“There had earlier been attempts by the US government to crack down on TNTs, but this time the Trump EO appears determined”
AS HE promised, newly elected US President Donald Trump issued an executive order to deport illegal immigrants, which includes an estimated 350,000 Filipino TNTS (tago ng tago) out of the estimated 4.5 million Filipinos living there.
Most of the Filipinos who migrated to the US live in the western side of the mainland, away from the frigid winters of the eastern side of the country. Actually, the Trump EO is directed against those who cross the American border dividing the US from Mexico, which affects not only Mexicans but also immigrants from Central and South America.
Considering the great number of Filipino illegals or TNTs being deported, the Marcos government should be concerned on how to help the Filipino TNTs when they get deported, and how to help them.
Personally, I know of families here in the Philippines who are worried about sons and daughters who will be deported. Trump’s EO includes those Filipinos who entered into fake marriages in an attempt to get documented.
There had earlier been attempts by the US government to crack down on TNTs, but this time the Trump EO appears determined.
The problem now is that most of the TNTs are working and have jobs in the US. Santa Banana, that seems to be a big concern of the TNTS’ families left behind in the Philippines who have become dependent on the FIlipino illegals for their sustenance.
Actually, those Filipino TNTs went to the US in anticipation of the “American Dream,” thinking the US roads are paved with gold.
It’s easy for us Filipinos to say they deserve what they are getting because of being illegals, but personally, I pity them. I know many other Filipinos who would also like to live in America, but not now with inflation and the high prices, including homelessness, that have become a big problem in the US.
In another story of Filipinos living in the US, the recent and ongoing catastrophic wildfires in Los Angeles is another problem Santa Banana!
Insofar as Los Angeles is concerned, there are fears that sooner or later the well-known San Andreas Fault will cause catastrophic disaster.. Those living in Los Angeles never knew that catastrophic wildfire would hit Los Angeles. Well, now it is happening.
As of this writing, thank heavens, the wildfires have been 75 percent contained. Some 40 to 50 thousand acres were burned, including Pacific Palisades where the high-end houses are located.
My wife and I were very worried for our eldest son Vic and his family whose house in Glassell Park was threatened by the wildfires.
I can only quote what my son Vic had to say:
“The devastation in Los Angeles has dwindled down. Containment of the fires is now at 75 percent and climbing. For those who have seen the devastation, words cannot describe the misery.
“It was too much even for me to bear. The worst is over but the emotional and mental trauma has hit millions of residents who have lost everything, not only their homes and businesses, but the decades of memories burnt to ashes.
“A very small percentage (the affluent ones) of those displaced have the means to rebuild and start again, but the larger majority, what happens to them? Not only have they lost their entire livelihood, but they have also lost their means of income and some, their loved ones.”
Now will be the long tedious maze of rebuilding. What a mess. It is estimated the cost of the fires, the cost of rebuilding will be in the billions of dollars.
Let this be a learning experience for other cities and localities to learn and develop from this calamity. We will have more fires, more floods and more devastation to come. Are we ready? This also serves as a forecast of events to come.
In every catastrophe in life, the good comes out from people willing to and eager to help with no malice and ill intent, but there are also people who prey on the disadvantaged. Where do you stand with this?
As the days progress, we will be able to move on and continue our life, but can we really move on?
What have we learned from all these?
This is all subjective on who you are and how you look at life. As for me, your life can change with a clink of an eye. All the earthly goods we have are nothing compared to your character and foremost, your life.
You be the judge on where you stand.
