A Filipino Immigrant Republican’s Moral Dilemma
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Former President Donald J. Trump (Source: Liam Enea | wikipedia)
The Attraction of Republican Ideals
Filipino immigrants, particularly those who have spent time living in the United States, often find alignment with the Republican Party on several key issues. First and foremost, many Filipino immigrants identify as devout Christians, often adhering to the teachings of the Catholic Church or other Christian denominations that emphasize the sanctity of life, the traditional family structure, and personal morality. The GOP’s historical stance against abortion, for example, strongly resonates with this demographic, as does the party's support for religious freedom and protection of traditional family values.
Moreover, the Republican Party’s emphasis on individual responsibility and free-market economics aligns with the immigrant experience. Many Filipino immigrants, having come from a developing nation, understand the importance of hard work and self-reliance. They value a political platform that promotes entrepreneurship, rewards diligence, and champions the freedom to pursue personal success without overbearing government interference. These values form the bedrock of the American Dream, which resonates deeply with immigrants who have sacrificed much to build better lives in a new land.
The GOP’s stance on law and order historically appealed to immigrants who sought security and stability in their adopted homeland. Having come from a country where political corruption and crime were often significant issues, many Filipino immigrants appreciated the Republican emphasis on rule of law, personal accountability, and strong national defense.
Moral Collapse Under Trump
Despite these long-held values, the rise of Donald Trump has left many Filipino Republican immigrants disillusioned and concerned. For many, Trump’s rhetoric, policies, and actions have departed from the moral compass that once defined the party, leading to fears that the GOP has drifted away from its core principles.
Trump's presidency was marked by divisive rhetoric, often appealing to the baser instincts of nationalism and isolationism. For a Filipino immigrant, this shift in tone is jarring. Historically, the Republican Party promoted an inclusive vision of America, rooted in opportunity for all, regardless of background. Trump’s use of inflammatory language—particularly his derogatory comments about immigrants, people of color, and those he deemed "other"—stands in stark contrast to the ideals of equality and inclusion that many Filipino immigrants cherish. His demonization of immigrants, in particular, is deeply personal for Filipino Americans who contribute to the American economy, serve in the military, and actively participate in their communities. Seeing their own identity and heritage demeaned by a party they once supported has caused many to rethink their allegiance to the GOP.
Another major concern is Trump's erosion of democratic norms and disregard for the rule of law. Throughout his presidency, Trump demonstrated a tendency to undermine institutions that uphold the democratic process, from questioning the legitimacy of elections to exerting pressure on law enforcement agencies for political gain. For Filipino immigrants who experienced the martial law era of Ferdinand Marcos, where democracy was trampled, Trump’s actions may stir haunting memories of authoritarianism. The reverence for democratic institutions—once a hallmark of the Republican Party—seems to be in decline under Trump, and this has alarmed many immigrants who understand firsthand the dangers of political strongmen and unchecked power.
Moreover, Trump's personal behavior has raised moral questions for Filipino Republicans who have long valued integrity, decency, and respect in their leaders. The Filipino culture places a high premium on hiya (shame) and delicadeza (propriety), especially in public life. Trump's boastfulness, his crude language, and his treatment of women all fly in the face of the traditional values that many Filipino immigrants hold dear. What was once a party of moral clarity, shaped by leaders like Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush, seems to have transformed under Trump into a party willing to overlook ethical breaches for the sake of political power.
The Role of Evangelical Support
One of the most perplexing aspects of Trump’s rise for many Filipino Republican immigrants is the overwhelming support he receives from evangelical Christians, a group that traditionally aligns with Filipino values of faith and morality. Many Filipino immigrants, who share a strong Christian faith, have found themselves struggling to reconcile how evangelical leaders could so readily embrace Trump, despite his personal moral failings.
For a Filipino immigrant with a strong sense of faith, Trump’s rise challenges the alignment between religious beliefs and political affiliation. How can a party that claims to stand for "family values" rally behind a man accused of multiple extramarital affairs, crude behavior, and disregard for the truth? The dissonance between Trump’s personal conduct and the Christian moral framework raises questions about whether the GOP has traded its moral compass for political expediency.
This disillusionment is compounded by Trump’s frequent use of religious symbolism for political gain, such as his photo op in front of St. John’s Episcopal Church after clearing peaceful protestors, which struck many as a cynical use of faith for optics rather than genuine belief.
Trump’s rhetoric, policies, and actions have departed from the moral compass that once defined the party, leading to fears that the GOP has drifted away from its core principles.
Immigration Policy and the American Dream
Trump's hardline immigration policies have also troubled many Filipino Republicans. While many Filipino immigrants may agree with the need for secure borders and legal immigration, Trump's approach often seems driven by exclusion and fearmongering rather than reform. His policies, such as separating families at the border, scaling back refugee admissions, and ending protections for undocumented immigrants, have been seen as cruel and unjust by many in the immigrant community.
For Filipino immigrants who understand the challenges and hardships of migrating to the U.S., these policies represent a departure from the compassionate conservatism once espoused by the GOP. They worry that the party, under Trump’s influence, has moved from being a party of opportunity to one of exclusion.
Looking Forward: A Crossroads For the the GOP and Filipino Republicans
For many Filipino Republican immigrants, the moral collapse they see in the GOP under Trump’s leadership is not just a political concern, but also a deeply personal one. They fear that the party has strayed from the values that once made it a natural home for immigrants like them—values of integrity, responsibility, faith, and opportunity. While they may continue to hold conservative beliefs, they are increasingly finding themselves at odds with a party that seems willing to sacrifice its principles for short-term political gain.
This moral reckoning has left many Filipino immigrants in a state of uncertainty. Some are considering leaving the GOP altogether, while others hope that the party can reclaim its moral center in a post-Trump era. Either way, this moment represents a critical juncture for the Republican Party and its ability to maintain the trust and support of immigrants who once found a natural home within its ranks.
The Filipino immigrant experience, marked by resilience, faith, and a strong moral compass, demands leadership that reflects these values. The question remains whether the GOP, in its current form, is capable of rising to that challenge, or if it will continue on a path of moral decline under Trump’s shadow.
Angelo de Jesus is a pen name.
