- Filipino Community Braces for Potential Impact of US Foreign Aid Freeze
- US Deportation of Filipinos Continues: Concerns Rise Amidst Foreign Aid Review
Manila, Philippines - Over 20 Filipinos involved in illegal activities have been deported from the United States, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Romualdez revealed.
In an interview with DZBB on Sunday, January 26, Romualdez stated that while the crimes were not considered serious, the individuals were nonetheless deported. "They were involved in some criminal activity," he said, adding that approximately 24 Filipinos had been deported.
Earlier, in a January 20 interview, citing US government sources, Romualdez indicated that immigrants with criminal records would be prioritized for deportation alongside the 1.3 million immigrants already in the process.
This development follows the re-election of the US President, who has pledged to implement stricter immigration laws. Notably, he previously promised a mass deportation of undocumented immigrants with military assistance.
According to 2022 data from the US Department of Homeland Security, 350,000 Filipinos reside illegally in the United States. The Philippines ranks fifth among countries with the highest number of undocumented immigrants, trailing Honduras with 560,000.
Last November, the Department of Migrant Workers announced plans to provide support to over 300,000 undocumented Filipinos in the US who may face deportation.
No Concerns Over US Aid Suspension
Ambassador Romualdez downplayed concerns over a potential US foreign aid suspension, stating that the US government is currently reviewing foreign aid allocations to all countries.
"This is just a tough time for them to review their foreign aid to all other countries," he said.
On January 25, the US State Department issued a freeze order on foreign aid following the President's directive to pause and reassess aid allocations in alignment with the government's foreign policy.
While a broad freeze was implemented, exemptions were granted, including military financing for Israel and Egypt.
In July of last year, the United States announced a $500 million military aid package for the Philippines to bolster the country's defense capabilities amid rising tensions with China in the West Philippine Sea.
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