The Impact of the Recent US Government Budget Cuts on Filipinos

As Filipinos, will there be a huge impact on our country once the US economy experiences financial crisis?
It has been known to many that the Philippines have been one of the many countries who are being aided by the United States of America. Hence, any financial crisis experienced by the US has somehow an impact in the Philippines and to Filipinos who are living in the US as well.

With the recent news of the US federal budget being cut, some have seen this rather on a positive side. It has been reported that due to budget cut, illegal immigrants who have been detained have been released in jail. This has happened as the budget for maintaining these detention facilities has been reduced; hence, the solution was to release the illegal immigrants. However, residents have been apprehensive with this decision arising debates. Whilst some see this as good news for their loved ones have been freed.

On the downside, Filipinos living in the United States are greatly affected with this financial crisis. First of all, there will be job losses. Companies downsize eliminating those workers that are redundant and somehow irreplaceable in the company. Some may have still their jobs but some businesses have reduced the number of hours so that employers can cut also on the expenses not only on the salaries but also with the fees on utilities and maintenance. Another move business owners make is making their employees take furloughs. By doing this, they do not have to pay for the number of hours worked by their hires and can also result for reduced usage of utilities in the offices.

For Filipinos who are planning to migrate or find job in the US, the budget cut can also pose a dilemma. Processing of applications can be delayed. Moreover, the number of opportunities could be put on halt as businesses are still on their strategies to keep their business going. Even thought the demand is still there, acquiring it can be pretty difficult as some employers might consider hiring locals than importing manpower from other countries.

Hence, though this could possibly happen, Filipinos still continue to pursue their applications as the rise on IELTS or International English Language Test System exam test takers is still happening. Filipinos still take this English competency examination to fulfill the requirements of the companies overseas.

Indeed, the financial situation in the US can cause a great impact on the Filipinos – whether those living there or those planning to work there. Hence, Filipinos still push through their plans on finding better employment and opportunities abroad.