Khizr Khan

Immigrant American, Gold Star Parent, Founder of ConstitutIon Literacy Project

“I wish to express my sincere gratitude and respect to the leadership of Second Generation… America’s history is a testament to the great contributions immigrant Americans make to make America stronger and prosperous.”

WATCH: Khizr Khan endorses Second Generation candidates Nina Ahmad & Nikil Saval (2020)

Tarik Khan

Pennsylvania State Representative, 194th District (2023-Present)

“The US should be a model for all nations by recognizing and welcoming immigrants as essential to the strength and vitality of our country. We can only truly prosper as a nation when we finally fulfill our promise of equality for all people. Second Generation builds power for immigrant communities to thrive as full members of our society with political, social, and economic stake in our communities, and our communities will reap the rich benefits as a result of this critical work.”

Arvind Venkat

Pennsylvania State Representative, 30TH District (2023-Present)

“Immigration is so fundamental to American culture — it is what makes this country great. The perspectives and experiences of immigrants bring new depth, energy, and outlooks to our country that should be celebrated and promoted as our greatest asset. Second Generation does exactly that.”

Jamie Gauthier

Philadelphia City Councilmember, 3rd District (2020-Present)

“The Third District is one of the most dynamic sections of the city, where lifelong residents like me, immigrants like my mother, and other new Philadelphians are building a future together. With the help of Second Generation, I will continue to fight to ensure that all of my constituents have access to affordable housing, good-paying jobs, and quality education.”

Nina Ahmad

Philadelphia City Councilmember, At-LARGE (2024-Present)

“Immigrants are the bedrock of the United States, and we need to welcome the latest influx who come to our shores seeking a better life for themselves and their families. As important as what we do for immigrants is what they contribute to us both economically and culturally. The work done by Second Generation of involving them in the political process is critical since it helps highlight the contributions of immigrants and helps immigrants feel fully engaged in their adoptive country.”

Neil Makhija

Montgomery County Commissioner (2024-Present)

“I believe that America is the world’s experiment in inclusive, multi-racial democracy and we must protect it. Protecting immigrants and supporting immigration is crucial to that journey. And I will always fight for this experiment. I’m running now because I know that when we commit to inclusive democracy, we can achieve key priorities that no one else thought was possible. Organizations like Second Generation will keep the American Dream alive.”

Jim Kenney

Mayor of Philadelphia (2016–2023)

“Thanks so much Second Generation for everything you do to help empower immigrant communities.”

Kay Yu

Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia (2023-PRESENT)

“For immigrant communities to be empowered, valued, and connected, we need representation in every aspect and at every level of government. By its very existence, Second Generation encourages people with immigrant backgrounds to step up to run for elected office. By advocating, endorsing, and supporting immigrant candidates, Second Generation will increase the likelihood of success for these candidates.”

Anthony Kyriakakis

Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia (2020-PRESENT)

“As the son of two immigrants, I understand the struggles that immigrant families face as they seek better lives for themselves and future generations. I am honored to accept the endorsement of Second Generation, and I will ensure that all parties in my courtroom, including those from marginalized communities, are treated equally, and with fairness and dignity."

Nick Kamau

Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia (2022-PRESENT)

“Political power and economic power go hand in hand. When immigrant communities gain political power, economic power in these communities is more easily gained. When economic power is focused, it can help foster political power and influence within immigrant communities. Thank you, Second Generation, for your support.”

Nicola Henry-Taylor

Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, Allegheny County (2022-PRESENT)

“My lived experience of being born in a working-class community in England, living in rural Jamaica, and growing up in the vibrant immigrant community of Flatbush, Brooklyn has framed who I am as a person and my passions and concerns for a more welcoming, just and inclusive society. My desire to be a judge is driven by my passion for equity, diversity, and inclusion. I am keenly aware that I would add diversity of thought, and experience, as a woman of color that is lacking in our judicial system. The path to ending discrimination starts with representation. Thank you, Second Generation!”

K.S. Bhaskar

TREDYFFRIN TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR, DISTRICT 3, CHESTER COUNTY (2020-PRESENT)

“America is enriched by immigrants, whether they are Nobel Prize winners, or whether they work our fields and gardens. Until they find their feet, immigrants are convenient targets for politicians to blame, as well as for unscrupulous business people to exploit. We established Americans need to advocate for immigrants, especially those who are marginalized, and we can dream that the children and grandchildren of those who are working our fields and gardens today can be tomorrow's Nobel Prize winners, and Americans like us. Thank you to the Board of Second Generation for the endorsement. It means a lot to me.”

Jay Rohatgi

PARKLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD, LEHIGH COUNTY (2022-PRESENT)

“The history of our country shows that we have not been always kind to first or second generation of immigrants. This has been true from early days of our country’s birth with Irish and Italian Americans, to as recently as today where Asian Americans are being unfairly targeted due to COVID and their perceived connection to it. However we have also seen that when these communities become part of the melting pot that is this country, wonderful things can happen. Some of wonderful discoveries in technology, health, trade advancements, architecture and scientific research has come from immigrant communities. The work of Second Generation encourages a faster assimilation into the melting pot and remove the traditional challenges people face when they are recent immigrants.”