One of Pennsylvania’s largest immigration advocacy groups is calling on the Biden administration to terminate contracts with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and dismantle the immigration enforcement system. This push comes in anticipation of a potentially severe anti-immigration stance under the incoming Trump administration.
The Pennsylvania Immigration Coalition (PIC) has joined forces with immigrant rights leaders across the country, urging President Biden to take significant action to reduce deportations before Inauguration Day.
During a rally at Philadelphia’s City Hall, advocates expressed concern that reverting to Trump-era immigration policies could jeopardize Biden’s electoral support in key demographics that contributed to his 2020 victory. “Immigrant voters in Pennsylvania demand that the White House and Congress stop scapegoating immigrants,” stated Tsehaitu Abye, State Director of African Communities Together. He emphasized the need for Biden to utilize his executive powers to halt policies that prevent families from seeking asylum and to close immigrant detention centers.
Adrianna Torres-Garcia, Deputy Director of the Free Migration Project, criticized the Biden administration for its treatment of immigrant families, highlighting a perceived betrayal of immigrant communities while funding international conflicts.
Asiyah Jones, a Youth Coordinator with CAIR Pennsylvania, warned that continuing down this path could alienate crucial voter groups, including Muslim and BIPOC communities. “You want our support? You need to earn it,” she urged, calling for an end to harmful executive orders and detention practices.
Vivian Chang, Executive Director of Asian Americans United, pointed out that immigrants have significantly contributed to economic growth but are now at risk due to potential policy reversals.
PIC director Jasmine Rivera noted that her organization has been preparing for a possible Trump presidency for months. She called on the Biden administration to act swiftly to dismantle what she termed “the deportation machine” before Trump takes office in January. Rivera stressed the importance of community support and urged non-immigrants in Pennsylvania to engage with local advocacy efforts.
With Philadelphia designated as a certified welcoming city, Rivera underscored the significance of sanctuary policies but emphasized that more robust actions are necessary to protect immigrant communities amid looming threats from federal immigration enforcement.
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