President Trump is serious in weeding out the bad elements immigrating to the US. The immigration is tasked to be stricter and to make sure only those who have the proper documents are allowed to stay in the US, whether for a holiday, studies, work, or to live there.
There are some basic rules or tips:
When you are traveling around the US, please carry your passport or travel documents with you.
Avoid crossing the border, for example, from San Diego to Tijuana, for a drink or pasyal. Too risky for now. You might not be able to reenter the US. I’ve seen news reports of Canadians doing that and they were refused to re-enter the US even if they have work permits.
Please read new updates to avoid being caught unaware.
On March 12, 2025, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) implemented an interim final regulation that requires certain visitors to the U.S. who plan to stay longer than 30 days to register their presence in the U.S. within 30 days of entering the U.S. by filing online the form G-325R. This requirement goes into effect from April 11, 2025. Anyone must register under this regulation, and those currently in the U.S. and who will remain there until May 11, 2025, and beyond, must register by May 11, 2025.
Go to the USCIS website to learn the details of this new regulation.
America is undergoing a swift transformation. Its culture, character, economic, and geopolitical landscape are changing. Some cities have deteriorated like our favorite San Francisco which was once clean, orderly, safe, and full of promises and opportunities.
I used to admire America’s infrastructures but now they need upgrading. I wish they have an efficient inter-city, inter-state high speed trains like in Europe. We can travel to as many cities and states during our short vacations.
America is still a nice place to visit and to have long vacations. It is home to our families, relatives, friends, extended relatives, acquaintances, classmates, neighbors. It is uncommon to find a Filipino without a personal connection with someone in the US.
It is second home to millions of Filipinos.
My recent trip to the US, from February 23 to March 12, was mainly to visit my two brothers. It now takes a longer time to combat jetlag. I was back already in Manila and still was suffering from jetlag. Because of my age, I needed more time to rest and have “me” time. I am now planning my next trip in June, for our annual Tan Family Reunion, which me and my sister host. I hope jetlag will not hit me hard this time.
