Key Takeaways
• Pennsylvania cities named sanctuary by DHS face federal pressure after April 28, 2025 executive order 14287.
• Senate Bill 471 passed March 31, 2025, would ban sanctuary policies and require ICE notification in criminal cases.
• Philadelphia renames sanctuary city to welcoming city on May 30, 2025, balancing federal pressure and immigrant support.
As of July 8, 2025, the landscape for undocumented immigrants in Pennsylvania is shifting quickly, with new federal and state actions, changing city policies, and ongoing advocacy efforts. Here’s a detailed update on what’s changed, who is affected, the effective dates, required actions, and what these developments mean for pending and future immigration cases in Pennsylvania.
Summary of What Changed
Pennsylvania does not have a statewide sanctuary city or sanctuary state law. However, several cities and counties, including Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Gettysburg, State College, and York, as well as counties like Adams, Allegheny, Centre, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery, and Northampton, have adopted policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. These local policies have drawn attention from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), especially after President Trump’s Executive Order 14287, signed on April 28, 2025. This order directed DHS and the Attorney General to identify and publicly list sanctuary jurisdictions.
On May 29, 2025, DHS released a list naming these Pennsylvania jurisdictions as “deliberately obstructing” federal immigration enforcement. In response, Philadelphia, which had long called itself a sanctuary city, announced on May 30, 2025, that it would now use the term “welcoming city” instead. This move is widely seen as an attempt to balance federal pressure with ongoing support for immigrant communities.
Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania Senate passed Senate Bill 471 on March 31, 2025. This bill would ban sanctuary policies statewide and require local prosecutors to notify ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) when a criminal defendant is undocumented, ensuring transfer to federal custody for removal. The bill passed with bipartisan support and is now awaiting action in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
Who Is Affected
- Undocumented immigrants living in Pennsylvania, especially in cities and counties named on the DHS sanctuary list.
- Local governments and law enforcement agencies in Pennsylvania that have adopted sanctuary or trust policies.
- Advocacy groups working to protect immigrant rights and expand trust policies.
- Employers, families, and communities who rely on or support undocumented immigrants.
- Pending and future immigration cases involving individuals in sanctuary jurisdictions.
Effective Dates
- April 28, 2025: President Trump signed Executive Order 14287, directing federal action against sanctuary jurisdictions.
- May 29, 2025: DHS published its updated list of sanctuary jurisdictions, including several in Pennsylvania.
- May 30, 2025: Philadelphia officially shifted from “sanctuary city” to “welcoming city.”
- March 31, 2025: Pennsylvania Senate passed SB 471; the bill is pending in the House and not yet law.
Required Actions
For undocumented immigrants and their families:
– Stay informed about local policies in your city or county. Some areas may continue to limit cooperation with ICE, while others may change their approach due to state or federal pressure.
– Seek legal advice if you have concerns about your status, especially if you have a pending criminal case or are involved in removal proceedings.
– Connect with advocacy groups like Make The Road PA for support and updates on local protections.
For local governments and law enforcement:
– Review current policies to ensure compliance with state and federal laws.
– Prepare for possible changes if SB 471 becomes law, which would require full cooperation with ICE in criminal cases.
For employers and community organizations:
– Monitor policy changes that could affect your workforce or community members.
– Provide resources and information to affected individuals.
Implications for Pending Applications
- Pending immigration cases may be affected by changes in local cooperation with ICE. If SB 471 becomes law, local authorities will be required to notify ICE about undocumented individuals facing criminal charges, which could lead to more detainers and transfers to federal custody.
- Applications for relief or adjustment of status may face additional scrutiny if applicants live in jurisdictions identified as sanctuary cities or counties.
- Advocacy and legal support will be critical for those with pending cases, as the policy environment remains uncertain.
