PH Embassy seeks probe into reports Filipino seafarers denied entry at US ports

NEW YORK – The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., said it is coordinating with US authorities to look into reports that several Filipino seafarers were denied entry at US ports or deported in recent months, sparking outrage among migrant rights advocates.  

In a statement released Tuesday, the Embassy said it has engaged with the US Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security following the incidents involving Filipino crew members on major cruise lines, including Carnival, Victory, Viking and Pearl Seas.  

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has confirmed that certain crew members were “found inadmissible and denied entry” under existing immigration laws and policies.

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The Embassy said it was informed that the denials were carried out “in accordance with existing U.S. laws, regulations, and policies,” but added that it continues to engage with concerned agencies to ensure that consular notification procedures are followed.  

Migrant advocates have denounced the deportations, alleging that seafarers with valid C1/D crew visas were detained, coerced into signing deportation orders and barred from legal representation.

Advocacy groups estimate that more than 100 Filipino seafarers have been affected since April 2025, many of whom now face a 10-year ban from re-entering the United States.  

Among the most recent incidents was the Sept. 7 removal of four Filipino crew members from the Carnival Pride cruise ship while docked in Baltimore, Maryland. The workers were allegedly questioned over drug trafficking and child pornography accusations, but no formal charges were filed, according to Marino PH, an advocacy outlet that first reported the case.  

US Rep. Bobby Scott of Virginia said his office has been made aware of immigration enforcement actions by CBP at the Port of Norfolk and other ports involving cruise ship workers from the Philippines and other nations. 

“It is unclear based on press reports why these recently deported seafarers were targeted, especially whether there was probable cause that they had committed a crime,” Scott said in a statement. 

He added that while one earlier case in Florida was tied to a conviction, “everyone is entitled to due process regardless of citizenship or immigration status.”

Members of the Tanggol Migrante Movement (TMM) led a protest outside the Carnival terminal in Baltimore on Sept. 14, accusing both US and Philippine authorities of neglecting the welfare of Filipino maritime workers.

“The due process of these crew members was not respected,” said former seafarer Philip Coronado, who joined the rally. “They deserve fairness and assistance, especially when accusations are made without proof.”  

Community leaders urged Manila to take stronger diplomatic steps. Migrante USA’s Jom Delor criticized the Philippine government’s response, saying it must defend its citizens abroad through direct negotiation.  

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), which oversees assistance for overseas Filipino workers, said it is ready to help displaced seafarers find employment.  

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