The Welcoming Standard (version 2.0)

Goal: Welcoming communities ensure that all residents, including immigrants, are able to fully participate in civic life. Immigrant residents have access to democratic spaces, and shape community priorities and policies. Immigrants hold leadership roles in the community, and local institutions are invested in increasing access to leadership positions for immigrant residents.

• CE 1.0 Programs support immigrants in obtaining U.S. citizenship.
• CE 2.0 Programs support eligible immigrants in voting.
• CE 3.0 A program supports immigrants in developing civic leadership skills.
• CE 3.1 The program (CE 3.0) connects immigrants with local government departments with the goal of supporting immigrants in navigating and accessing government  services.
• CE 3.2 The program (CE 3.0) connects immigrants with community resources with the goal of supporting immigrants in navigating and accessing community services.
• CE 3.3 The program (CE 3.0) connects immigrants with government and community civic engagement opportunities.
• CE 3.4 The program (CE 3.0) connects immigrants with the justice system to inform them on navigating and accessing it.
• CE 3.5 The program (CE 3.0) connects immigrants with the K-12 education system to inform them on educational rights and options.
• CE 3.6 The program (CE 3.0) is accessible to speakers of languages other than English.
• CE 4.0 Programs build immigrant youth leadership.
• CE 4.1 Programs address barriers to immigrant participation in public hearings and meetings.
• CE 4.2 Programs address language access needs for participation in public hearings and meetings.
• CE 5.0 Programs address barriers to immigrant participation on local government commissions and boards.
• CE 5.1 Programs address language access needs for participation in public boards and commissions.
• CE 5.2 Programs engage state and local election offices on barriers to voting for eligible immigrants.

GOAL: Welcoming communities build connections and trust between residents. Community institutions — including local government, businesses, faith communities, and nonprofits — create opportunities and spaces for immigrant and non-immigrant residents to have constructive interactions, develop relationships, and deepen their understanding of one another. Institutions support residents in building their personal capacity to engage with people different from themselves on equal footing and in sustained ways that reduce prejudice and strengthen diverse community relationships.

• CC 1.0 The local government does not make public statements discouraging immigration or immigrant inclusion.
• CC 1.1 There is ongoing public communication from the local government about its commitment to welcoming immigrants.
• CC 1.2 The local government does not make public statements directly attacking individuals or groups on the basis of their immigration status, national origin, religion, ethnicity, race, gender, ancestry, sexual orientation, or ability.
• CC 1.3 The local government participates in celebrations of immigrant cultures, customs, and beliefs.
• CC 2.0 Ongoing programs bring together immigrant and non-immigrant residents to build and strengthen relationships.
• CC 2.1 Public buildings include art that reflects the diversity and diverse artistic traditions of the community.
• CC 2.2 The group advancing immigrant inclusion (GL 2.0) is connected to broader equity work in the community.
• CC 3.0 Programs bring together immigrant and non-immigrant residents to identify and work together on common interests, challenges, or opportunities.
• CC 3.1 Public recreational spaces and libraries reflect the diverse interests of the immigrant community.
• CC 4.0 Programs work to address biases about others held by non-immigrant residents.
• CC 4.1 Programs work to address biases about others held by immigrant residents.
• CC 5.0 The local government accommodates diverse cultural and religious practices in its daily operations.
• CC 5.1 Local government efforts to advance immigrant inclusion are connected to and reinforce the local government’s broader equity work.

Goal: In welcoming communities, all residents — including immigrants — can participate fully in the economy. Workforce and economic development infrastructure address the priorities and needs of immigrant residents and immigrant jobseekers. Programs that support entrepreneurship, business development, and workforce development are accessible to all residents, including immigrants. Local businesses are committed to diverse hiring and retaining employees with diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.

• EC 1.0 Programs support immigrant job seekers in finding and obtaining employment.
• EC 1.1 Programs support immigrant job seekers in communicating foreign work experience and skills for U.S. employers.
• EC 2.0 Programs support immigrant adults in accessing additional education to obtain the skills and degrees required to meet their employment goals.
• EC 2.1 Programs address barriers for immigrant entrepreneurs and business owners.
• EC 3.0 Programs provide information to local workforce agencies on current and projected demographic trends of the local immigrant population and the unique barriers faced by immigrant jobseekers.
• EC 3.1 Chambers of commerce and/or economic development agencies are engaged in immigrant inclusion work.
• EC 4.0 Programs support immigrants in meeting licensing, certification, and credentialing requirements.
• EC 4.1 Programs support immigrant business owners in accessing capital to start, sustain, and grow their businesses.
• EC 5.0 Programs work with relevant state agencies to identify and address barriers to occupational licensing for immigrant residents.
• EC 5.1 Programs work with employers to build welcoming work environments.
• EC 5.2 Programs work with employers to identify and address barriers to hiring immigrant job seekers.
• EC 5.3 Programs work with employers and immigrant employees to identify and address barriers to retaining immigrant staff.
• EC 5.4 Programs address barriers to obtaining local government procurement and contracting opportunities.