Detailed Overview of Pennsylvania’s Sanctuary City Status in 2025
No Statewide Sanctuary Law, but Local Policies Remain
Pennsylvania does not have a law declaring it a sanctuary state. Instead, the situation is shaped by local decisions. Cities like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Gettysburg, State College, and York, as well as several counties, have adopted policies that limit how much local police and officials work with federal immigration authorities. These policies often mean that local police do not honor ICE detainer requests unless there is a judicial warrant or the person is charged with a serious crime.
DHS Scrutiny and Federal Pressure
The Department of Homeland Security has taken a strong stance against these local policies. After President Trump’s Executive Order 14287, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi were tasked with identifying and exposing sanctuary jurisdictions. The DHS list released on May 29, 2025, publicly named Pennsylvania cities and counties, accusing them of “deliberately obstructing” federal immigration enforcement.
DHS has warned these jurisdictions to change their policies or face formal notifications and possible violations of federal criminal laws. This federal pressure has led some cities, like Philadelphia, to reconsider how they describe their policies, even if the substance of those policies remains similar.
Philadelphia’s Shift: From Sanctuary City to Welcoming City
Philadelphia, home to about 45,000 undocumented immigrants, had called itself a sanctuary city since 2016. On May 30, 2025, Mayor Cherelle Parker announced that Philadelphia would now use the term “welcoming city.” While the city continues to support immigrant communities, this change in language is seen as a way to avoid direct conflict with the federal government while still offering protections.
Local Trust Policies and Law Enforcement Cooperation
Advocacy groups like Make The Road PA continue to push for “trust policies.” These policies allow local sheriffs and police to use their own judgment about whether to honor ICE detainer requests. The goal is to build trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement, so undocumented immigrants feel safe reporting crimes or seeking help without fear of deportation.
State Legislative Actions: Senate Bill 471
The Pennsylvania Senate passed SB 471 on March 31, 2025. This bill would:
- Ban sanctuary policies that prevent local law enforcement from communicating with ICE.
- Require prosecutors to notify ICE when a criminal defendant is undocumented.
- Ensure transfer of undocumented criminal defendants to federal custody for removal.
The bill passed with a 31-18 bipartisan vote and is now in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. If it becomes law, it would override local sanctuary or trust policies and require full cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Human Trafficking Legislation
House Bill 975, introduced in March 2025, amends Pennsylvania’s criminal laws to address trafficking in undocumented immigrants. This shows a legislative focus on criminalizing certain activities involving undocumented persons, adding another layer of legal risk for both immigrants and those who might exploit them.
Practical Implications for Undocumented Immigrants
Uncertainty and Fear
The mix of local protections and state-level enforcement efforts creates a confusing and sometimes frightening environment for undocumented immigrants. With about 160,000 undocumented people living in Pennsylvania, many are unsure whether they can trust local police or if they risk being turned over to ICE.
Economic and Social Contributions
Immigrants make up about 7% of Pennsylvania’s population but nearly 10% of its workforce and 14% of its entrepreneurs. They contribute around $13 billion in taxes each year. Cities like Philadelphia have a 15% foreign-born population, and other cities like Lancaster, Reading, and Allentown also have large immigrant communities. These contributions are often cited by advocates as reasons to maintain welcoming policies.
Law Enforcement and Public Safety
Supporters of sanctuary and trust policies argue that these approaches make communities safer. When immigrants feel safe talking to police, they are more likely to report crimes and cooperate with investigations. On the other hand, supporters of stricter enforcement believe that full cooperation with ICE is necessary to uphold the law and protect public safety.
Stakeholders and Their Positions
- DHS Secretary Kristi Noem: Strongly opposes sanctuary jurisdictions, calling them lawless and dangerous for Americans and law enforcement.
- Pennsylvania Senate (Republican-led): Passed SB 471 to ban sanctuary policies and require ICE notification in criminal cases.
- Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker: Changed the city’s label from sanctuary to “welcoming city” to balance federal demands with support for immigrants.
- Make The Road PA: Advocates for trust policies to protect immigrants from ICE detainers and build community trust.
- Former Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney: Supported sanctuary policies for their social, economic, and public safety benefits.
