Recently, the Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center has received threats as well as vile comments about our work. Threats are illegal. Opinions are protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

To correct misinformation, I write to clarify what we do. The center provides high-quality, free legal services to vulnerable immigrants and their families in Pennsylvania so that they have access to justice and a more secure future. Our clients are unaccompanied minors, immigrant survivors of trafficking or domestic abuse and immigrants in Pennsylvania’s detention facilities. Some of our clients seek asylum because they experienced persecution in their home country.

Immigrants in detention and deportation proceedings are typically afforded due process, but legal representation is not guaranteed like it is in criminal court. The Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center assists detained immigrants by explaining their rights and, when possible, providing legal representation.

We also sponsor a rapid response team. That group of volunteers takes calls from people whose loved ones have been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. They might call to locate their loved one or seek legal advice. Family members have a right to that information.

A few years ago, I joined a faith-based organization that visited immigrants in detention. Repeatedly, these immigrants professed their belief in the ideals of the United States even when the likelihood of deportation was high. This encouraged me to fight for justice, which is why I serve on the Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center’s board of directors.

Under the current administration, our work has become more difficult, but we remain steadfast.

Kimberly Mahaffy

Board president

Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center

Lancaster

Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.

Error! There was an error processing your request.