Final answer:
Jose cannot move back to the Philippines due to historical, political, and economic reasons rooted in U.S. colonialism and subsequent legal and economic developments.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reasons why Jose cannot move back to the Philippines are historical and political in nature, rather than personal. These reasons relate to imperialism, legal restrictions, and socio-economic factors affecting Philippine history.
Historical Context
The United States acquired the Philippines after the Spanish-American War and grappled with the decision to keep the islands or not. President McKinley ultimately decided that the Philippines could not be returned to Spain or handed over to another imperial power, as it would be seen as cowardly or against the U.S. commercial interests. There was also a belief that Filipinos were unfit for self-government at the time, which influenced the decision to maintain control and 'civilize' the population.
Legal and Political Restrictions
Eventually, the U.S. decision to grant independence to the Philippines came with specific legal stipulations, such as the Tydings-McDuffie Act of 1934, which reclassified Filipinos as noncitizen aliens and significantly restricted their ability to live or work in the United States. Furthermore, anti-Filipino sentiment and legislation aimed at curbing Filipino immigration were prevalent until the circumstances of World War II altered the U.S. stance.
Economic Factors
In more recent times, economic circumstances have also played a role. Many corporate giants from the United States and European countries have established outsourcing centers in the Philippines due to the lower wages paid for the same jobs in comparison to the U.S. This attracts Filipinos to stay and support their growing economy.