Chairs of the PA Legislative Latino Caucus, Black Caucus and Asian Pacific American Caucus renew support for commonwealth's immigrant communities
PA Legislative Latino Caucus February 13, 2025
HARRISBURG, Feb. 13 – The chairs of the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus, Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, and Pennsylvania Legislative Asian Pacific American Caucus issued the following statements on behalf of their respective caucuses amid fears and concern from the commonwealth's immigrant communities.
Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks, PA Legislative Latino Caucus Chair:
"The Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus stands with our immigrant brothers and sisters and reaffirms our support to their families. Thousands of our immigrant community members are worried they won't be returning home to their families. Parents are worried about raids in our public schools. Worshippers are troubled that federal customs and enforcement agents will storm our places of worship. Immigrants – documented and undocumented – are our neighbors, business owners, taxpayers and workers, and are all contributing parts of Pennsylvania’s diverse and thriving communities.”
Rep. Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery, PA Legislative Black Caucus Chair:
“The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus stands shoulder to shoulder with immigrant and minority community members across this commonwealth. 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. We will continue to advocate for legal supports for those in need and legislative change to truly be the welcoming communities that we already claim to be. The PLBC is also keenly aware that policies that challenge one’s private legal status can quickly turn into broader community hostility centered on outward identity. We will not stand silent in the presence of discrimination, harassment or violence.”
Sen. Patty Kim, D-Dauphin, PA Legislative Asian Pacific American Caucus Chair:
“The Pennsylvania Legislative Asian Pacific American Caucus stands in unwavering solidarity with all our immigrant communities across the commonwealth -- especially with our friends and neighbors who are going through times of uncertainty, and fear their loved ones will be torn away. 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 and/or stances— 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.”
Click here to read in Spanish.