Statement on humanitarian funding and anti-immigration legislation

Welcoming America stands united with partners nationwide and the majority of Americans in opposing the Biden Administration’s consideration of the proposal by a radical minority of legislators tying funding for humanitarian assistance abroad to advance their extreme anti-immigrant agenda at home. As an organization committed to fostering communities where everyone belongs, we are deeply concerned…

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Refugee leaders selected for USA for UNHCR grant in Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas

December 8, 2023 — Nonprofits USA for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, Refugee Congress and Welcoming America announce the awardees of the Sparking Change grant: Derick Alimasi (TX) Masouda Basharat (OK) Bahati Kanyamanza (TX) Aisha Koroma (TX) Sara Louis-Ayo (LA) Niyonsaba Magnifique (TX) King Patrick Saah (LA) Sateza Safi (OK) Dauda Sesay (LA) Faridar Binti…

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New Report Shows Immigrants in the South Bend-Elkhart Region Paid Over $258 Million in Taxes and Held Over $783 Million in Spending Power in 2019

Despite making up 6.9% of the population, immigrants made up 9.3% of working-age people and 9.2% of STEM workers and entrepreneurs. SOUTH BEND, IN — A new report, New Americans in Elkhart, Marshall, and St. Joseph Counties, released today by the American Immigration Council — in partnership with the City of South Bend, South Bend–Elkhart…

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New Report Shows Immigrants in Santa Fe County Paid Over $122 Million in Taxes and Held Over $365 Million in Spending Power in 2019

Immigrants in Sante Fe County contributed $1.1 billion to the county’s gross domestic product (GDP), or 12.3%  in 2019. SANTA FE COUNTY, NM — A new report, New Americans in Santa Fe County, released today by the American Immigration Council and Welcoming America, in partnership with the City of Santa Fe’s Office of Economic Development…

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A shared humanity: Our statement on recent events in Gaza and Israel

Welcoming America envisions a world where all of us belong, thrive, and live safely in the place we call home, no matter where we come from. Last week, we shared a message of hope and encouragement in our monthly newsletter as the world witnessed suffering in the Middle East and escalating hate crimes globally. The…

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Champaign becomes first Certified Welcoming city in Illinois

Aerial image of Champaign, Illinois with the Certified Welcoming Seal and text that reads "City of Champaign: A Certified Welcoming place for all of us to call home"

Welcoming America, a national nonprofit organization, announces the City of Champaign as a Certified Welcoming place, the first in Illinois to achieve the designation. Rachel Perić, executive director of Welcoming America, said: “We are thrilled to recognize the City of Champaign in becoming a Certified Welcoming place, affirming its leadership in building policies and partnerships…

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Tulsa becomes first Certified Welcoming city in Oklahoma

Aerial photo of Tulsa, Oklahoma with the Certified Welcoming Seal and text that reads "City of Tulsa: A Certified Welcoming place for all of us to call home"

Welcoming America, a national nonprofit organization, announces the City of Tulsa as a Certified Welcoming place, the first in Oklahoma to achieve the designation. Rachel Perić, executive director of Welcoming America, said: “We are thrilled to recognize Tulsa in becoming a Certified Welcoming place, affirming its leadership in building policies and partnerships that enable all…

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From Afghanistan to Virginia: How Richmond welcomes refugees

Clients review the drivers manual during a class taught in Dari.

In 2016, a group of 30 Afghan women arrived at their local DMV office in Richmond, Virginia to take the learner’s permit test. When they arrived from Afghanistan a few years before, they didn’t know how to get a driver’s license and could not find information in their language. Kate Ayers, executive director of ReEstablish…

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New Orleans becomes first Certified Welcoming city in Louisiana

The Certified Welcoming seal and text that reads "City of New Orleans: A Certified Welcoming place for all of us to call home." is overlaid on a photo of New Orlean's cityscape

Welcoming America, a national nonprofit organization, announces the City of New Orleans as a Certified Welcoming place, the first in Louisiana to achieve the designation. Rachel Perić, executive director of Welcoming America, said: “We are thrilled to recognize New Orleans in becoming a Certified Welcoming place, affirming its leadership in building policies and partnerships that…

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