Washington, D.C.— The Philippine government has firmly reminded U.S. immigration authorities that deported Filipino nationals must be repatriated directly to the Philippines, not rerouted through third-party countries. The statement came amid reports that some undocumented Filipinos in the U.S. were expelled to nations like El Salvador rather than their homeland.
Philippine Ambassador to the United States, Jose Manuel Romualdez, addressed the issue in a media briefing with journalists from the Philippines and Japan, highlighting the government’s position on the humane and dignified return of its citizens.
“We have been very clear: every Filipino, regardless of legal status or circumstances, is welcome to come home,” said Romualdez. “Sending our citizens to unfamiliar countries undercuts their rights and undermines the trust between our nations.”
The ambassador confirmed that between 100 and 300 Filipinos have been deported this year, many facing allegations ranging from visa overstay to criminal conduct. While he acknowledged the U.S. government’s sovereign right to enforce its laws, Romualdez emphasized that deportation practices must respect international norms and the receiving country’s consent.
‘No to third-country deportation’
Romualdez described instances where deportees were rerouted to nations that had no cultural, legal, or personal ties to the individuals involved—raising alarm within the Philippine diplomatic corps.
“It is not in our national character to disown our people,” he said. “We do not turn our backs on our own—regardless of what they’ve done. Our job is to help them rebuild, not abandon them to unfamiliar territory.”
Legal help, not fear
The Philippine Embassy continues to urge undocumented Filipinos in the U.S. to seek legal counsel. The mission has partnered with a network of Filipino-American immigration attorneys—many of whom offer free or low-cost consultations—to provide accurate legal guidance and avert hasty deportation orders.
“We always encourage our kababayans to consult licensed immigration lawyers,” Romualdez added. “There are Filipino legal experts here who are not only competent but also committed to protecting our community.”
Keeping the door open—and dignified
Assistance desks remain active in various Philippine consulates across the United States, providing documentation help, legal referrals, and emergency aid for those at risk of deportation. Still, Romualdez noted the embassy’s role is limited by the need to preserve strong bilateral ties.
“We are working within the bounds of diplomacy,” he said. “But our message is clear: if a Filipino must be deported, let them come home—not be dropped somewhere they’ve never known.”
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security reported that over 158,000 individuals were deported this year. While many are returned to their home countries, human rights advocates warn against a growing trend of third-country deportations—an issue Manila is now challenging head-on.
