On November, 23, 2024, more than 70 Filipinos and community supporters rallied in front of the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles to demand that the Philippine government defend undocumented Filipinos and migrant workers ahead of anticipated mass deportations under the incoming Trump administration.
During a “one news” interview posted on November 19, Philippine Ambassador to the U.S., Jose Romualdez, announced that Undersecretary of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, Eduardo de Vega, would visit Los Angeles that weekend to discuss ways to support undocumented Filipinos. This announcement came weeks after Romualdez received backlash for recklessly advising Filipinos to self-deport given Trump’s election.
Despite the alleged meeting to discuss addressing concerns of undocumented Filipinos, there was no public notice on the Philippine Consulate or Embassy’s websites inviting community members to provide input.
Given the widespread fear and concern for the safety and livelihood among at least 300,000 undocumented Filipinos in the U.S. and their families, Migrante USA alongside BAYAN USA gathered concerns from Filipino migrants across the U.S. seeking to demand the following from our government:
- Do NOT cooperate with the US Department of Homeland Security in any manner, especially not to deport, harass, or surveil our kababayan. Support with the release of Filipino Nationals in ICE detention, including Jovi, Dhenmark, and Ligaya, and ensure their welfare.
- Provide immediate assistance and support to undocumented Filipinos. Remove barriers to accessing services and aid, such as asking for documentation status. Provide factual and correct information and resources on the rights and welfare of undocumented Filipinos in Tagalog other Philippine languages; do not spread misinformation.
- Stop refusing to meet with Filipino Nationals in Distress! Assist them immediately, including immediate assistance to the Florida 15, United 6, Amity Workers, and other Filipino migrant workers facing trafficking and wage theft. Hold abusive Filipino employers accountable, including pushing for prosecution in the Philippines as applicable. In addition, release ATN to Filipino workers facing homelessness & evictions.
- End all surveillance and intimidation of Filipinos seeking government support, as well as those advocating for economic justice and opposing political repression.
- Be transparent with the DFA and DMW budget and give priority to services, rights, and welfare. No to funds for pork barrel, surveillance and war!
- Ensure job stability, regular hours, living wages, & safe working conditions in the Philippines in order to sustain Filipinos and our families in the country and keep our families together.
Para sa mga kababayan: kapag tayo ay nagsama-sama at nagkakaisa, hindi natin kailangang matakot. Ipagtanggol natin ang ating mga karapatan. Makibaka, huwag matakot!
We call on our fellow Filipinos to come together to protect our community and fight for our rights and welfare. Join an organization. Join the national democratic movement. Defend migrant workers!