Background and Historical Context
Philadelphia’s sanctuary city policies began in 2016 under Mayor Jim Kenney, aiming to protect undocumented immigrants and build trust with police. The Trump administration, both in its first term and now in 2025, has targeted sanctuary jurisdictions through executive orders and DHS actions, including public naming and threats to withhold federal funds.
Pennsylvania’s immigrant population has grown steadily, with people coming from Mexico, India, China, Vietnam, the Middle East, Africa, and Ukraine. This diversity has shaped the state’s economy and culture, but also led to ongoing debates about immigration policy.
Future Outlook and Pending Developments
- Senate Bill 471: If passed by the Pennsylvania House and signed into law, it would ban sanctuary policies statewide and require full cooperation with ICE in criminal cases.
- Federal Enforcement: DHS will continue to monitor and update its list of sanctuary jurisdictions, demanding compliance and threatening legal action against those that do not cooperate.
- Local Government Responses: Cities may continue to rebrand their policies to avoid federal penalties while still supporting immigrants.
- Advocacy Efforts: Groups like Make The Road PA will keep pushing for expanded trust policies and protections, even as state and federal governments move in the opposite direction.
Official Resources and Contacts
- Pennsylvania Senate GOP Contact for SB 471: Chris Carroll, Phone: 814-453-2515
- Philadelphia Mayor’s Office: For updates on city immigration policies and the “welcoming city” initiative.
- Make The Road PA: Advocacy group for immigrant rights and trust policies.
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security: For federal policies and the latest sanctuary jurisdiction lists. You can find more information about federal immigration enforcement and sanctuary policies on the official DHS website.
Actionable Takeaways and Next Steps
- For undocumented immigrants: Stay updated on local and state policy changes. Seek legal advice if you have concerns about your status, especially if you are involved in a criminal case. Connect with local advocacy groups for support and information.
- For local officials and law enforcement: Review your current policies and prepare for possible changes if SB 471 becomes law. Communicate clearly with your communities about what protections remain in place.
- For employers and community organizations: Monitor developments and provide resources to affected individuals. Be ready to help employees or community members understand their rights and options.
- For those with pending immigration cases: Work closely with your attorney or legal representative to understand how these changes may affect your case, especially if you live in a jurisdiction named on the DHS list.
Conclusion
Pennsylvania’s status as a sanctuary state remains complicated. While there is no statewide sanctuary law, many cities and counties continue to limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, drawing attention from the Department of Homeland Security. Recent legislative efforts, like SB 471, could soon change the landscape, making it harder for local governments to protect undocumented immigrants. Philadelphia’s shift from “sanctuary city” to “welcoming city” shows how local leaders are trying to balance federal demands with support for immigrant communities.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the situation in Pennsylvania is fluid, with ongoing federal pressure, state legislative action, and strong advocacy from immigrant rights groups. For undocumented immigrants, the best course of action is to stay informed, seek legal help, and connect with trusted organizations for support. For officials and advocates, clear communication and preparation for possible changes will be key in the months ahead.
Learn Today
Sanctuary City → A local jurisdiction limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect undocumented immigrants.
Executive Order 14287 → A presidential directive issued April 28, 2025, targeting sanctuary jurisdictions for federal enforcement action.
Senate Bill 471 → Pennsylvania legislation passed March 31, 2025, banning sanctuary policies and requiring ICE notifications for undocumented defendants.
ICE Detainer → A request from Immigration and Customs Enforcement to local authorities to hold an individual for immigration enforcement.
Trust Policies → Local laws allowing discretion in cooperating with ICE, aiming to build immigrant community trust.
This Article in a Nutshell
Pennsylvania’s immigrant policies are rapidly changing. Cities labeled sanctuary face federal scrutiny. Senate Bill 471 threatens sanctuary protections. Philadelphia shifted to a welcoming city. Undocumented immigrants must stay informed and seek legal help amid evolving laws and advocacy efforts across Pennsylvania.
— By VisaVerge.com
