The National Puerto Rican Agenda, Pennsylvania Chapter (NPRA-PA), was born out of a collective desire to strengthen our capacity and elevate our impact in addressing Puerto Ricans and Latinos’ needs. Our vision in Pennsylvania is that Puerto Rican and Latino communities in every county are engaged and empowered to pursue public policies that provide an equitable and sustainable future where our communities can heal, grow, and thrive. Providing a forum that brings together diverse stakeholders will assist in accomplishing a common goal.
NPRA-PA denounces ICE detention and harassment of Puerto Ricans and Latinos in every corner of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Our Latino community has been singled out and targeted by ICE with the ethnocentric goal of removing and deporting our people to their original land, with the sole purpose of a campaign promise.
The Latino population in the USA constitutes an impressive 74.3 million people (11.7 million of those are undocumented residents). We are a significant driving force in every single industry behind this country. A workforce that fuels this nation with an economic GDP of over 3.6 trillion dollars (according to LDC). Latino GDP is the second-fastest growing among the world’s ten largest economies, trailing only China and outpacing countries like India, France, Canada, and even the rest of the United States. Despite comprising 19.5 % of the U.S. population, the U.S. Latino cohort was responsible for 28.3 % of total additions to national GDP between 2017 and 2022.
We are heartbroken. Many of our state officials who once promised to protect the Constitution now hold silent as this administration has turned its back and ignored the cries of its people. We ask our City Council members, Mayors, State Senators, State Representatives, and Governor, what are you waiting for? The time is now.
The damage could worsen if you don’t step up now. We, the People, elected you to lead and support during times of need. Your silence and your lack of action speak louder.
It is strongly recommended that our Puerto Rican community and any Latino citizens carry proof of citizenship, such as a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or a Real ID-compliant driver’s license, to minimize the risk of unlawful detention. If detained, they should immediately assert their U.S. citizenship. Remain silent beyond providing essential identifying information and request legal representation before signing any documents or agreeing to interviews.
Puerto Ricans have a responsibility to stand in solidarity with our Latino brothers and sisters across the globe who reside in the United States of America. We must not allow modern-day racial profiling and discrimination to divide our communities.
Puerto Ricans have bravely served this country in every war since World War I, with many giving their lives to protect our land and people. Now is the time to unite, uphold, and support each other. We cannot let the government we fought for mistreating our fellow community members.
NPRA-PA is a nonpartisan Puerto Rican alliance of state and local organizations, elected and community, leaders, and volunteers Website: www.puertoricanagenda.org | Email: Pennsylvania.npra@gmail.com | Twitter: @pricanagenda | Facebook: @NationalPuertoRicanAgenda Executive Board Dr. Rev. Robertoluis Lugo Morciglio, President | Monica Ruiz, Vice President | María Teresa Donate, Secretary Miguel A. Concepción Thomas, Treasurer | Sara Feliciano, PR & Communication.
*Pennsylvania is referred to as a «Commonwealth» in its official constitution. The term «Commonwealth» is derived from Old English, signifying a political community established for the common good.
