HARRISBURG, PA – Leaders of the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus, Black Caucus, and Asian Pacific American Caucus have issued strong statements in solidarity with immigrant communities across the Commonwealth, responding to growing fears arising under the Trump Administration’s intensified immigration policies. These leaders emphasized unwavering support for immigrant families and called for collective action to combat uncertainty and discrimination.
“The Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus stands with our immigrant brothers and sisters and reaffirms our support to their families,” said Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks, Chair of the PA Legislative Latino Caucus. “Immigrants – documented and undocumented – are our neighbors, business owners, taxpayers, and workers, and are all contributing parts of Pennsylvania’s diverse and thriving communities.”
Cepeda-Freytiz acknowledged rising anxiety among families who fear being separated through deportation or immigration raids—concerns that are particularly acute as federal agents expand deportation authority nationwide. Parents worry about the impact on schools; worshippers dread the possibility of immigration enforcement in sacred spaces. These policies, she stressed, undermine the shared values of community and humanity that define Pennsylvania.
The Weight of Federal Policies on Local Communities
Since the beginning of Donald Trump’s second presidency, immigration policy has entered a new, more rigid phase. Heightened border security efforts—including the continued development of the border wall—coupled with stricter asylum rules and visa reforms, have sparked significant debate. Pennsylvania has not been spared from the ripple effects.
Under the administration’s intensified border enforcement policies, key federal tools and programs, such as the CBP One app that facilitated asylum-related appointments, have been suspended. Meanwhile, changes to visa regulations prioritize merit-based immigration over family reunification, leaving many families in limbo and communities uncertain about future stability. For mixed-status families and immigrant-led households, the result has been a climate of fear compounded by doubts about their place in the nation’s broader fabric.
“Too many residents have already been directly impacted by federal enforcement through the deportation or interrogation of loved ones, and we are seeing families, community organizations, and workplaces torn apart,” said Rep. Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery, Chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus. Nelson emphasized how quickly policy disputes targeting legal status can manifest in discrimination, harassment, or outright violence against communities of color. He vowed, “We will not stand silent in the presence of discrimination, harassment, or violence.”
Immigrant Communities at a Crossroads
The Trump Administration’s reshaped immigration agenda has also targeted pathways to citizenship, introducing measures to repeal birthright citizenship and restricting family-based immigration pathways. Federal judges have blocked some aspects of these policies, citing constitutional concerns, but the administration’s broader stance has inflamed fears across immigrant populations.
Sen. Patty Kim, D-Dauphin, Chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Asian Pacific American Caucus, spoke to the heightened pressures facing immigrant small business owners, students, and families alike. “Our immigrant small business owners, students, workers, and all in-betweens are now questioning their future due to the uncertainty caused by the current administration. Regardless of the current administration’s immigration policies—which do not reflect the values of our nation or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania—I am proud to say that PLAPAC remains focused on advocating for all immigrants’ dignity, safety, and the opportunities they deserve within these United States,” said Kim.
Her remarks highlight the Trump administration’s focus on merit-based immigration—a system lauded for attracting highly skilled workers but criticized for limiting family reunification and reducing diversity. Pennsylvania’s immigrant communities, long regarded as economic and cultural cornerstones, feel the immediate consequences of these changes.
A Call for Unity and a Path Forward
The statements from Pennsylvania’s caucus leaders echo a broader sentiment—one that refuses to allow federal immigration policies to erode the social fabric of their communities. Their collective message underscores the critical role immigrants play in making Pennsylvania a vibrant, thriving state, while also calling for stronger legal protections and community solidarity.
Nelson emphasized that immigrants play an integral role in Pennsylvania’s story, contributing in ways that benefit everyone. All three caucus chairs committed to legislative advocacy and community engagement to combat the uncertainty immigrant communities face.
Looking ahead, the caucuses collectively call for Pennsylvanians to resist policies that sow fear or division. They emphasize the importance of creating a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment that aligns with the state’s values.
Moving Toward Justice and Inclusion
Pennsylvania’s leaders are clear—the Commonwealth’s immigrant communities will not face these challenges alone. While federal policies may escalate fear, state advocacy remains a beacon of hope for inclusion, dignity, and opportunity. By standing in solidarity, supporting legislative solutions, and challenging harmful policies, Pennsylvania’s elected officials are charting a course toward a future where all residents, regardless of background, can thrive.
For millions of Pennsylvanians watching these developments unfold, one certainty remains clear amid the uncertainty—local leadership is proving that compassion and justice have their place in shaping the Commonwealth’s future.
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