Amidst ongoing shifts in U.S. immigration policies, the Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce Texas Greater Houston Region (PACCTX-GHR) hosted a timely and impactful event aimed at equipping immigrants with the knowledge they need to navigate the current landscape. Held on February 20, 2025, at the Courtyard by Marriott in Stafford, Texas, the session featured Atty. Gary J. Ilagan, a distinguished immigration attorney with 29 years of expertise. Board Certified in Immigration and Nationality Law since 2000, Atty. Ilagan has been named Houston’s Immigration “Lawyer of the Year” and is consistently recognized as a Texas Super Lawyer.
Atty. Ilagan’s presentation, “Immigration under Trump 2.0,” provided an in-depth analysis of the sweeping changes enacted through recent executive orders. These changes include expansions to expedited removal policies, the termination of humanitarian programs like Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and stricter requirements for non-citizens to register with federal authorities. He emphasized the implications of these shifts, highlighting increased deportations and heightened enforcement efforts targeting undocumented individuals.
The session also featured the distribution of vital resources to help immigrants understand their legal protections and responsibilities. These included the “Know Your Rights” flyer and card, prepared by the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), which outline critical constitutional protections. These materials stress the right to remain silent, the right to deny entry to immigration officers without a valid search warrant, and the right to legal counsel before signing documents. Participants also received a glossary of immigration terms and explanations of key documents such as visas, green cards, and employment authorization forms, which aim to clarify complex immigration processes.
(From the Left, PACCTX-GHR Auditor Ann Garcia, Region Chair Margarita Truong, Founder Bobby Reyes, Houston PCG Consul Von Ryan Pangwi, Board Member Marilyn Rogers, Founder Mr. Florencio Guinhawa, Region Vice Chair Jun Juguilon, PACCTX State Auditor Annabelle Gabad, and Atty. Gary Ilagan)
During his remarks, Atty. Ilagan urged the community to take proactive steps in safeguarding their legal rights. He recommended maintaining documentation to prove continuous residence in the United States, such as leases, utility bills, and employment records. He also emphasized the importance of seeking qualified legal representation when needed. Employers were reminded of their obligations to strengthen compliance protocols, particularly regarding I-9 audits and workplace raids, to mitigate potential legal risks.
Adding further prominence to the event, the newly appointed Houston PCG Consul Von Ryan Pangwi was in attendance. His presence underscored the collaborative efforts between Filipino-American organizations and the Philippine Consulate in addressing the needs of the community.
(From the Top Left, PACCTX-GHR Member Atty. Orly Dizon, Secretary Cora Flores, Houston PCG Consul Von Ryan Pangwi, Founder Bobby Reyes, Region Vice Chair Jun Juguilon; from the bottom left, State Auditor Annabelle Gabad, Chamber Board Marilyn Rogers, and PACCTX-GHR Region Chair, Margarita Truong)
The event exemplified PACCTX-GHR’s commitment to empowering Filipino-Americans and fostering resilience amid ongoing immigration challenges. As immigration policies continue to evolve, PACCTX-GHR remains dedicated to organizing events and initiatives that inform and uplift the community. For additional information or assistance, individuals are encouraged to reach out to trusted immigration attorneys or local advocacy organization.
