By Wilnard Bacelonia
MANILA – Senator Raffy Tulfo said Friday he has brought to the attention of United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson the plight of Filipino seafarers who claimed they were unfairly deported by US immigration authorities.
Tulfo, who chairs the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, said he used his recent dinner meeting with Carlson to present the accounts of seafarers who testified during a Senate hearing on Aug. 13.
“During our meeting, I raised the serious concerns of our Filipino seafarers to Ambassador Carlson and brought to her attention those who have been refused entry and deported by the CBP (Customs and Border Protection) and ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), even without evidence,” he said.
He added that Carlson assured him the issue would be reviewed.
“Ambassador Carlson said that this is the current immigration policy of the US and stressed that Filipino seafarers are not specifically targeted. Nonetheless, she promised to study and look into the situation closely, acknowledging that Filipino seafarers, being vital agents of maritime commerce, contribute to their economy as a whole,” he said.
At the Senate hearing, the seafarers recounted how ICE agents boarded their ship when it docked at a US territory and inspected their mobile phones for child pornographic materials.
Despite finding none, some crew members were denied entry, detained, and eventually deported.
Carlson clarified to Tulfo that while immigration standards have become stricter since the administration of US President Donald Trump began, the policy applies to all nationalities.
Tulfo said the Senate would continue monitoring the issue to ensure the protection of Filipino migrant workers, particularly seafarers. (PNA)
