HIAS Pennsylvania

On March 21, 2025, the Trump administration issued a near-total termination of its Unaccompanied Children Program (UCP), immediately cutting funding for legal representation for 26,000 children navigating the immigration system without a parent or guardian. For 20+ years, the Unaccompanied Children Program has ensured that kids who arrive in the U.S. alone have attorneys and legal advocates by their side. Now, without it, 26,000 children will be forced to face the complex immigration system without an attorney by their side, thus putting them at higher risk of exploitation and harm. We can’t let this happen. Here’s how you can act: 🖥️ Join a webinar hosted by our partner, Acacia Center for Justice, on March 24, 2025 at 11AM PT / 2PM ET: tinyurl.com/ucpwebinar ✉️ Contact your elected officials: tinyurl.com/protect-kids Share this post to protect legal aid for unaccompanied kids. #ProtectUnaccompaniedKids #SaveUCP #DefendUCP #ChildrensRights

Last month, we shared with you the ways that HIAS PA is helping local immigrants as they face an escalating crisis in America. Now, we’d like to share with you true stories from our clients to give you a ground’s-eye view of the work our team is doing. In January 2025, Luis* was unjustly detained by ICE outside of his home. He had complied with immigration requirements, had no criminal record, and was eligible for legal status. Despite Luis’ compliance with immigration regulations and his good standing in the community, ICE arrested him. He and his family were frightened and confused. While in detention, he was unable to see his wife and three young children for nearly a month. Thanks to our supporters and the dedication of our legal defense attorneys, Luis’ story does not end in ICE custody. One of our attorneys was able to secure his release. Now, he is home with his family and thankful that he did not have to face this ordeal alone. While Luis is now home safe, ICE continues to raid homes and workplaces. Our immigrant neighbors continue to face the threat of deportation. We need your continued support to provide others like Luis with vital legal protection – their last line of defense against threats being imposed by the federal government. Your support directly serves local immigrants like Luis. *name has been changed to protect the privacy and the safety of our client.

As part of their "Immigration and Your Rights" series, Telemundo 62 explored two of the immigration options available to immigrant survivors of violence. The special featured an interview with Philippe Weisz, HIAS PA’s Director of Legal Services, alongside one of HIAS PA’s former clients. Philippe discussed how immigrant survivors—regardless of their legal status—are becoming increasingly hesitant to come forward and report the crimes they've experienced. He noted, "We’ve seen a decline in people seeking help or reporting these issues due to fear…” read the full article and watch the interview here: https://lnkd.in/ecRJUUG6 Como parte de su serie "Inmigración y tus derechos", Telemundo 62 exploró las dos visas de inmigración disponibles para sobrevivientes de violencia. El especial incluyó una entrevista con Philippe Weisz, Director de Servicios Legales de HIAS PA, junto con unos de los clientes de HIAS PA. Philippe habló sobre cómo los sobrevivientes inmigrantes, independientemente de su estatus legal, dudan cada vez más en denunciar los delitos que han sufrido. Señaló: "Hemos visto una baja de personas que hacen preguntas sobre esto y que temen de hacer reportajes sobre estos asuntos..." Lea el artículo completo y vea la entrevista aquí:  https://lnkd.in/ecRJUUG6

We will hold our important update on anti-immigrant executive orders on Zoom TOMORROW, Wednesday, March 12th, at 7:00 PM EDT. Register now to learn about the impact of these orders: https://lnkd.in/eHgUYrQU HIAS Pennsylvania’s Executive Director, Cathryn Miller-Wilson, will provide a detailed update on what these changes mean for immigrants, how the recent orders have affected HIAS PA’s work, and what you can do to support your immigrant neighbors during this troubling time.

Don't forget to register for our important update on recent executive orders this Wednesday evening, March 12th, at 7:00 PM EDT. Register here for the virtual event: https://lnkd.in/efxbgYm2 Since the new administration took office in January, immigrants have faced an onslaught of harmful executive orders. New threats are emerging almost daily. HIAS Pennsylvania’s Executive Director, Cathryn Miller-Wilson, will provide a detailed update on these executive orders and what they mean for immigrants. Join us on Zoom this Wednesday, March 12th, at 7:00 PM for a discussion about what these changes mean for immigrants, how the recent orders have impacted HIAS PA’s work, and what you can do to support your immigrant neighbors during this troubling time. In our 143-year history, we have weathered world wars and terrible periods of xenophobia. This will be the first in a series of talks with members of HIAS PA’s staff about the effects of these anti-immigrant policies and how we continue to fulfill our mission of defending the rights of immigrants.

