About Us
Who
We are
The Pennsylvania Immigration Coalition (PIC) is a diverse coalition of over 50 member organizations and hundreds of individual supporters. Our membership includes community groups, social, health and legal service providers, advocacy organizations, labor unions, and faith communities.
PIC leads and supports campaigns, that have been decided by the member organizations, to advance immigrant rights at the local, state, and federal levels, supports grassroots community-led organizations through training and capacity building and supports members to increase their immigration services. PIC also builds immigrant electoral power through nonpartisan voter registration and education of new citizens at USCIS at naturalization ceremonies. We carry out year-round voter outreach and connect new voters to local PIC members.
PIC's
Mission
Our mission is to promote, defend and advance immigrant rights throughout Pennsylvania by building power in immigrant communities and advocating with a coordinated voice to establish welcoming public policies.
PIC's
Values
& Vision
PIC’s work is guided by the following values:
-
Immigrant Leadership
-
Unity Among Immigrant Communities
-
Solidarity with Ally Movements
-
Human Rights
-
Family Unity
-
Collaboration and Collective Ownership
-
Dignity, Respect and Safety
-
Advocacy for All
HISTORY OF PIC
PIC began meeting as an informal coalition in 1998 as advocates struggled with the impact of immigration reform and welfare reform measures enacted in 1996. This interfaith, interagency coalition responded through advocacy, training, and leadership development.
After the tragedies of September 11, 2001, a climate of fear led to the targeting of many innocent immigrants. The Immigration and Naturalization Service was dramatically reorganized into three separate agencies under the new Department of Homeland Security. The United States refugee program decreased the number of refugees that it accepted, causing several programs that work with refugees to downsize or shut their doors. PIC responded by stepping up advocacy for efforts and working to build a broader statewide coalition. We continue to work to expand our geographic scope.
