Big changes are happening in America! Many businesses are now struggling to find workers because of a government crackdown on undocumented immigrants. This includes many Filipinos who have been living and working in the U.S. for years.
Fear Among Workers
According to Filipino-American Mayor Arvin Amatorio of Bergenfield, New Jersey, a lot of undocumented immigrants have stopped showing up for work out of fear of being arrested and deported.
“They are scared. In some areas where workers usually wait for jobs, more than half of them have disappeared. Many businesses, like restaurants and construction companies, are now struggling because they can’t find workers,” he said.
Some employees are so afraid that they won’t even go to work, leaving business owners worried and short-staffed.
What Can Undocumented Filipinos Do?
Mayor Amatorio, who is also an immigration lawyer, is helping people find legal ways to stay in the U.S.. He strongly advises undocumented immigrants to talk to a lawyer immediately, especially if they have been in the U.S. for a long time and have no criminal record.
“This is not the time to wait. Even if you think there’s no hope, talk to a lawyer. There might be a way for you to legalize your stay in the U.S.,” he said.
The Risk of Deportation
Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez also gave advice:
If you’re undocumented, it’s better to fix your papers or go back to the Philippines before you get deported.
Even though there are fewer undocumented Filipinos in the U.S. (around 250,000 to 300,000), those who stay without proper documents could be sent back home anytime.
Mayor Amatorio also warned that those with criminal records are the first targets for deportation.
“If you have a criminal case or a deportation order, you are at high risk. Homeland Security and ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) are focusing on arresting people like you. The best thing to do might be to self-deport because staying here will be very difficult,” he explained.
Little Manila Feels the Impact
Because of the crackdown, many Filipinos are too afraid to leave their homes. This has caused a big change in New York City’s Little Manila, a famous area where many Filipinos shop, eat, and work.
Before: The streets were busy, with vendors selling Filipino delicacies like bibingka and taho.
Now: The streets are nearly empty, and the vendors are gone.
Even workers who used to send money home to their families in the Philippines are now struggling because they’re afraid to go to work.
A Time of Fear
Mayor Amatorio admitted that many Filipinos are living in fear because of these immigration policies.
“This is a difficult time. Many of our kababayans need help. I do what I can as a mayor and as a lawyer to support them,” he said.
With the future uncertain, undocumented Filipinos in the U.S. now face tough choices: find a way to stay legally, live in fear, or return home.
