The shift in administration and Congress after the 2020 elections means that this year is the best chance the immigrant rights movement has had in a long time to win significant changes in federal immigration policy. Working with our member organizations, PICC has established a set of five federal policy priorities to guide our advocacy work for the next four years. Though the flaws in the immigration system pre-date 2016, the system was weaponized by the most recent Administration. This calls for a response that addresses both urgent needs and long term structural change.

Although not comprehensive, the set of five federal priorities encompass many of the legislative and administrative policy changes that will build toward a just and humane immigration system: addressing the need for inclusive social supports, dismantling the brutal immigration enforcement machine, and clearing the pathway to citizenship. Read more about PICC's federal priorities. 

2021 Demand for a Pathway to Citizenship
While we fight to overhaul the immigration system, we have an opportunity to win a crucial first step this summer: including a pathway to citizenship in the budget reconciliation. The next few weeks and months are critical to ensure that Congress includes a pathway to citizenship for all 11 million in the September budget reconciliation.

What you can do:

• Join New Sanctuary Movement of Philadelphia in writing letters to your Members of Congress
• Join phone banks with Woori Center
• Call your Member of Congress today

We are excited to announce the 2021 PICC Community Leader Awards! It is because of the work and dedication of local leaders like these that we can build a strong immigrant rights movement in PA.

2021 Community Leader Award
Roedy Wibisono, New Sanctuary Movement

Roedy is an outstanding leader within the Indonesian Community at St Thomas Aquinas. He has been a solid member for years but has stood out in the last year. When COVID hit, Roedy spent hours each week calling members of the Indonesian community - checking in on them, sharing resources, inviting them to community meetings, and collecting data. He now organizes his community to fight for a pathway to citizenship as he works with the Caribbean and Latinx communities to plan strategy. He takes the time to connect with people individually while thinking of policy and next steps. He brings energy, faith, and a tireless commitment to the fight while he works full time and is a father. Roedy is an unsung leader in the community.

2021 Youth Leader Award
Yatciri Cruz, CASA Pennsylvania

Yatziri has been a member of CASA Pennsylvania for a few years now. This year, she has been extremely active in two campaigns: DREAM Act and Tuition Equity. She has marched, registered people to vote, shared her story with legislators, and brought other new young members to join the CASA youth comité.

2021 Movement Artist Award
Kim Dinh

Kim has been the go-to artist for many immigrant rights campaigns in PA. They have contributed art to the Driving PA Forward, Tuition Equity & Inclusion, Shut Down Berks, and local AAPI organizing campaigns. Their commitment and artistic skills have brought to life so much of PA's immigrant rights vision and work for the rest of the world to see.

PICC would like to acknowledge the accomplishments and leadership of all the 2021 nominees! PICC members nominated an amazing group of leaders who have had profound impacts on immigrant and refugee communities across the state. Remember to register for the 2021 Statewide Immigrant & Refugee Rights Convening to attend an amazing line up of workshops and celebrate our community leaders!