Philadelphia’s 40-year history of protecting undocumented immigrants began with churches hiding refugees from El Salvador

A historian explores how religious congregations, activists and city officials have supported undocumented immigrants in Philadelphia over the past 40 years.

By: Menika Dirkson, Morgan State University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: April 8, 2026

Words: 1,581

Last Updated: 3 months, 3 weeks ago

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By Menika Dirkson, Morgan State University

In the midst of a civil war, married couple Ernesto and Linda Fuentes fled their home country of El Salvador and headed for Philadelphia, via Mexico, in November 1983.

Ernesto was an activist who dispensed food and medicine in Salvadoran refugee camps. Linda was a union organizer for banks and clothing factories.

The Salvadoran government viewed activists, especially suspected guerrilla fighters and union leaders, as threats to its …

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