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Submitted by Kimberly Mahaffy, Board President, Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center
Recently, the Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center (PIRC) has received threats as well as vile comments about our work. Threats are illegal and will be reported to law enforcement. Opinions are protected by the first amendment of the U.S. Constitution. To correct misinformation, I write to clarify what we do. PIRC 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. PIRC assists detained immigrants by explaining their rights and when possible, providing legal representation. We also sponsor a rapid response team (RRT). RRT volunteers take calls from people residing in Adams, Franklin, Dauphin, York, and Lancaster counties when their loved ones have been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). They might be calling to locate their loved one or seek legal advice. Family members have a right to that information. Our RRT volunteers do not engage in ICE-spotting. They help callers deal with the aftermath.
A few years ago, I joined a faith-based organization that visited immigrants in detention. Repeatedly, the detained immigrants professed their belief in the ideals of the United States even when the likelihood of deportation was high. Their idealism and faith in our legal system encouraged me to fight for justice, which is why I serve on PIRC’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
