Laura Benshoff

Laura Benshoff covers immigration and regions in southeastern Pennsylvania for WHYY. She previously reported on education and healthcare for the station. Prior to becoming a journalist, she worked for the City of Philadelphia, doing outreach and grantmaking to small businesses in low-income neighborhoods, focusing on immigrant entrepreneurs. She attended McGill University in Montreal, Canada and conducted an independent health policy research project in New Delhi, India, after finishing her degree in English. She speaks Spanish and a little French.

More from the Contributor

David Desper, 28, of Trainer, Pa., and the truck he was driving during the shooting (West Goshen PD)

Courts & Law

Driver in Chesco road rage killing sentenced to 20-40 years

“I’m so sorry to Bianca’s family. I’d do anything to give her back,” killer tells court.

2 days ago

U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick has asked Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf for a thorough review of the environmental impact of renewed mining at the Rockhill Quarry in Upper Bucks County. (Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

Community

Asbestos discovery at Upper Bucks quarry halts operations

U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick wrote to Gov. Tom Wolf, applauding the state government for ceasing operations at the site and asking for a “more thorough environmental review."

2 days ago

Listen 1:04

Several groups have filed suit on behalf of Peter Sean Brown, 50, a Philadelphia native who was held on an immigration detainer in Florida, claiming his constitutional rights were violated when he was mistaken for a Jamaican immigrant eligible for deportation. (Viviana Bonilla Lopez/ACLU)

Courts & Law

Florida sheriffs illegally held Philly native as undocumented immigrant, lawsuit alleges

While he was detained, he says authorities sang the “Fresh Prince of Bel Air” theme song — about a transplanted Philadelphian — to mock his claimed connection to the city.

2 weeks ago

In this file photo, Cielo Mendez, 17, of Plainfield, N.J., who is a DACA recipient, (second from left with banner), marches next to Gabriel Henao, 7, and Kimberly Armas, 15, of Elizabeth, N.J., in support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, outside of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in Washington, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP Photo)

Courts & Law

New Jersey AG issues sweeping immigration order limiting cooperation with feds

Order from N.J. attorney general avoids "sanctuary" label, but severely limits how much local police can cooperate with ICE.

2 weeks ago

Shown is the Schuylkill River and view of the Philadelphia skyline, Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017. (Matt Rourke/AP Photo)

Money

New Philly program aims to get ‘eds and meds’ to buy locally

The effort brings together Philadelphia’s Department of Commerce and the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia, along with 20 founding partners and supporting organizations.

2 weeks ago

Listen 1:09

a sign advertises a program that allows food stamp recipients to use their EBT cards to shop at a farmer's market

Community

Families with immigrant members report doing without food stamps in Philadelphia

Ever since the Trump administration took a tougher stand on immigration policies, service providers report immigrants are avoiding school visits and doctor offices.

3 weeks ago

Alicia Kerber Palma le entregó a Obed Arango una pequeña medalla en una cinta verde, roja y blanca. Al estilo de CCATE, Arango dijo que el premio pertenece a la comunidad.. (Kriston Jae Bethel for WHYY)

Community

El gobierno mexicano honra un centro comunitario en Norristown por su impacto local

Read in English here. ...

3 weeks ago

Alicia Kerber Palma, the consul general of Mexico in Philadelphia, presents Obed Arango, executive director of CCATE, with the Ohtli Award at the Mexican community center in Norristown, Pa. The award is the highest honor given to a Mexican or Mexican-American individual or organization outside of Mexico. (Kriston Jae Bethel for WHYY)

Community

Mexican government honors Norristown community center for local impact

On Tuesday evening, the Mexican government presented its highest honor for people and groups outside of Mexico to the Center for Culture, Art, Training and Education (CCATE).

3 weeks ago