Dayton, Ohio: The first U.S. city to become Certified Welcoming achieves redesignation by Welcoming America

July 18, 2023 — Welcoming America, a national nonprofit organization, announces the redesignation of the City of Dayton in Ohio as a Certified Welcoming place.  Rachel Perić, executive director of Welcoming America, said: “Welcoming America is thrilled to congratulate the City of Dayton for its redesignation as a Certified Welcoming city. As a pioneer in…

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Lessons and opportunities to build belonging: A look at our 2022 Fund to Foster Belonging grantees

Painted sign that says "Welcome" in several languages

Connection is the antidote to social division. Communities that intentionally bring people from all walks of life together reap the benefits of being a more welcoming place for all. Intergroup bridging is one way to foster connections among groups from different migration backgrounds. Bridging activities bring people together, and research shows that building bridges between…

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How to get started with Welcoming Week 

Welcoming Week is an opportunity for communities to come together and celebrate the values that make places more welcoming and inclusive for all who live there. In the months leading up to Welcoming Week, it’s time to start brainstorming ways to get involved. Whether you plan a local event or share your thoughts on social…

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World Refugee Day: Building communities where refugees belong

Each June, we recognize the importance of welcoming refugees into our communities. June 20 is internationally designated by the United Nations as World Refugee Day. The day celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to find safety and belonging in a new place. This year, World…

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Lucas County, Ohio redesignated as Certified Welcoming by Welcoming America

June 20, 2023 — Welcoming America, a national nonprofit organization, announces the redesignation of Lucas County, Ohio as a Certified Welcoming place on World Refugee Day and during Immigrant Heritage Month in the U.S.  Lucas County, along with its county seat, the City of Toledo, are the only city and county duo to jointly hold…

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Immigrant Heritage Month: Celebrating our stories of immigration

Each year, Immigrant Heritage Month celebrates the contributions immigrants and their descendants have made to the history and culture of the United States. In this blog, Welcoming America staff share their immigration and/or immigrant heritage experiences.  What is your experience with immigration? I am an immigrant myself. My parents moved my siblings and I to…

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New Report Shows Immigrants in Baltimore County Paid Over $1.0 Billion in Taxes and Exceeded $2.8 Billion in Spending Power in 2019

Immigrants in Baltimore County made up 21.2 percent of business owners, generated $204.4 million in business income, and helped create and preserve over 4,800 jobs BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD, June 2, 2023—A new report, New Americans in Baltimore County, released today by the American Immigration Council—in partnership with Baltimore County’s Office of Community Engagement, underscores the…

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As Title 42 expires, an opportunity emerges to build a more welcoming America

As Title 42 ends this week, we urge the Biden administration and Congress to use this opportunity to pursue a comprehensive immigration policy that is both orderly and compassionate, rather than succumbing to fear. All immigration is local, which means the end of Title 42 will lead to more people seeking asylum at the border…

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Why We Gather: #Interactive2023 Reflections

Group photo of participants at the 2023 Welcoming Interactive

Last week, more than 600 leaders from across the globe joined us in the Certified Welcoming city of San José, California for the 2023 Welcoming Interactive. Welcomers from local governments, nonprofits, and other sectors spent three days exchanging practices and ideas for including immigrants and refugees in their communities. A truly global event, participants from…

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