Goal: In welcoming communities, the education system ensures all students, including immigrant students, have the support they need to thrive in school and the knowledge they need to succeed in the workforce. Schools and community education programs are informed by the needs and priorities of immigrant students and families, and are accessible to all residents, including immigrants. Welcoming and inclusion efforts are not siloed within a single school or program, but incorporated into the schools and school districts that serve the community.

• ED 1.0 Programs support immigrant family engagement in their child’s education.
• ED 1.1 Immigrant families receive language accessible information about services available through the local K-12 school district(s), along with information on their educational rights.
• ED 1.2 Programs work to address barriers to English language classes, including meeting the local demand.
• ED 2.0 Programs address barriers to navigating local K-12 school district(s) for immigrant families.
• ED 2.1 Programs support immigrant students in understanding and accessing higher education opportunities.
• ED 2.2 Programs support immigrant students that have limited or interrupted formal education to attain their educational goals.
• ED 2.3 Programs address barriers to the adult education infrastructure for immigrant adults.
• ED 3.0 Programs train K-12 educators and staff on teaching and supporting diverse student populations, including immigrant students.
• ED 3.1 Programs support immigrant students in understanding and accessing local opportunities for technical and career readiness training.
• ED 3.2 Programs provide contextualized English language classes.
• ED 4.0 Programs work with K-12 schools to regularly collect feedback from immigrant families on the school environment.
• ED 4.1 Programs address barriers to participation in family engagement programs for immigrant families.
• ED 4.2 K-12 schools accommodate diverse cultural and religious practices in daily operations.
• ED 5.0 Programs work with K-12 school staff and students to set goals for creating welcoming environments.
• ED 5.1 Programs support immigrant students in accessing mental health services.
• ED 5.2 Programs engage the state government on expanding access to adult education programs for immigrant adults.
• ED 5.3 Programs engage the state government on expanding access to early childhood education and care programs for immigrant children.
• ED 5.4 Programs address barriers  to early childhood education and care for immigrant children.

Goal: Welcoming communities ensure local services are accessible to all residents, including immigrants. Immigrant residents provide feedback to local government and community based organizations to identify and address demographic disparities and gaps in services, and to improve access to programs, particularly in the areas of housing, health, transportation, financial services, and the justice system.

• EA 1.0 Local government departments disseminate information on government services, resources, and public benefits with the goal of expanding access to immigrants.
• EA 1.1 This information (EA 1.0)  is provided in languages other than English.
• EA 1.2 Information (EA 1.0) is disseminated through communications methods that are most effective in reaching speakers of languages other than English.
• EA 2.0 Programs address barriers to immigrants accessing and navigating preventative healthcare.
• EA 2.1 Programs inform immigrants of workers’ rights, workplace safety regulations, and available legal advice on employment and workplace issues.
• EA 2.2 Programs address barriers to digital inclusion for immigrant residents.
• EA 3.0 Programs address barriers to immigrants accessing and navigating maternal and infant healthcare.
• EA 3.1 The local government has a language access policy or policies that includes interpretation and translation protocols for all externally facing government departments.
• EA 3.2 The local government provides regular training to its staff about language access requirements, available resources to meet language access requirements, and working with speakers of languages other than English.
• EA 3.3 The local government regularly assesses language access needs and usage across departments in order to improve each department’s ability to conduct business in languages other than English.
• EA 3.4 A process is in place to provide information in plain language.
• EA 4.0 Programs address barriers to immigrants accessing and navigating mental health services.
• EA 4.1 Programs address barriers to rental housing for immigrants.
• EA 4.2 Programs address barriers in access to transportation for immigrants.
• EA 4.3 Programs provide legal advice to immigrants on civil and criminal matters.
• EA 5.0 Programs address barriers to homeownership for immigrants.
• EA 5.1 Programs work with the state government and/or regional transit authorities on expanding access to transportation, including addressing the needs and priorities of immigrant residents.
• EA 5.2 Programs provide training to legal counsel on the potential impact of civil and criminal convictions on residents of different immigration statuses.

Goal: Welcoming communities have infrastructure in place to support immigrant participation, inclusion, and equity. The local government and community based organizations regularly seek feedback from immigrant residents to understand the challenges and priorities of immigrant residents. Institutions work closely together to prioritize and build capacity to implement immigrant participation, inclusion, and equity strategies.

