On 30 January 2025, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., President of the Philippines announced his intent to meet with President Donald Trump to discuss immigration policies in light of the big changes to immigration policy proposed by the U.S. president during his campaign. Given the large number of Filipino migrants in the United States, the meeting is essential not only to strengthen ties between the two leaders but also to guard the Filipinos currently residing in the country and the possibility of Filipinos to migrate, work, and build a life in the United States in the future. President Marcos hopes that they can work together in order to ensure that the immigration policies are mutually beneficial and that the relationship between the United States and the Philippines remains strong. 

Filipino immigrants have long influenced American culture and have been one of the largest sources of significant migration to the United States for years. Many Filipinos even before the Trump administration faced challenges including visa delays and limited opportunities to acquire legal status. Given the increasing tension around global migration, exacerbated by climate change, economic instability, and humanitarian needs, tension has only increased. 

Trump has enacted multiple executive orders targeting immigration policy, including stricter border security, getting rid of birthright citizenship, cracking down on illegal immigrants, and making the process of getting work and school visas even more difficult to obtain. This makes this meeting and President Marco’s agenda more important as Trump’s orders come into effect.  According to the Pew Research Center “4.1 million Filipino Americans lived in the United States as of 2022, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Filipinos account for 17% of the nation’s total Asian American population,” emphasizing the dire need of this diplomatic appointment. He remains hopeful in his pursuit saying “We will see how we can influence policymaking in terms of immigration.”

Additionally, given the escalating tension between China and the Philippines, in recent years over the rights of the South China Sea,  and between China and the United States over trade and recent sanctions, it’s beneficial for both countries to abide by a mutually beneficial agreement in regard to immigration, therefore maintaining peaceful diplomatic relations moving forward. Aiding in their fight against China’s encroachment on Filipino territory, the U.S. can maintain their presence in the region to assist in creating mutually beneficial trade agreements and improving diplomatic relations in the region

To conclude, the United States and the Philippines have had a long mutually beneficial history, serving the national and social interests of both countries, maintaining regional peace, and fostering fair diplomatic relations. Therefore Marco’s intent to discuss immigration policies serves as a critical moment that will largely shape future discussions and reforms, as he looks to address both long-standing and current issues related to immigration policies and U.S.-Filipino relations going forward. With great anticipation, we wait for the meeting to commence.