As we mark Philippine-American Friendship Day—and reflect on American Independence Day—it’s hard to ignore the complicated realities facing many immigrant communities. While these holidays are meant to celebrate freedom and alliance, recent government decisions—like proposed cuts to Medicaid and a ballooning ICE budget—paint a different picture for many Filipinos and immigrants trying to build a life in the U.S.
In light of these concerns, I spoke with immigration lawyer Flomy Diza to break down what Filipino families need to know right now. From green card questions to policy updates, here are 7 timely questions to help navigate this shifting landscape.
Flomy Diza: Thank you so much for having me. As someone who’s worked in immigration law for over two decades, I’ve witnessed firsthand how immigration shapes lives—bringing families back together, opening doors to opportunity, and sometimes, causing heartache when the process is misunderstood or misused.
Filipinos are among the most resilient and hard-working immigrants in the United States.
Whether it’s through family reunification, employment, or education, many of us carry hopes not only for ourselves—but for our loved ones here and back home.
Today, I’m excited to share insights into the most common immigration pathways we’re seeing, how to avoid delays and scams, and what people can do if they’ve fallen out of status. More importantly, I hope we can empower our kababayans with the right information so they can pursue their American dreams with confidence and caution.
What are the most common immigration pathways you see Filipinos taking today—and what should they know before starting the process?
Filipinos typically immigrate to the United States through family-based petitions,
employment-based visas, and fiancé(e) or marriage-based applications. Among these, family reunification remains the most common route, particularly through petitions filed by U.S. citizen spouses, children, or parents. However, there is a growing number of Filipinos pursuing employment-based immigration, particularly under the EB-2 and EB-3 categories, including EB-3 “other workers,” which provide opportunities for professionals, nurses, and skilled or semi-skilled workers.
Before beginning the immigration process, it is essential for applicants to understand the specific visa category under which they qualify and the priority dates associated with it. Some family-based categories, such as those for siblings or married adult children of U.S. citizens, may involve long wait times—often spanning many years—so managing expectations and timelines is critical. Working with a licensed and experienced immigration attorney is strongly recommended to ensure that forms are properly completed, deadlines are met, and legal strategies are carefully followed.
Applicants should also maintain copies of all documentation and be completely honest throughout the process. Any misrepresentation, even unintentional, can lead to serious consequences, including denial of benefits or permanent inadmissibility. A well-informed and well-prepared approach increases the likelihood of a successful immigration journey.
For families trying to reunite—especially petitioning parents, children, or siblings—what’s the current timeline like, and are there ways to navigate delays?
Timelines vary widely:
Immediate relatives (spouses, parents, unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens) face no wait for a visa, but processing can still take 12–18 months.
Other family categories (like siblings and married children) face long backlogs—sometimes 10–20+ years for the Philippines.
To navigate delays:
File early—priority dates matter.
Respond to USCIS or NVC notices promptly.
Keep addresses updated and monitor case status online.
In some cases, expedite requests or Humanitarian Reinstatement or Section 204(l)
reinstatement (if petitioner dies) may be options.
What advice would you give to someone who may have overstayed their visa or is undocumented but wants to fix their status?
First and foremost: Don’t lose hope—but don’t wait either. The immigration landscape under the renewed Trump administration is expected to be far more aggressive, with increased enforcement, raids, and streamlined removal procedures. That means those who are undocumented or overstayed their visa should act now—before policies tighten even further.
Here’s what I strongly advise:
Consult a licensed immigration attorney immediately. Do not rely on friends, notarios, or social media. Every case is different, and your options depend on your entry, family ties, work history, and past immigration or criminal record.
Explore potential relief:
If married to a U.S. citizen or have a U.S. citizen child over 21, you may qualify for adjustment of status or a waiver.
Victims of domestic violence or serious crimes may qualify under VAWA, U visas (victim of crimes) , or T visas (Trafficking victims) .
Long-term residents may be eligible for cancellation of removal—but only if placed in court proceedings.
Those in removal proceedings might benefit from motions to reopen, or deferred action, depending on the facts.
Above all, take proactive steps now. A future policy change might offer relief—but your best protection is to have your case reviewed and prepared before you’re targeted. Immigration under this administration will get tougher—but there are still legal options available for those who act early and wisely.
How do you help protect clients from immigration scams or “notarios” who take advantage of the community?
We actively educate clients about the difference between licensed immigration attorneys and unlicensed “notarios” who are not authorized to provide legal advice in the U.S.
We advise people to:
Check if someone is a licensed attorney through the State Bar website.
Avoid anyone guaranteeing results or offering fake immigration “shortcuts.”
Never sign blank forms or pay for services without written contracts and receipts.
Report scams to USCIS, ICE, or state consumer protection agencies.
Unfortunately, we continue to see clients whose applications were denied after being prepared by unlicensed individuals or notarios. Rebuilding a case after denial is often more difficult, more expensive, and may leave clients with fewer legal options.
Remember: only licensed attorneys or accredited representatives are authorized to provide legal immigration advice. Immigrants have limited recourse against notarios, so don’t risk your future. Seek qualified legal help from the beginning.
