consular services and appropriate assistance to Filipinos across its jurisdiction, regardless of immigration status," Ferrer said. Ferrer called on colleagues to empower themselves with the tools and insights necessary to provide effective support to Filipinos. "Together, we can rise to the challenge and ensure that no Filipino is left behind, no matter the circumstances," he said. Immigration lawyer Lourdes Tancinco served as the keynote speaker, providing insights on topics such as the current immigration landscape, policy changes under the Trump administration, and consular access rights under the Vienna Convention. Tancinco also outlined practical ways consular offices can assist the Filipino community, emphasizing the importance of advocacy, legal representation, emotional support, and collaboration with community organizations. The Philippine Embassy in Washington recently said it explored ways on how to provide free legal aid to undocumented Filipino immigrants in the US as the Trump administration intends to deport illegal migrants. Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez earlier said that 250,000 to 300,000 Filipinos illegally staying in the US or those without "any kind of status" should voluntarily return to the Philippines or start working on their documents. Trump vowed to conduct a crackdown on immigration and tighten border control during his campaign. Filipinos in the US have rights, regardless of their immigration status, the embassy said. The embassy said all immigrants in the US have rights to "remain silent in an encounter with law enforcement, refuse to sign anything that you do not understand, and contact the Philippine Embassy or Consulate General." Filipino immigrants also have the right to "refuse consent for immigration or the police to search yourself, your car, or your home and speak to an attorney before answering any questions," the embassy said. It also said that "all migrant workers" in the US have the right to be paid the applicable minimum wage for all hours worked, paid on time, and treated without discrimination or harassment. They also have the right to a safe work environment, form and join a union, file a claim without retaliation, and question your employer's pay or workplace practices. The embassy and the CGs also said that consular hotlines are "always available" to assist them in urgent situations. Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Wednesday said it is ready to provide assistance to Filipino deportees from the United States. In a media interview at a career event in Pasay City, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said the government, under the direction of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., will offer support to Filipinos facing deportation due to their immigration status. The president's order comes amid growing concerns over stricter US immigration policies under the administration of President Donald Trump. Twenty-four undocumented Filipinos have been deported, while around 80 are reportedly undergoing the deportation process. The administration's efforts will be led by the Department of Migrant Workers and the Department of Foreign Affairs, with DOLE offering additional support, Laguesma said. The government's response is aimed at providing assistance with reintegration, livelihood support, and other necessary services for returning nationals. Also this week, Reprive, a United Kingdom-based non-governmental organization (NGO), lauded the Philippines for its efforts in extending consular and legal assistance to distressed and vulnerable overseas Filipinos.