Since the new administration took office in January, immigrants have faced an onslaught of harmful executive orders. New threats are emerging almost daily. HIAS Pennsylvania’s Executive Director, Cathryn Miller-Wilson, will provide a detailed update on these executive orders and what they mean for immigrants. Join us on Zoom this Wednesday, March 12th, at 7:00 PM for a discussion about what these changes mean for immigrants, how the recent orders have impacted HIAS PA’s work, and what you can do to support your immigrant neighbors during this troubling time. Register here: https://lnkd.in/efxbgYm2 In our 143-year history, we have weathered world wars and terrible periods of xenophobia. This will be the first in a series of talks with members of HIAS PA’s staff about the effects of these anti-immigrant policies and how we continue to fulfill our mission of defending the rights of immigrants.

Our Executive Director, Cathryn Miller-Wilson, met with KYW Newsradio to address the news that the president intends to sign an Executive Order making English the official language. She stated: “It's just essentially xenophobia… Passing an executive order that essentially gives license for everyone to be ignorant is not a way to protect Americans, to ensure that Americans will grow and be innovative and be intelligent and be respected.” Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/dMDx6mpT

What if everything you’re being told about immigration is wrong? Learn the truth and fight the lies on Monday, March 10th at 7:00 PM. Join us for a discussion with Wharton Professor Exequiel (Zeke) Hernandez to learn The Truth About Immigration, a conversation based on his recent book of the same name. Using decades of research and examples, Professor Hernandez will slay every myth about immigration and explain how we all suffer when immigrants are turned away. The program will be held at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church and is co-sponsored by a variety of congregations. This is an in-person event and there will be no way to attend virtually. Space is limited, reserve your seat here: https://lnkd.in/eRYmtSRD While there is no cost to register for this program, donations are appreciated. All donations will help HIAS Pennsylvania protect immigrants’ rights through vital legal aid, as they face urgent challenges. Thank you to Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, Beth Am Israel, Beth David Reform Congregation, Congregation Or Zarua, JCRC of Greater Philadelphia, Main Line Reform Temple, Our Mother of Good Counsel, and Gladwyne Presbyterian Church for partnering with HIAS PA on this program. ______________________________________________ "I heard Professor Hernandez speak several times when I worked at Wharton. One year, we had him talk to the entire incoming MBA class, and our students were mesmerized. He’s a fantastic speaker, and his research is beyond compelling. I plan to encourage everyone I speak to between now and March 10 to attend his HIAS PA presentation." - Paula G., Glenside, PA

This article by The Philadelphia Inquirer highlights the challenges immigrant students and their families are facing in our schools. HIAS PA’s Managing Attorney for the Immigrant Youth Advocacy Program, Stephanie Lubert, was interviewed for the article and shared: “...there’s a lot of fear. We’re getting asked questions by kids, ‘What if ICE pulls a gun?’ ‘What if ICE chases you?’ There’s a lot of fear, a lot of misinformation.” Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/eaGJ5sKJ

A lot is changing for the immigrant community and many are facing an escalating crisis. Recent Executive Orders have widespread consequences – affecting a broad spectrum of immigrants. How HIAS Pennsylvania is helping: 1. Legal Defense for Low-Income Immigrants in Pennsylvania: Recently, life-saving programs that granted legal entry to the U.S. were either dissolved or put on hold by the Federal government. With potential increases in detention and deportation, our legal team is working tirelessly to defend local immigrants. 2. Legal Status Support: Navigating the U.S. legal system is complex, but our legal team is here to help immigrants. From start to finish, we support our clients through the challenging application process for legal status. 3. Pathway to Citizenship: The legal guidelines for immigration status are rapidly changing. US citizenship is the only way to ensure an individual is safe from deportation. We guide our eligible clients through the citizenship application process and partner with community organizations to hold classes which prepare clients for the citizenship test. 4. Immigrant Rights Education: Many immigrants—regardless of their current legal status—are living in confusion and fear. Our "Know Your Rights" trainings help individuals understand their risk of detention and/or removal and how to protect themselves. 5. Spreading Community Awareness: We are actively raising awareness about the costs of detaining and deporting community members and the economic impact of closing the door to new immigrants. How You Can Help: What is needed now more than ever is your financial support. Our dedicated team members are on the ground, working directly with low-income immigrant families to keep them safe. Your support makes that work possible. Donate today: https://lnkd.in/eQ63rVAX Unable to donate at this time? Volunteer with us: https://lnkd.in/e9zZE35n Share HIAS PA’s “Know Your Rights” resources: https://lnkd.in/e_9h7kh4 Contact your representatives about current immigration issues: https://lnkd.in/eF6967N Invite a HIAS PA representative to speak to your organization/congregation: Contact us at community@hiaspa.org