Philippine Embassy Legal Aid Clinic Highlights Urgent Needs of Filipino Undocumented in the U.S.

Atty. Miles Sanchez and Mr. Jonathas Alves (2nd and 1st from left, respectively) join Chargé d’Affaires Jaime Ramon Ascalon and Consul General Donna Rodriguez.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Philippine Embassy’s recent weeklong free legal aid clinic on U.S. immigration laws has drawn attention to the growing concerns of Filipinos living in the United States without legal status.

From August 4 to 8, 2025, U.S. immigration attorney Atty. Miles Sanchez provided safe, confidential, and cost-free one-on-one consultations to Filipinos and Filipino Americans on matters such as family- and employment-based immigration, investor visas, and deportation defense. More than 30 individuals sought legal advice in person or via videoconference, many of them grappling with expired visas, unresolved petitions, or the risk of removal.

The Philippine Embassy said the initiative was part of its commitment to providing accessible legal assistance to Filipinos in the U.S., especially those who cannot afford professional legal services.

“Immigration is incredibly complex and often costly. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, as every person’s situation is unique,” noted Chargé d’Affaires Jaime Ramon Ascalon Jr. “That’s why this free one-on-one legal clinic was so important for our kababayan. We sincerely thank Atty. Sanchez for making this partnership possible.”

According to U.S. Department of Homeland Security estimates, tens of thousands of Filipinos are believed to be living in the United States without legal immigration status. Many entered legally on tourist, student, or work visas but became undocumented after overstaying. Others are facing the breakdown of family or employment petitions, leaving them in limbo.

Advocates say undocumented Filipinos often face limited job opportunities, lack of access to health care, and fear of deportation, all of which make them vulnerable to exploitation. Despite these challenges, many remain in the U.S. to provide for their families back home, sending remittances that contribute significantly to the Philippine economy.

The Embassy announced that its next free legal aid clinic, this time focused on Philippine law, will take place on September 12, 2025.