Philadelphia, PA — April 14, 2026
Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis highlighted the role of immigrant communities in the state’s economy and reaffirmed support for them at the annual Solas Awards, hosted by The Welcoming Center, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit.
Speaking before an audience of community leaders, labor representatives, and public officials, Davis emphasized that immigrants are essential to the functioning of key industries and local communities. In his remarks, he noted that in many workplaces, individuals are judged by their ability to contribute rather than their background or language. “Immigrants are what make this country run,” he said.
Davis also underscored the importance of working-class communities, drawing on his own background growing up in a labor household in western Pennsylvania. He described how his upbringing shaped his approach to public service and his focus on expanding access to opportunity.
Addressing current policy dynamics, Davis expressed concern about aspects of federal immigration enforcement, suggesting that certain approaches may have broader implications for community safety and access to essential services. He said the state is taking steps to protect residents’ rights, including providing guidance to schools, businesses, and community organizations navigating evolving policy conditions.
The lieutenant governor also referenced Pennsylvania’s historical identity as a place of refuge and inclusion, noting that the state has long been shaped by people arriving from different backgrounds. He emphasized that fostering a sense of safety and belonging remains central to community stability.
Davis concluded by encouraging greater civic participation and awareness, noting that access to information and engagement in public processes are increasingly important in the current environment.
For immigrant communities, access to reliable civic information, a clear understanding of policy changes, and meaningful participation in public life remain critical to long-term community development. Government policies and institutional practices will continue to shape both the sense of safety and the level of engagement within these communities.
latforms like visibletogether contribute to addressing these gaps by providing accessible, community-centered information that helps immigrant communities better understand public institutions and navigate policy environments.
