Immigrants in Distress in Pennsylvania

Published June 16, 2009 @ 09:00AM PT

First, the state is canceling driver’s licenses for drivers without valid Social Security numbers. This policy seems designed to exacerbate economic stress for families in the state and needs to be revisited.

Second, undocumented Mexicans in Philadelphia have been targeted by attackers who know they are unlikely to report the crimes. The police have attempted outreach to the community to try to make them feel safe in contacting authorities.

It might help if Philadelphia’s undocumented knew the police department wasn’t working hand in glove with ICE. According to these stories back in March (1, 2, 3), that’s not at all clear.

All of this highlights the need for immigration reform on the federal level.

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Is Philly a sanctuary city?

Posted by Kurt Thialfad on 06/16/2009 @ 11:40AM PT
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This policy seems designed to exacerbate economic stress for families in the state and needs to be revisited.
On the contrary, fewer cars on the highways will make it safer for American families.

Posted by Wire Paladin on 06/16/2009 @ 04:32PM PT
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Are mixed-status families "American"? Are U.S.-born spouses of immigrants "American"? You seem to imply they are not.

Would you prefer to have citizen children and spouses of immigrant breadwinners added to the welfare rolls?

Posted by Dave Bennion on 06/16/2009 @ 04:57PM PT
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are you talking about illegal immigrants breadwinners?
Also, these could be same-sex mixed-status families, could they not?

Posted by Wire Paladin on 06/16/2009 @ 06:11PM PT
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My family is actually being personally affected by this. Thankfully they've extended my dad's (and everyone who received these letters) driver's license until July 20th. Hopefully this will be resolved in a positive way.

And no, Philly is not a sanctuary city.

Posted by Maria M. on 06/19/2009 @ 07:05PM PT
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David is an attorney in Philadelphia, PA, where he helps immigrants to the U.S. navigate the complex immigration legal system. Views he expresses at change.org are his alone and don't represent the views or opinions of his employer, Nationalities Service Center. The information contained on this site is intended for educational and advocacy purposes only.