Allentown’s Welcoming City Ordinance: What It Means for Immigrant Communities in Pennsylvania
The ripples of Trump’s immigration policies are being felt right here in the Lehigh Valley. In response to recent federal immigration enforcement actions, Allentown, Pennsylvania, is considering an ordinance to designate itself as a “welcoming city,” a status akin to a sanctuary city. The proposed ordinance aims to prohibit local police from assisting federal immigration officials in enforcement activities unless legally mandated. Council Member Ce-Ce Gerlach, a co-sponsor of the bill and daughter of an undocumented immigrant, emphasized the importance of codifying the city’s commitment to diversity, stating, “[i]f we say we value diversity, if we say it’s our strength, then let’s codify that.”
Allentown’s demographic composition, with 54% of its population identifying as Hispanic, underscores the significance of this ordinance. Many residents have expressed concerns over federal immigration policies and potential mass deportations. The proposed ordinance seeks to alleviate these fears by ensuring that local resources are not utilized in federal immigration enforcement, thereby fostering trust between the community and local law enforcement.
However, the ordinance faces opposition within the city council. Council President Daryl Hendricks, a former Allentown police officer, has expressed his intent to vote against the bill, arguing that city police should have the ability to cooperate with federal officials in addressing criminal activities involving undocumented individuals.
The debate in Allentown reflects a broader national conversation about the role of local governments in federal immigration enforcement. While some municipalities are strengthening protections for undocumented immigrants, others are considering measures to increase cooperation with federal authorities. For instance, recent discussions in Chicago have centered on proposed amendments to the city’s Welcoming City Ordinance, which would allow local police to collaborate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) in cases involving undocumented immigrants arrested for specific crimes.
As Allentown’s city council prepares to vote on the welcoming city ordinance during a committee meeting on February 5, the outcome will have significant implications for the city’s immigrant community and its relationship with local law enforcement. The decision will also contribute to the ongoing national discourse on immigration policy and the responsibilities of local jurisdictions.
At Lehigh Valley Immigration Lawyers, we are closely monitoring these developments to provide our clients with informed and up-to-date legal counsel.
If you or someone you know is affected by these potential changes, please contact us at Alex@LehighValleyImmigrationLawyers.com. We are committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of our immigrant communities.