On February 3, 2025, Allentown witnessed a significant community assembly with local authorities. During this event, concerns from the Latino and immigrant communities were discussed, especially in light of growing uncertainty stemming from federal policies that directly impact their rights.

On May 5, the UnidosUS Action Fund hosted the community forum ‘Avanzando Unidos’, in collaboration with Unidos Inc., La Mega, and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of the Lehigh Valley. The event addressed looming Medicaid cuts that threaten hundreds of thousands of families across Pennsylvania.

Latino leaders, elected officials, and advocates gathered at M Studios at ArtsWalk to share UnidosUS data highlighting the importance of these programs to the Allentown community.

Approximately 31,000 children live in the city, and 85% of them rely on Medicaid for health care or SNAP for food. Nationwide, 11.7 million Latino children depend on these programs—nearly 3 out of every 5 Hispanic children. These figures underscore the urgent need to protect these essential services to maintain the stability of families in Allentown and the Lehigh Valley.

Rafael Collazo, Executive Director of UnidosUS Action Fund, moderated the event and opened with a powerful statement:
 “The only thing I want to say before introducing our distinguished guests is this—while Republican congressional proposals continue to rapidly advance through the budget reconciliation process, they’re talking about cutting over $800 billion from Medicaid and SNAP. That literally means taking away healthcare from our families and food from our children’s tables—especially in cities like Allentown and the Lehigh Valley. And these same proposals include $4 trillion in tax cuts for the wealthiest individuals, large corporations, and billionaires. So we must continue to challenge our federal officials and the White House to ask: what is really the purpose of this proposal?” said Collazo.

Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk also shared his perspective on the challenges the city and immigrant community are facing. “Allentown is a unique city. Over the past 50 years, we’ve gone from being a 98% Anglo city to having a Latino-majority population of 55%.” Tuerk emphasized the importance of continuing to invest in a safe and healthy environment for all residents, highlighting that as the city’s first Latino mayor, he has a special connection with the community. “Our job is to make sure our city is a place where everyone feels safe and welcome,” he stated.

AJ Suero, business and community leader and President of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of the Lehigh Valley, pointed out during the event that many business owners are facing increased operating costs while trying to stay committed to their employees and offer affordable prices to their customers. “These days, we walk into restaurants and stores and see signs that say, ‘Unfortunately, due to rising ingredient costs, we have to raise our prices.’ Part of the reason is that we’re trying to support these entrepreneurs through this situation because we understand it’s not their fault prices are going up,” he explained.

He also emphasized the importance of small businesses as the backbone of the community, as they provide jobs, services, and economic vitality. He noted that the tight labor market in the Lehigh Valley has posed significant challenges, especially in key sectors like hospitality, retail, and construction—areas where many Latino families find stable employment.

In a heartfelt moment, Cynthia Mota, Vice President of the Allentown City Council, shared the fear her family experiences in the face of uncertainty. “My daughter, who is a U.S. citizen, was crying and said, ‘Mom, I don’t want to go to school today. ICE is coming,’ and asked if she should stay home,” Mota recounted. She described how her daughter lives in constant fear that immigration authorities could show up at her school.

The event ended with a message of hope and unity. “It is essential that we continue to fight for our rights and for the well-being of our families,” Tuerk expressed. Attendees reaffirmed their commitment to working together to achieve a just and secure future for all.