• GL 1.0 The local government has one or more staff positions whose responsibilities include advancing immigrant inclusion.
• GL 1.1 Programs build the capacity and commitment to immigrant inclusion of the local government communications department.
• GL 1.2 Programs build the capacity and commitment to immigrant inclusion of the public library.
• GL 2.0 A group of local leaders and residents regularly convenes to advance immigrant inclusion efforts.
• GL 2.1 The group advancing immigrant inclusion (GL 2.0) is staffed.
• GL 2.2 The local government staff person(s) (GL 1.0) actively participates in the group advancing immigrant inclusion (GL 2.0).
• GL 2.3 Participants of the group advancing immigrant inclusion (GL 2.0) reflect the diversity of the community in demographics, constituencies, and sectors.
• GL 2.4 The group advancing immigrant inclusion has a process in place to ensure regular bidirectional communication with immigrant communities.
• GL 2.5 The group advancing immigrant inclusion (GL 2.0) collectively sets goals that advance community-wide welcoming efforts.
• GL 2.6 The local government supports and strengthens the capacity of ethnic community based groups and organizations.
• GL 2.7 Programs build the capacity and commitment to immigrant inclusion of local law enforcement.
• GL 2.8 Programs build the capacity and commitment to immigrant inclusion of the local health department.
• GL 2.9 Programs build the capacity and commitment to immigrant inclusion of local government departments tasked with economic development.
• GL 2.10 Programs build the capacity and commitment to immigrant inclusion of local recreational services.
• GL 3.0 Programs build the capacity and commitment to immigrant inclusion of the fire department and emergency medical services (EMS).
• GL 3.1 Programs build the capacity and commitment to immigrant inclusion of local government departments that enforce code.
• GL 3.2 Programs build the capacity and commitment to immigrant inclusion of departments responsible for emergency management.
• GL 4.0 A community-wide strategy is set by the group advancing immigrant inclusion through a community feedback process including immigrant and non-immigrant residents representing the diversity in the community.
• GL 4.1 The group advancing immigrant inclusion (GL 2.0) monitors progress and adjusts activities to meet its strategy.
• GL 4.2 There is a process in place to update the strategy set by the group advancing immigrant inclusion (GL 2.0) with feedback from immigrant and non-immigrant residents.
• GL 4.3 Programs build the capacity and commitment to immigrant inclusion of local government departments responsible for human resources and employment.
• GL 4.4 Programs build the capacity and commitment to immigrant inclusion of local government departments responsible for purchasing.
• GL 5.0 Programs engage other jurisdictions on adopting and implementing welcoming policies and programs across the region.
• GL 5.1 Programs build the capacity and commitment to immigrant inclusion of emergency dispatch.
• GL 5.2 Programs build the capacity and commitment to immigrant inclusion of child protective services.
• GL 5.3 Programs build the capacity and commitment to immigrant inclusion of local government departments tasked with land use planning and zoning.
• GL 5.4 Programs build the capacity and commitment to immigrant inclusion of local government departments tasked with community development and planning.
• GL 5.5 Programs build the capacity and commitment to immigrant inclusion of the local housing authority.
• GL 5.6 Programs build the capacity and commitment immigrant inclusion on area agencies on aging.

Goal: Welcoming communities prioritize safety for all residents, including immigrants. Policies and practices are in place that prevent discrimination. Strong, trusting relationships are built between immigrant residents and local safety services, such as law enforcement, fire departments, code enforcement, and emergency response. Effective bidirectional communication between safety services and immigrant residents exists, and programs are in place to address implicit and structural bias. Community partnerships are built to identify and address needs and gaps in services.

• SC 1.0 Local law enforcement agencies have programs and policies in place to build trust and mutual understanding with immigrant communities and immigrant-serving organizations.
• SC 1.1 Local law enforcement staff receive training on working with diverse residents, including immigrants.
• SC 1.2 Local law enforcement agencies do not have policies in place where the primary purpose is to detain or deport immigrants.
• SC 2.0 Programs inform immigrants about criminal and civil laws, including their rights and responsibilities when interacting with law enforcement and the legal system.
• SC 2.1 Programs inform immigrants about immigration law, including their rights and responsibilities when interacting with immigration enforcement and the detention system.
• SC 2.2 Local law enforcement agencies have programs to ensure regular communication with immigrant residents.
• SC 3.0 Local law enforcement staff receive regular training, over the course of their career, on the department’s language access policy and resources available to conduct business in languages other than English.
• SC 3.1 Law enforcement staff receive regular training, over the course of their career, on working with diverse residents, including immigrants.
• SC 3.2 A policy is in place that clarifies the jurisdiction and separation between local law enforcement and federal immigration enforcement agencies.
• SC 4.0 Local law enforcement agencies have a process to work with immigrant residents and immigrant serving organizations to identify concerns about local policing policies and practices.
• SC 4.1 Programs connect immigrant victims of crime with relevant community resources.
• SC 4.2 Local emergency management agencies have a plan to inform immigrants of community emergencies, and that plan includes communications methods that are effective in reaching speakers of languages other than English.
• SC 5.0 Local emergency notification platforms are available in languages other than English.
• SC 5.1 Local law enforcement has one or more staff positions whose responsibilities include advancing immigrant inclusion.
• SC 5.2 Programs support immigrant victims of crime and witnesses in reporting crimes to relevant local, state, and federal agencies.
• SC 5.3 Law enforcement agencies publicly share data on arrests, jail population, use of deadly force, language access use, and resident complaints, and disaggregate this data by race, ethnicity, gender, and geography.
• SC 5.4 The fire department has programs to address the needs and priorities of immigrant residents.
• SC 5.5 Local government departments responsible for enforcing housing codes have programs to address the needs and priorities of immigrant residents.
• SC 5.6 Local government departments responsible for enforcing health codes have programs to address the needs and priorities of immigrant residents.
• SC 5.7 Local government departments responsible for enforcing building and construction codes have programs to address the needs and priorities of immigrant residents.