Empowering Filipino Migrant Workers in Their Struggles

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Jul 5

An abundant number of Filipino workers migrate to the United States in search of a better career, education, and overall better life. Research has shown that the population of Filipinos in the U.S. rose from 2.3 million in the year 2000 to 4.2 million in 2019. With their numbers steadily growing, it is essential to recognize the challenges they face, their contributions, and the nature of the jobs they have.

The Reality of Filipino Migrant Workers

Filipino migration has a rich history that spans both domestically and internationally. The Philippines is recognized as one of the world's largest labor-exporting countries, with a significant number of its citizens seeking employment opportunities overseas. Although many get the life that they want and become successful, not all are able to achieve the American dream. The top 3 out of 10 in-demand jobs for Filipinos in America are Healthcare Workers, Construction/labor, and General Work.

4 Reasons Why Filipinos Migrate to the US

There are several reasons why Filipinos migrate to the U.S, here are 4 reasons why:

Professional Development and Career Growth

The United States provides a fertile ground for professional development and career growth across various industries. Filipino professionals, particularly those in specialized fields such as healthcare, engineering, IT, finance, and education, seek opportunities to advance their careers and gain international exposure.

Educational Advancement

The United States offers world-renowned educational institutions, making it an attractive destination for Filipinos seeking quality education and academic advancement. Filipino students pursue higher education degrees, professional certifications, and specialized training programs, aiming to gain knowledge and skills that can enhance their career prospects.

Economic Opportunities

Economic opportunities and the desire for higher wages are significant factors motivating Filipino migration to the US. Many seek employment in industries where they can earn better salaries, improve their standard of living, and provide financial support for their families back home.

Reuniting of Families

Challenges of Migrant Filipinos in the U.S

Even though Filipinos migrate to the U.S. for a better life, it is not all sunshine and rainbow, there are still a lot of challenges that they face.

Cultural Adjustment - Adjusting to a new culture, traditions, and social norms can be a significant challenge for Filipino migrants. Differences in language, traditions, and social expectations may require learning and understanding to effectively navigate their new environment.
Homesickness - Being separated from their families and friends back home can lead to feelings of homesickness. Filipino migrants often experience a sense of longing for familiar surroundings and may also miss important events of the people they love.
Discrimination and Prejudice - Racism still exists in a lot of countries, especially in hotspots like the U.S. where there is a huge variety of citizens living there. Filipino migrants may encounter instances of discrimination due to their nationality, race, or cultural background. These experiences can negatively impact their sense of belonging.
Employment Challenges - Securing a stable and suitable job can be a significant challenge for Filipino migrants. Language proficiency, differences in qualifications recognition (especially in educational attainment), limited local professional networks, and biases in hiring practices are some of the challenges that migrants face in employment.

Community Support Systems

Support Systems such as non-profit organizations, cultural centers, religious organizations, and many more helps the Filipino community to connect, share experiences, and most importantly create a sense of belonging. These support systems offer valuable information and resources, advocate for workers' rights, and actively engage with policymakers to address issues affecting the community. These support systems also offer skill development programs, training workshops, and educational opportunities for Filipino migrant workers.

Ca Care Association is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to providing safe, affordable, and individualized care training services for care providers in California. They offer caregiver training, and resources to ensure that care providers are equipped to deal with challenging situations and provide better care to those whom they care for.

Webinar Series for Filipino Migrant Workers

Ca Care Association is in collaboration with Philippine Consulate General, and they are going to facilitate a webinar series designed to address the challenges faced by Filipino workers and give them tools that are necessary for them. The webinar will cover topics such as understanding the rights and protections of migrant workers, the responsibilities and obligations of employers, exploring local programs, navigating U.S. and Philippine laws and regulations, and networking opportunities with fellow Filipino business owners.

Part 1: July 13th - Filipinos Doing Better Business: California Employer Responsibilities in Care

Location: Online

Part 2: July 27th - Empowering Filipino Migrant Workers: Understand Your Rights and Protections as Filipino Workers in California.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to empower yourself with knowledge and resources that can make a real difference in your career or business in the care industry. Register today and be part of this impactful event, taking a step toward building a stronger and well-informed Filipino community within the care industry.

Click to register for July 13th - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/filipinos-doing-better-business-employers-responsibilities-in-care-tickets-670063888127?aff=oddtdtcreator

Click to register for July 27 - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/empowering-filipino-migrant-workers-tickets-670077217997?aff=oddtdtcreator