What are the risks that green card holders should watch out for to avoid
accidentally losing their status—especially when traveling abroad or changing jobs?
Green card holders enjoy many of the rights and privileges of lawful permanent residence in the United States, but they must also be mindful of certain risks that could jeopardize their status. One major concern is extended travel abroad. Staying outside the U.S. for more than six months—especially for a year or longer without first obtaining a reentry permit—can raise questions about whether the individual has abandoned their U.S. residence, which may result in being denied reentry or even placed in removal proceedings.
Green card holders are also required to file U.S. tax returns as residents, regardless of where they live or earn income; failure to do so can be interpreted as a sign of abandoning residency. In addition, any criminal activity, even seemingly minor offenses or misdemeanors, can have serious immigration consequences and may lead to deportation. While permanent residents generally have the freedom to change jobs, those who obtained their green card through employment-based sponsorship should exercise caution when switching employers within the first six months, as premature job changes may raise red flags with immigration authorities and could affect future naturalization or green card renewal.
Most importantly, green card holders must never falsely claim U.S. citizenship, register to vote, or vote in U.S. elections, as doing so constitutes a serious immigration violation that could result in the loss of permanent resident status and removal from the country. Understanding and following these rules is essential to maintaining lawful permanent resident status and eventually becoming eligible for U.S. citizenship.
For young Filipino Dreamers or students on F-1 visas, what are the most realistic paths forward right now given the changing immigration landscape?
For young Filipino Dreamers and students on F-1 visas, navigating the U.S. immigration system requires careful planning—especially in today’s climate of heightened scrutiny on international students. The most realistic paths forward start with maintaining lawful F-1 status by staying enrolled full-time and in good academic standing at a SEVP-certified school. To extend their stay in the U.S., students may pursue higher academic degrees, switch to another degree level (such as from a bachelor’s to a master’s program), or transfer to another SEVP-approved institution—so long as they maintain valid SEVIS and I-20 documentation throughout.
Another critical step is gaining U.S. work experience through programs like Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which allows students to work while studying if their academic program requires it, and Optional Practical Training (OPT), which permits up to 12 months of work authorization after graduation. STEM graduates can apply for a 24-month extension, giving them up to three years of work authorization. OPT is a key stepping stone to longer-term employment opportunities and even permanent residency, although students should remain alert to any changes or restrictions that may arise under evolving immigration policies.
After completing OPT, many F-1 students pursue H-1B status through employer sponsorship. The H-1B visa is particularly valuable because it permits “dual intent”—allowing holders to simultaneously apply for permanent residence. From there, pathways to a green card include employment-based categories such as EB-2 and EB-3 for professionals, or the EB-1 category for individuals with extraordinary ability in their field, which allows for a faster, self-petitioned route to permanent residency. By remaining informed, compliant, and proactive, Filipino students can continue to build a future in the U.S. despite the shifting immigration landscape.
What do you wish more people in the Filipino community knew about their
rights—or the immigration process in general?
Many in the Filipino community are unaware that they have rights under U.S. law regardless of their immigration status. For example, if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) comes to your home, you are not required to open the door unless they present a valid warrant signed by a judge. You also have the right to remain silent and to request legal representation before answering any questions. These basic protections can make a significant difference in how a case unfolds.
It is also important to understand that immigration is not a one-size-fits-all process. Every case is unique, and what worked for a cousin, neighbor, or friend may not be applicable—or even legal—for your particular situation. Even lawful permanent residents (green card holders) are not immune from removal; mistakes such as failing to file taxes properly, prolonged travel abroad, or certain criminal charges can lead to deportation. That’s why staying informed about the responsibilities tied to your status is just as important as knowing your rights.
Most importantly, individuals should not wait until a crisis occurs to seek help.
Acting early—whether to explore a path to lawful status, renew a green card, or consult an attorney about options—can prevent larger problems down the road. Immigration issues are often complex, but getting accurate legal advice can protect your family, your future, and the dreams you’ve worked so hard to build. Never be afraid to ask for help — empowerment starts with knowledge.
At the heart of every immigration case is a story—a story of love, sacrifice, hope, and determination. Our Filipino community is full of those stories. And while U.S. immigration laws can be complex, they are also full of opportunities for those who are guided by truth, patience, and the right legal support.
-Flomy Javier Diza
At the heart of every immigration case is a story—a story of love, sacrifice, hope, and determination. Our Filipino community is full of those stories. And while U.S. immigration laws can be complex, they are also full of opportunities for those who are guided by truth, patience, and the right legal support.
Whether you’re petitioning a parent, studying on an F-1 visa, or worried about your status—know that you are not alone. There are legal solutions and resources available. But the key is to seek qualified help, understand your rights, and take action early.
Let’s continue educating and empowering each other, so no one in our community falls victim to scams or silence. Together, we can protect families, fix broken paths, and help more kababayans turn uncertainty into security—and dreams into reality. Maraming salamat po.
Flomy J. Diza
