Achieving the Certified Welcoming Designation Under the Welcoming Standard 2.0

This guide outlines the second iteration of the Certified Welcoming program and the Welcoming Standard criteria that communities must meet to earn the designation of Certified Welcoming.

Certified Welcoming is a formal designation for local governments that have created policies and programs reflecting their values and commitment to immigrant inclusion. This innovative program assesses local governments on their efforts to include and welcome immigrants in all areas of civic, social, and economic life in their communities.

This resource outlines the Certified Welcoming program’s new star designation system that allows communities to achieve one of five star designations for their welcoming efforts. Communities of all sizes and resources can now envision paths to deepen their work, gain new champions, and set goals for becoming Certified Welcoming.

Strong communities are ones that connect and include people of all backgrounds. By doing so, communities — and those who live there — will meet their highest civic, social, and economic potential. As local governments look to create more equitable and vibrant communities, welcoming and inclusive policies, programs, and practices will set themselves apart.