Romualdez to Filipinos with no clear legal status: Get out before ICE gets you

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez has renewed a stark warning to Filipinos whose immigration status may be on shaky ground: consider leaving the country voluntarily before you end up in detention.

Romualdez issued the warning as the Trump administration intensifies its immigration crackdown and tightens visa policies across the United States.

Speaking in a radio interview Friday, the ambassador said Filipinos who have a legitimate legal basis to remain in the U.S. should continue pursuing their cases. But for those whose path to legal status is uncertain, he said voluntary departure may be the safer option.

“If their legal status is questionable, it’s best that they voluntarily leave,” Romualdez said.

He warned that Filipinos who fail to secure legal status could face detention while immigration authorities process their cases — a situation that could last for months.

Romualdez said some detainees could remain in custody for two, three or even six months, even if they have no criminal record.

“That is what I fear, that they could be detained,” he said.

The ambassador also made clear that the Philippine Embassy and its consulates have limited options when dealing with Filipinos who have no legal basis to remain in the United States.

“We cannot help you if you really have no basis for your legal stay in the United States,” Romualdez said.

Filipinos with pending immigration applications were urged to seek advice from a qualified U.S. immigration attorney or accredited legal service provider before making any decision about their status.

The warning comes amid changes to U.S. immigrant visa processing worldwide. The U.S. State Department said visa appointments at embassies and consulates are being adjusted as personnel undergo a global training initiative.

The Philippine Embassy has meanwhile reminded Filipino nationals to comply with U.S. immigration laws and to immediately seek professional legal advice if they have questions or concerns about their current status.

For thousands of Filipinos navigating an increasingly aggressive immigration environment, Romualdez’s message was blunt: know your legal status and don’t wait until immigration authorities come knocking.