Smith-Wade-El, Hohenstein to hold news conference Oct. 28 in support of their legislation to create Office of New Pennsylvanians

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    October 22, 2025 | 3:25 PM

HARRISBURG, Oct. 22 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, and Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., will be joined by representatives of Church World Service at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28 in the East Wing Rotunda, Harrisburg, for a news conference in support of their legislation (H.B. 1113) that would create an Office of New Pennsylvanians to support, attract and retain immigrants in the commonwealth.

“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,” Smith-Wade-El said. “But they are facing too many roadblocks due to bureaucratic red tape and restrictive policies targeting immigrant communities.

“To keep these skilled workers, entrepreneurs, consumers and community leaders in our state, I’ve introduced a bill that would raze the maze of bureaucratic silos by establishing 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.”

“My support for immigrant rights is based on my belief in the value of all working people. Organized labor was born in immigrant communities from the coal mines in Pennsylvania to sweatshops in New York and to the grape harvests in California,” Hohenstein said. “Immigrants bring so much to our state – whether it be their incredible work ethics, diversity, or their unique cultures – they contribute much to our commonwealth.

“The Office of New Pennsylvanians would provide needed support and resources to attract immigrants to our commonwealth and to keep them here. 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.”  

Speakers at the event will include state Sen. Nikil Saval, D-Phila., state Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Fretiz, D- Berks, and representatives from the PA Immigration Coalition.

Following the news conference, the bill will be considered in the House State Government Committee meeting at 10 a.m.