News & Resources
The time is now for communities to put welcoming values into action
As we move on from the midterm elections, we are dismayed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott continuing to send people from the Texas border to so-called “liberal havens” – most recently, to Philadelphia – without their knowledge, and with the misguided notion that this will somehow turn public opinion against them. But as the midterms…
DACA: Updates and Strategies
Interested in learning about the new Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Act (DACA) ruling, the policy’s future, and how to support Dreamers? watch this timely webinar featuring staff attorneys from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center. The discussion provides a comprehensive update on DACA and a breakdown of recent rulings on the policy. Speakers: Krsna Avila,…
Announcing the Newest Cohort of the Gateways for Growth Challenge
The Gateways for Growth Challenge announces its fifth cohort, forming a network of over 75 localities across 35 states deploying economic research and multi-sector welcoming plans to forward inclusion and economic opportunity for all. DECATUR, GA & WASHINGTON – Today, the American Immigration Council and Welcoming America are pleased to announce that 9 localities will…
Five U.S. cities and counties achieve, redesignate as Certified Welcoming
Welcoming America, a national nonprofit organization, announces today five U.S. cities and counties achieving or redesignating as Certified Welcoming places. Said Rachel Perić, executive director of Welcoming America: “We are pleased to announce a new round of leaders in the growing movement to create communities where everyone — including people who migrate — can belong…
Advancing a Welcoming Infrastructure for Humanitarian Relief
As individuals and organizations in localities across the globe mobilize to support those displaced by war, conflict, and climate disasters, meeting the immediate needs is critical. At the same time, building the infrastructure needed to support and engage migrants and non-migrants in the long term is essential to ensuring belonging for all lasts beyond these…
Connecting Indigenous storytelling to build bridges in Charlotte
A story’s ability to bring people together is boundless. Ramona Moore Big Eagle knows this because storytelling is in her blood. Based in the newly Certified Welcoming city of Charlotte, North Carolina, Ramona is an educator, legend keeper, enrolled member of the Tuscarora nation, and recently, a gardener. Through her work with the Universal Institute…
Statement on Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals DACA Ruling
Today, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals released a ruling that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) program is unlawful, sending it back to the U.S. District Court in Texas while allowing current DACA recipients, or Dreamers, to remain. Although this provides temporary relief for Dreamers and their families, a legislative fix is needed…
Cultivating Contact: A Guide to Building Bridges and Meaningful Connections Between Groups
Published in partnership with the Center for Inclusion and Belonging at the American Immigration Council and the at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, this guide harnesses the lessons drawn from decades of research on how to foster a sense of trust and belonging between people from different backgrounds through community-based programs and initiatives. Decades of…
#WhereWeBelong: A Look Back at Welcoming Week 2022
Each year, Welcoming Week provides a time and space for communities to come together and celebrate the things that make it welcoming and inclusive places for all who live there. This year was no exception: after two years of living through a pandemic, welcomers around the world came together in-person and virtually to celebrate the…
Welcoming America and New York State Launches First of Its Kind Civic Leadership Program for New Americans
New York, N.Y. – Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced the launch of the New York State Civic Leadership Program as part of Welcoming Week (September 9-18). The New York State Civic Leadership Program is a partnership between the New York State Office for New Americans and Welcoming America, a recognized national leader in immigrant inclusion….