Office of Immigrant Affairs

The Office of Immigrant Affairs (OIA) is a City of Philadelphia office that, in its own words, promotes immigrant well-being by "recommending and developing policies and programs, which in turn provide opportunity and access to services."^[1] It facilitates immigrant integration into civic, economic and cultural life. OIA is a city office; it does not enforce immigration law, which is a federal responsibility (see Federal Government and Philadelphia).

1 Role and legal basis

The Home Rule Charter, as amended, directs city agencies to develop Language Access Plans so residents with limited English proficiency can reach services; the office's website cites Charter section 8-600 as guiding its operations.^[1] The office advises the Mayor, coordinates with departments on language access, and acts as liaison with immigrant communities. See Philadelphia Home Rule Charter.

2 Commissions and programs

OIA supports two mayoral commissions: one on Asian Pacific American affairs and one on African and Caribbean immigrant affairs.^[1] Its work includes policy recommendations, community events, referrals to legal and social services, and training city staff on language access. Direct legal representation is provided by nonprofits; see Legal Aid and Public Interest Law.

The office lists Language Access Philly, which works to make City services available in multiple languages, and the Welcoming Network initiative among its programs. Its website identifies ten languages it supports: English, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Haitian Creole, French, Kiswahili, Portuguese, Russian and Vietnamese.^[1] Language access matters in practice because residents with limited English proficiency otherwise face barriers when they call 311, apply for permits, seek benefits or deal with courts and police. The office does not provide legal representation or decide immigration cases; residents who need legal help are referred to nonprofit providers and accredited representatives. The Mayor's two immigrant-focused commissions advise the administration and give community members a formal channel for raising concerns, and City departments looking to translate materials or arrange interpretation are the office's main internal clients.

3 Leadership changes

Executive Director Amy Eusebio announced her resignation on January 23, 2025, with her last day on January 24, 2025, according to CBS Philadelphia.^[2] The Parker administration began interviewing candidates in April 2025, as the Inquirer reported.^[3] The City's website now lists Charlie Elison as director.

4 Federal-local tension

Philadelphia's stance on cooperating with federal immigration enforcement, including its "sanctuary city" policies, has been a recurring subject of litigation and political debate involving the federal government, City Council, the Police Department and the Department of Prisons. Supporters say limited cooperation builds trust in public safety; critics argue it hinders enforcement. This article does not attempt to resolve that dispute; see local news coverage and Local News Media in Philadelphia.

5 Contact

Residents can call (215) 686-0876 or email OIA@phila.gov. Information is general civic education, not legal advice; those with immigration cases should consult a licensed attorney or accredited representative.

See also: Commission on Human Relations, Office of LGBT Affairs, Mayor's Cabinet and Offices.

References

1. City of Philadelphia, Office of Immigrant Affairs, department page, phila.gov.
2. CBS News Philadelphia, "Philadelphia's Office of Immigrant Affairs executive director resigns," January 2025.
3. The Philadelphia Inquirer, report on Office of Immigrant Affairs candidate interviews, April 9, 2025.