Filipino Seafarers Face U.S. Entry Issues

The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. has launched an investigation following reports that Filipino seafarers were denied entry into the United States despite holding valid work visas. As reported by Maritime Executive, embassy officials confirmed they are coordinating with the U.S. Department of State and Department of Homeland Security to clarify the reasons behind the recent incidents.

 

According to early reports, several Filipino crew members were offloaded or deported from ships arriving at U.S. ports, including cruise vessels operating on the East Coast and the Great Lakes. The affected seafarers had undergone the standard background checks and visa procedures before deployment.

 

The Philippine Department of Migrant Workers told senators in Manila that at least 93 Filipino seafarers have been deported from the United States since early 2025, with most cases occurring after the new administration took office. Advocacy groups claim many of these workers were sent home without due process or clear explanations, raising concerns about the fairness and transparency of the procedures.

 

The embassy emphasized that it continues to engage with American authorities to ensure that proper consular notifications are followed in all cases involving Filipino nationals. It also denied rumors circulating online about a supposed U.S. crackdown on dual citizens, calling the reports “unfounded.”

 

Source: Maritime Executive

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