The Community Ecosystem

Resources for Immigrant Youth

Know your rights and find support in Philadelphia

Philadelphia has a thriving immigrant community and a Welcoming City Ordinance that limits cooperation between city agencies and federal immigration enforcement. This guide covers your rights, available resources, and how to get legal help.

Practical next steps

  1. Constitutional rights apply to everyone in the US

    The First, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments apply to everyone in the United States regardless of immigration status. You don't need to be a citizen to have these rights.

  2. Philadelphia's Welcoming City Ordinance

    Philadelphia police aren't required to ask about immigration status. City services — schools, libraries, health centers, parks — are available to all residents regardless of status.

  3. You have the right to remain silent with immigration officers

    You don't have to answer questions about where you were born or your immigration status. Ask 'Am I free to go?' If yes, calmly leave. If no, say 'I am exercising my right to remain silent and want to speak to an attorney.'

  4. You do not have to open your door

    ICE cannot enter your home without a judicial warrant. An administrative warrant does NOT give them the right to enter.

  5. Know about DACA

    DACA provides temporary protection from deportation and work authorization for people brought to the US as children. DACA must be renewed every 2 years. Consult an immigration attorney for current status.

  6. Education rights for immigrant children

    Under Plyler v. Doe, all children in the US have the right to a free public education (K-12) regardless of status. Schools cannot deny enrollment based on status.

  7. Get free immigration legal help in Philadelphia

    HIAS Pennsylvania, Nationalities Service Center, SEAMAAC, Community Legal Services, and Juntos all provide free or low-cost immigration legal services.

  8. Know what to do if a family member is detained

    Call HIAS PA immediately: 215-832-0900. Have a family preparedness plan in place before anything happens.

Resource starting points

Organizations featured in this guide

  • HIAS Pennsylvania

    Comprehensive immigration legal services — DACA, asylum, family petitions, and immigration court representation.

  • Nationalities Service Center

    Full spectrum of immigration services, legal help, and English programs for immigrants in Philadelphia.

  • Juntos

    Community organization for and by Latino immigrants in Philadelphia — legal support, community organizing, and resources.

  • SEAMAAC

    Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Association — immigration services, ESL, and community support.

  • ACLU of Pennsylvania

    Civil rights legal help including immigration rights and Welcoming City Ordinance enforcement.

Helpful things to know

Save these numbers in your phone now

HIAS PA: 215-832-0900. Nationalities Service Center: 215-893-8400. ACLU of PA: 215-592-1513.

Don't sign anything without a lawyer

Never sign immigration documents without consulting an attorney first — including voluntary departure forms.

Common questions

Can undocumented students attend college in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Undocumented students who attended PA high school for 2+ years and graduated may be eligible for in-state tuition under Act 86 of 2023.

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