Urgent Call for Action: Portuguese Counselor Demands Clarity on Potential Deportations from the U.S.

Urgent Meeting Requested

Mário Francisco Ferreira, the Portuguese Communities Counselor for the Washington circle, has urgently requested a meeting with the Advisory Council at the Portuguese Embassy in Washington to discuss the impact of potential deportations of Portuguese citizens from the United States.

In a letter addressed to Ambassador Francisco Duarte Lopes, Ferreira emphasized the real fear present in many communities and the lack of accurate information regarding individual rights. He noted contradictory numbers from credible sources, estimating potential deportations to be between 900 and 3,600 individuals.

Government's Contingency Plans

Ferreira criticized the insufficient information about the Portuguese government's so-called contingency plans for deportations. He has called for the presence of Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel and Secretary of State for Communities José Cesário at the meeting, along with Members of Parliament elected from outside Europe, consuls, and community leaders in the U.S.

In addition, he urged the Embassy to prominently display a message on its homepage regarding this issue, providing official information on individual rights and resources available, as well as an emergency hotline.

Government Response

On January 25, Ferreira had previously criticized the Portuguese government for its lack of responses and guidance regarding President Trump's mass deportation plans. He expressed disappointment that despite reaching out to high-ranking officials, he received no guidance, stating, "All I know is thanks to the Portuguese press."

In his inaugural speech, President Trump pledged to expel "millions of illegal immigrants", promising the largest mass deportation in U.S. history. Estimates suggest there are around 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S., although Trump claimed the actual number could be double.

Current Situation for Portuguese Citizens

Last week, Minister Rangel stated that no Portuguese or Luso-Venezuelans have been deported since Trump's announcement, assuring that any returning individuals would receive special assistance. He addressed the fears within the Portuguese community in the U.S., describing the situation as one of true terror.

Rangel dismissed catastrophic views, asserting that the government is closely monitoring the situation of undocumented Portuguese citizens. He acknowledged the disturbing uncertainty facing these individuals and confirmed that the government is taking proactive measures to support them.