Immigrants are the backbone of Philadelphia’s economy across sectors.

Industry leaders provide tangible evidence on the talent and innovation immigrants bring to the city’s workforce.

At a moment of growing concern and challenges due to federal immigration policy nationwide, it’s important to remember just how much Philadelphia’s economy depends on immigrants.

This was the key point during a Jan. 29 panel discussion at Industrious, hosted by the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia in collaboration with FWD.us

On Tuesday, Jan. 27, immigration advocates joined Philadelphia City Councilmembers and other elected officials to announce ICE Out  — to crack down on ICE's authority and the agency’s operations in Philadelphia.

At a recent community event hosted by Inti Media, leaders from local organizations gathered to discuss how civic engagement can extend beyond Election Day. The Short Film Screening + Conversation: Civic Engagement in the Latine Community event highlighted the work of residents and groups dedicated to making government participation more accessible, especially for Philadelphia’s Latine community.

By Jensen Toussaint. April 23, 2025.

Documented redefines immigrant journalism by reporting with communities, not just about them. Launched in 2018, this NYC-based outlet publishes in 4 languages, tackling underreported issues like wage theft. 'Journalism is a public good,' says CSO Rebecca Neuwirth

By Vicky Díaz-Camacho. February 19, 2025.

The organizer’s goal was simple: host a group of fans who want to learn more about the cultural and historical underpinnings of Bad Bunny’s latest album and his short film. What ensued was a lively, two-hour demonstration of cultural connection, grief and release.

By Vicky Díaz-Camacho. February 9, 2025

On Super Bowl Sunday, leaders with immigrant rights and advocacy groups in both Philadelphia and Kansas City announced a united effort for immigrant-owned businesses to close up shop. After that, they urge residents to shop at local, immigrant-owned businesses and avoid corporate big box stores.

By Nigel Thompson on January 18th, 2025.

Ahead of Trump's inauguration, Philadelphia advocates call on local leaders to protect immigrant communities, focusing on figures like Mayor Cherelle Parker and Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon. Activists, including Nancy Nguyen, push for stronger support and reaffirmation of the city’s sanctuary policies to combat rising threats.

By Nigel Thompson. November 11, 2024.

Alma Romero’s dream business, Alma del Mar, came to a heartbreaking end after a violent assault and a string of unaddressed crimes in South Philadelphia. From the emotional toll of the attack to the frustration with the police response, Alma’s story is one of resilience in the face of adversity. “How many times were you hit?” the officer asked—a question that shaped her path to justice.

By Jensen Toussaint. November 1, 2024.

The healthcare industry is essential for all communities, yet diverse groups remain underrepresented in its workforce. Despite 33% of U.S. nurses being Black, Asian, or Hispanic, these groups make up 39% of the population. Programs like Accesso Care are empowering immigrant CNAs to fill critical roles amidst a nursing shortage. By offering training and community support, they aim to create a compassionate, skilled workforce that reflects the diversity of the nation and addresses healthcare needs.

By Nabila Haddad. October 30, 2024.

This November 5th, it’s crucial for immigrants to recognize their impact on the U.S. economy. With 63 million Latines contributing $3.2 trillion, their voices matter in shaping policies that affect their communities. Many face barriers like language and misinformation, but participation is essential. As Jennifer Rodriguez from GPHCC states, communities that don’t engage often remain underserved.

By Tiffany Rivera. September 30, 2024.

As the November 5 election approaches, immigrant voters in Philadelphia face unique challenges that can hinder participation. The "Pathways to the Polls" event highlighted these issues, emphasizing the importance of voter information and trust-building within communities. With 16% of the population being foreign-born, leaders like Jennifer Rodriguez and Vivian Chang stressed that educating immigrants on the voting process is crucial for ensuring their voices are heard in this pivotal election.

By Jensen Toussaint. September 17th, 2024.

In South Philadelphia, residents strive for productive lives, with public safety being a crucial aspect. While safety can mean different things, experts define it as the protection of the public. Community leaders emphasize addressing basic human needs alongside crime reduction, as recent crime surges raise concerns about safety and quality of life.