CPD is proud to support the national movement for comprehensive immigration reform through targeted campaigns in two important states: New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Our organizers have been focused on coalition building and voter mobilizing in states with large immigrant populations.  We have been working with partners on the ground to galvanize support for reform among local elected officials, faith leaders, and labor unions, and to move congressional representatives to vote for comprehensive immigration reform.  

In New Jersey, our organizers have been working in five key districts helping partner organizations develop a strong and unified message and assisting with a series of congressional call-in days, press conferences, and legislative visits. The aim of these efforts is to demonstrate to congressional representatives the overwhelming level of support for reform.

In neighboring Pennsylvania, the Lehigh Valley is a key swing congressional district and its large immigrant population would benefit immensely from federal immigration reform. CPD has been able to support a new committee of grassroots community leaders with trainings and workshops and, alongside Allentown’s Mayor, has held major rallies to generate momentum and publicity for reform.  Since campaigning began, Lehigh Valley Congressman Charlie Dent has become one of a small number of moderate Republicans who have voiced openness to immigration reform in the national press.

We have been grateful for the opportunity to work alongside our allies in both states, including our partners in PA the Pennsylvania Immigration and Citizenship Coalition, SEIU, Alliance for Citizenship and Grupo De Apoyo. In NJ, we are working closely with a wide range of organizations committed to creating equal opportunity for immigrants, such as New Jersey Communities United, SEIU, NJ Citizen Action, New Labor, Organizing for Action, SEIU 32BJ, La Fuente, Workers United, Main Street Alliance, and other business and faith organizations.

CPD’s campaigns in New Jersey and Pennsylvania continue to build vital public support for a pathway to citizenship for 11 million undocumented immigrants.