Supporting Our Neighbors: Protecting Immigrant Rights in Pennsylvania
In October, the Center for Racial and Gender Equity hosted a community webinar featuring immigration attorney David Bennion from the Free Migration Project. His presentation, “Supporting Our Neighbors: Protecting Immigrant Rights in Pennsylvania,” addressed urgent concerns about immigrant safety.
At YWCA Lancaster, we are deeply disturbed by reports and images of nonviolent adults and children being forcibly taken from streets, homes, workplaces, and schools—often by masked, unidentified individuals in unmarked vehicles. These actions should alarm everyone, regardless of political beliefs or immigration status.
David reminded us of the famous poem titled "First They Came" by Martin Niemöller, which reflects the consequences of silence and inaction in the face of increasing oppression and state-sanctioned violence.
First they came for the socialists
and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists
and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews
and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
First They Came by Martin Niemöller
Martin Niemöller was a German nationalist during the 1920s and 1930s, initially supportive of Germany’s far-right movement. A Lutheran pastor, he began to distance himself from the regime when Hitler’s government started dictating church doctrine and restricting religious freedom. As Niemöller spoke out against Nazi atrocities, particularly the Holocaust, critics labeled him a “communist.” He never anticipated the consequences—until it was too late. (You can read more about Niemöller’s story here.)
Now is a crucial time to remember that threats to immigrant rights—and the detention of our neighbors without any legal process—are threats to us all.
David emphasized the arbitrary nature of borders and that none of us are truly free until all of us are free. Except for Native Americans and African Americans, most people in this country are immigrants or descendants of immigrants who came seeking safety, opportunity, and freedom from poverty, violence, or persecution. Recognizing this shared history calls us to honor the wisdom of those who were here first and those whose ancestors arrived by force.
During his talk, David shared updates on current Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) practices and offered practical ways the community can support immigrant neighbors—especially undocumented individuals who face daily persecution and unnecessary cruelty during ICE raids.
Key Takeaways from the Discussion
Citizenship is a long and complex process, often taking 20 years or more depending on a person’s country of origin and their family ties to current U.S. citizens.
The idea of a “line” for citizenship is misleading. While many Americans express frustration with immigrants not entering “the right way,” David explained that the U.S. immigration and asylum system is deeply flawed and lacks a clear, orderly path. For most people—whether inside or outside the U.S.—there is no actual line to join. The concept of a line is often used to justify exclusion and oppression of both citizens and non-citizens.
U.S. citizens can petition for undocumented family members to adjust their status, but the path to citizenship remains long and difficult. While some may qualify for a green card through an I-130 immediate relative petition, current processing times average around 68.5 months. Additional legal penalties—intentionally written into immigration law—make this option inaccessible for many, even those with close family ties to U.S. citizens. In some cases, individuals wait 20 to 30 years for their case to be heard. Processing times also vary by country of origin, with applicants from “preferred” countries often moving through the system more quickly.
How Are Communities Fighting Back?
Communities across the country are taking creative, courageous steps to resist unjust immigration enforcement and support their undocumented neighbors. Here are some of the key strategies:
ICE Watch Networks
Neighborhoods have formed “ICE Watch” groups to monitor and share verified information about ICE activity. These networks help counter fear and misinformation with facts, empowering residents to stay informed and prepared.
Mutual Aid & Legal Support
Many communities are raising funds for legal defense and emergency support for those facing deportation. Legal assistance is often critical—but financially out of reach—for undocumented individuals, making these funds a vital lifeline.
Direct Intervention
Community members are showing up in person to witness and interrupt ICE detentions, sometimes resulting in successful “de-arrests.” These actions demonstrate solidarity and can de-escalate enforcement encounters.
Creative Resistance
Some groups use humor and public performance to expose the cruelty of immigration enforcement. For example, the Portland Frog—a costumed activist—dances around ICE agents to draw attention to their presence, reframing fear with defiance.
How Can You Support Your Immigrant Neighbors?
Please support the local, state, and national organizations working tirelessly to advocate for immigrants and refugees—especially those providing critical legal assistance.
If, like Martin Niemöller, you’re growing increasingly uneasy about the erosion of legal protections and the violation of human rights, now is the time to speak out. If you’re living in relative peace, use that privilege to act—before there’s no one left to speak for you.
We cannot afford to remain on the sidelines. We must engage with our communities, act, and get involved in any way we can. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
