In this episode, we’re joined by Jasmine Rivera, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Immigration Coalition, and Andrew Brananoksi, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center, with additional insight from Lize Miller of PIRC’s Removal Defense Team.

Together, they break down how Pennsylvania’s immigrant advocacy and legal defense organizations support individuals and families facing immigration enforcement. Our guests explain the distinct roles their organizations play—from statewide policy advocacy and community coordination to direct legal representation for people in detention or at risk of removal.

The conversation explores how their work has shifted amid an escalation of immigration enforcement, who qualifies for legal defense services, and the constitutional rights immigrants—including undocumented immigrants—continue to have. Listeners will hear practical guidance on what to do (and not do) if questioned by immigration officers, what documents people should have ready, and which documents should never be shown without legal advice.

We also cover critical issues around home entry and warrants, including the difference between judicial warrants and administrative immigration warrants, and why that distinction matters. The episode closes with guidance for families on preparing in advance, creating emergency plans, and taking immediate steps if a loved one is detained.

This episode is essential listening for immigrants, allies, and anyone seeking clear, grounded information about rights, risks, and protections under today’s immigration enforcement landscape.

In this episode, we&rsquo;re joined by Jasmine Rivera, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Immigration Coalition, and Andrew Brananoksi, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center, with additional insight from Lize Miller of PIRC&rsquo;s Removal Defense Team.
Together, they break down how Pennsylvania&rsquo;s immigrant advocacy and legal defense organizations support individuals and families facing immigration enforcement. Our guests explain the distinct roles their organizations play&mdash;from statewide policy advocacy and community coordination to direct legal representation for people in detention or at risk of removal.
The conversation explores how their work has shifted amid an escalation of immigration enforcement, who qualifies for legal defense services, and the constitutional rights immigrants&mdash;including undocumented immigrants&mdash;continue to have. Listeners will hear practical guidance on what to do (and not do) if questioned by immigration officers, what documents people should have ready, and which documents should never be shown without legal advice.
We also cover critical issues around home entry and warrants, including the difference between judicial warrants and administrative immigration warrants, and why that distinction matters. The episode closes with guidance for families on preparing in advance, creating emergency plans, and taking immediate steps if a loved one is detained.
This episode is essential listening for immigrants, allies, and anyone seeking clear, grounded information about rights, risks, and protections under today&rsquo;s immigration enforcement landscape.

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, host Asia Tabb starts conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at https://witf.org/programs/the-spark.

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, host Asia Tabb starts conversations about what&rsquo;s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at https://witf.org/programs/the-spark.

The Spark

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, host Asia Tabb start the conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at https://witf.org/programs/the-spark.

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, host Asia Tabb start the conversations about what&rsquo;s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at&nbsp;<a href="https://witf.org/programs/the-spark">https://witf.org/programs/the-spark</a>.