Resource speakers Atty. Lou Tancinco and Dr. Sheryll Casuga, with moderator Wennie Conedy during the forum Beyond the Fear: A Community Conversation for Filipino Immigrants and Families organized by the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco in partnership with the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of San Francisco. (PCG San Francisco photo)
San Francisco, CA – In light of recent developments in U.S. immigration policies and their potential implications, approximately 80 participants joined a hybrid forum titled Beyond Fear: A Community Conversation for Filipino Immigrants and Families on 15 October 2026 at the Philippine Center in San Francisco, organized by the Philippine Consulate General in partnership with the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of San Francisco (UPAASF).
The forum which featured Atty. Lourdes “Atty. Lou” Tancinco, Board Director of the UPAASF and an immigration lawyer, and Dr. Sheryl Casuga, also a Board Director of the UPAASF and licensed clinical psychologist, aimed to provide members of the Filipino community with timely and reliable information on recent immigration developments, while addressing their potential emotional and psychological effects and offering practical guidance to help individuals and families navigate changing circumstances.
Atty. Tansinco provided an overview of recent U.S. immigration policies, including matters concerning hot topics such as denaturalization, the issue of public charge, adjustment of immigration status, immigration enforcement, and other relevant policy developments. She underscored the importance of obtaining information from official and credible sources and seeking qualified legal advice when addressing individual immigration concerns.
Dr. Casuga, meanwhile, provided complementary perspectives on the policy and psychological dimensions of immigration-related developments in the United States and discussed the emotional and psychological effects that uncertainty surrounding immigration policies may have on individuals and families, including stress, anxiety, and emotional strain. She offered practical approaches to managing these challenges and emphasized the importance of family support, community networks, and professional assistance in promoting resilience and well-being.
An open forum followed the presentations, providing participants with an opportunity to raise questions, seek clarification, and share concerns regarding recent immigration developments and their potential implications for their individual circumstances.
The forum underscored the importance of equipping members of the Filipino community with accurate information and practical resources to make informed decisions amid changing immigration policies. It also highlighted the need to address not only immigration-related legal concerns but also their broader effects on individual and family well-being. Through continued information-sharing and community engagement, the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco remains committed to keeping the Filipino community well-informed, prepared, and resilient. END
Atty. Lourdes “Lou” Tancinco talks about the legal implications for Filipino immigrants of the evolving U.S. immigration policies. (PCG San Francisco photo)
Dr. Sheryl Casuga highlights the emotional and psychological implications of the changing immigration policies (PCG San Francisco photo)
(L-R) Consul General Arnel Talisayon delivers his remarks to welcome attendees onsite and via Zoom; UPAASF Board Chair Rosario “Chato” Calderon opens the program, highlighting the UPAASF’s role in bridging UP and the Filipino diaspora in the Bay Area; UPAASF President Letty Quizon closes the program by thanking the expert resource speakers, attendees, and partners that made the forum a success. (PCG San Francisco photos)
Attendees actively participated by asking their questions and concerns to the resource speakers; (3rd photo) Consul Hannah Go, who served as emcee, also read out questions from online participants.
The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco shows appreciation to the forum speakers and moderator and recognizes the significant contribution of the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of San Francisco (UPAASF) in the Consulate’s continuing efforts to reach and engage with the community through meaningful partnerships, collaboration, and continued engagement.
(PCG San Francisco photo)
