What it will take to unite our nation
Seventy-five years ago, my grandparents lost nearly everyone they loved in the Holocaust and came with my mother as refugees to this country, where they were able to build new lives and call themselves Americans. Today, when I hold my daughter’s tiny toddler hands in mine, I think of how my grandmother became an orphan,…
Read MoreLet’s keep families together
Every morning as my little daughter’s smile greets me, it is heart wrenching to imagine the thousands of children in detention and the many more seeking refuge in our country, whose search for love and safety is instead met with cold indifference. Just this week we saw the Supreme Court uphold the Muslim Ban, families continue to be separated…
Read MoreResponse to USCIS Removing "A Nation of Immigrants"
Rachel Peric, Welcoming America’s Executive Director responds to USCIS removing “a nation of immigrants” from mission statement: Rachel’s statement: In taking the oath of citizenship, new Americans make a solemn pledge to uphold American ideals – among them, our commitment to being a nation that recognizes our immigrant neighbors, colleagues, family members, and dedicated soldiers…
Read MoreCongress at an impasse, communities not
As Congress remains at an impasse on immigration, the lives of millions of Americans hang in the balance, and the very idea of America as an immigrant nation is being challenged at the highest levels. While Congress yet again failed to protect DACA this week, the number of communities large and small, rural and urban,…
Read MoreWelcoming America Urges Congress to Pass the Dream Act Now
Welcoming America calls upon our nation’s leaders to stand in fervent support of the Dream Act, and uphold our commitment to the values that are the bedrock of American democracy. Strong leaders in the 21st century recognize that to be American should never be defined by race, religion or country of origin, but by the…
Read MoreWelcoming America announces leadership change
Today, Welcoming America announces changes to our organizational leadership team. Founder and Executive Director David Lubell will be transitioning from his role to focus on the organization’s burgeoning work internationally. The Board of Directors has tapped Rachel Peric to become the new Executive Director. In a letter to stakeholders, Welcoming America’s Board said “Since joining…
Read MoreLetter from Welcoming America Board of Directors
Welcoming America’s mission to create communities where all people are valued and can thrive has never been more important. As board members, it has been our privilege to support the incredible success of the organization and spread of Welcoming communities, which now can be found in every corner of the country working to make life…
Read MoreAn Exciting Transition at Welcoming America
Letter from David Lubell, founder and executive director When I founded Welcoming America in 2009, with the help of a cohort of trailblazing welcomers, I could hardly have imagined that the organization would become the powerful force for change that it is today; inspiring, connecting, and catalyzing the efforts of hundreds of welcoming communities –…
Read MoreEnding DACA is a betrayal of America’s core values; Welcoming America calls on Congress to protect DACA
DACA are our neighbors. They are homeowners, teachers, nurses, scientists, valedictorians, members of our armed forces, and more; they contribute to our economy and our communities. Welcoming America is deeply dismayed by the Trump administration’s announcement to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and urges Congress to lead with moral courage and…
Read More50 cities and counties honored at White House
Local innovations to welcome all residents, including immigrants and refugees, are driving cultural vitality, prosperity, and global competitive edge. Today more than 50 U.S. cities and counties were honored at the White House for their innovative and proactive efforts to bring all residents into their community fabric. These communities understand that creating a welcoming environment…
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