New US immigration policy

Whenever the United States announces an adjustment to its immigration policies, we receive a lot of inquiries, and entire communities across America brace for impact.

- AMBASSADOR B. ROMUALDEZ

The headlines are often dramatic, the rhetoric emotional, with advocacy groups quick to sound the alarm.

But as the dust settles around the latest enforcement measures being rolled out, one fact that many officials here in Washington, DC readily acknowledge is that Filipinos are not necessarily targeted by these changes. Not even remotely.

The Filipino community remains one of the most respected immigrant groups in the US. From nurses and caregivers to engineers, professionals and service workers, Filipinos have become indispensable contributors to the American economy and society. More importantly, we have demonstrated a consistent respect for US laws, institutions and civic norms. That reputation matters immensely.

This is precisely why the recent tightening of immigration enforcement, particularly along America's southern border, does not directly affect the overwhelming majority of Filipinos. Unlike other nationalities caught up in irregular entries or mass border crossings, Filipinos typically enter through legal, documented pathways-employment visas, family-based petitions, medical recruitment programs or other structured processes that are lawful. The perception of Filipinos as law-abiding and constructive members of society is one of our greatest diplomatic assets.

However, there is a small minority of our citizens whose circumstances are more complicated those who overstayed visas or entered without proper documentation. Their fears are real, and their situations deserve empathy. Many simply sought better opportunities, driven by the desire to support families back home. But even as we extend compassion, we must also acknowledge a fundamental truth that no serious policymaker here will dispute: immigration enforcement in the United States is based on legality, not nationality.