As immigration policies become increasingly restrictive, organizations across Pennsylvania are joining forces to defend immigrant rights and build stronger, safer communities. At the forefront of this movement is the Pennsylvania Immigration Coalition (PIC), a network of more than 60 member organizations and hundreds of individual supporters working for justice, inclusion, and dignity of all immigrants. What makes PIC unique is the far-ranging representation within the coalition, including immigration attorneys, community organizers, academics, and social services representatives. This breadth allows PIC to mobilize with expert guidance and community-centered purpose.
A mission of building power in immigrant communities
For many within the coalition, this work is deeply personal. Jasmine Rivera, Executive Director of PIC and a lifelong social justice advocate, reflects: “Seeing communities suffer injustice has always driven me to act. As a Chicana from Arizona with Mexican roots, the struggles of immigrant families are also mine.” Her years of community organizing in Philadelphia’s Latino community have strengthened her commitment to systemic change especially now, as immigrant families face greater risks of arrest, detention, and deportation.
This year, PIC members achieved key victories: Bucks County voters rejected cooperation with ICE, Erie County elected leaders opposed to detention contracts, and cities like Reading and Cheltenham passed welcoming city policies. This important work was completed through and with immigrant leadership from these communities exercising their power to organize and demand change.
Resources that educate, protect and empower
PIC provides resources on a spectrum of current topics relevant to immigrant communities. This includes ICE resistance resources, covering everything from Know Your Rights (KYR) information to emergency planning for families to bystander rights and guidance for educators, providers and employers in the event of an ICE enforcement action. There is information regarding rapid response networks throughout the state by county who are supporting community members, including with bail funds and commissary and other emergency funds for detained individuals. Other helpful resources include a college access guide for immigrant students and voting resources to break down barriers to the ballot for eligible individuals in recognition of the strength and power of community voices and votes.
A recognition that we are stronger together
PIC members serve immigrant communities throughout the state regardless of status and provide a critical counter-message to the anti-immigrant sentiments being fomented by the administration. That message all immigrants belong and have a voice to affect the conditions around them. But the strength of the coalition lies in engagement from communities. Thus, readers are highly encouraged to get involved with a local member organization within the coalition to build that collective power and take action by letting your local elected leaders know they need to act now and stand with immigrant communities using scripts and materials provided by PIC, which can be accessed on their website.
Consulates also help strengthen immigrant communities. Beyond their usual services for their citizens, many consulates have stepped up this year to expand their reach by offering training, providing legal aid, organizing more community events, and increasing appointment availability. When consulates take these proactive steps, their impact is invaluable. “In the consulates located in the Philadelphia region, I’ve seen a remarkable increase in support for community members, given the country’s current situation. It’s been inspiring to see everyone come together to contribute to the fight for justice,” said Rivera.
Above all, the coalition calls for unity and courage. “We are descendants of those who fought and survived,” Rivera affirms. “Fear cannot silence us. We must act, demand our rights, and stand together because together we are stronger and safer.”
For more information or to get involved, visit www.paimmigrant.org/take-action.
