Smith-Wade-El, Hohenstein legislation to create Office of New Pennsylvanians referred out of committee
Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein October 28, 2025 | 11:49 AM
HARRISBURG, Oct. 28 – Legislation (H.B. 1113) that would create an Office of New Pennsylvanians to support, attract and retain immigrants in the commonwealth, introduced by state Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, and Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., was referred out of the House State Government Committee today, 14-12.
“We are both pleased to receive the support of the House State Government Committee for this critical and timely legislation,” Smith-Wade-El said. “The Office of New Pennsylvanians would raze the roadblocks and cut the red tape that’s restricting immigrants in PA from fulling participating in life here in the commonwealth and in our economy. As our immigrant communities are an integral part of Pennsylvania’s economic growth, making up over 8% of our state’s work force and paying $3.3 billion yearly in state and local taxes, we want to ensure that they have the supports they need to succeed.”
The legislation would establish an Office of New Pennsylvanians that would be a one-stop shop for benefits and resources for immigrants under the auspices of the PA Department of Community and Economic Development.
“The Office of New Pennsylvanians would provide needed support and resources to attract immigrants to our commonwealth and to keep them here,” Hohenstein said. “Especially during these times when immigrant rights are under attack, this bill is more important than ever to reaffirm their value as human beings and full participants in our economic and social life. I’m glad to see it take this important step today.”
The bill now heads to the House floor.