OFW Party List Reacts to Potential Deportation of 300,000 Undocumented Filipinos from the U.S.

The reported possibility of mass deportation affecting 300,000 undocumented Filipinos in the United States has sparked significant concern. While acknowledging the sovereign right of any nation to enforce its immigration laws, the OFW Party List expresses grave apprehension about the hardship this potential deportation could inflict on individuals and families who have established lives, careers, and communities in the U.S.

The party stresses that the uprooting of Filipinos from their homes and workplaces could lead to profound emotional and economic challenges. The disruption of these individuals’ livelihoods could have lasting repercussions for them and their families.

In light of these concerns, the OFW Party List is calling on the Philippine government to take proactive steps to mitigate the impact of a potential mass deportation. It is critical, they argue, for the government to implement comprehensive social safety nets, reintegration programs, and initiatives aimed at job retooling, reskilling, and employment facilitation. These measures should ensure that returning Filipinos are provided with opportunities that are at least comparable to the jobs they may be forced to leave behind in the United States.

The party also urges the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to ensure that Filipinos facing deportation are granted full access to due process. This includes the right to hearings and the ability to appeal, ensuring that their voices are heard and that they have a fair chance to present their cases. The OFW Party List emphasized its belief that the U.S. legal system, known for its commitment to fairness and justice, will uphold these principles as it carries out its immigration enforcement.

Regardless of whether these concerns come to fruition, the OFW Party List reaffirms its commitment to standing in solidarity with Filipinos in the United States as they face the uncertainty of stricter immigration policies. The party vows to continue advocating for their rights and well-being, both within the Philippines and abroad.