Who we are

Our vision is a nation where communities and newcomers thrive together, supported by resilient policies and a lasting culture of welcome.

Where we started

We were founded on the belief that Americans are at their best when helping neighbors, building stronger communities, and living out the values that shape our lives as Americans, regardless of the divides that often shape our national politics.

Welcome.US began in response to the fall of Kabul in August 2021. Afghan allies who had served alongside American forces needed immediate refuge and our traditional refugee resettlement was not equipped to respond at the scale that moment demanded.

Then, as war erupted in Ukraine, Ukrainians were forced to flee their homes. While government systems struggled to respond quickly, something remarkable happened: millions of Americans stepped up to provide welcome.

What started as an emergency response became something much larger—an initiative revealing the welcoming spirit at the heart of America and offering a path toward healing our divides.

Maxine and Bryce (right) welcomed a Ukrainian family to their community in Unity, Wisconsin.
A group of Welcomers and the Syrian refugee family they helped bring to safety in Connecticut.

What we learned

We discovered something powerful: When Americans take the lead, communities thrive. Over 2 million Americans across 12,000 zip codes in every state have stepped up to provide welcome to newcomers in need—because it's what neighbors do. They come from small towns, suburbs, and cities, from every faith and walk of life. What unites them is simple: pride in their communities and a belief that America is strongest when we live out our values of service and opportunity.

Our work

Empowering community solutions

We create opportunities for Americans from all walks of life to lead the way in expanding our capacity to welcome while strengthening their communities.

Building a welcoming movement

Welcomers in all 50 states are already supporting newcomers and strengthening their communities. By connecting them and amplifying their impact, we’re building a welcoming nation.

Shifting the conversation

We elevate the stories of Welcomers and newcomers building lasting bonds and the impact of welcoming on communities.

Our impact

2,500,000+

Over 2,500,000 Americans have taken acts of welcome to support newcomers seeking refuge in the U.S. as they settle into their new communities.

61,000+

Over 61,000 volunteers mobilized nationwide.

110M+

Over 110 million people reached through our Be a Welcomer campaign.

250

250 local organizations supported by the Welcome Fund.

215,000

Over 215,000 messages sent to every member of Congress in support of welcoming programs.

Get involved

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GET INVOLVED

Sign up for updates about Welcome.US, policy changes impacting newcomers and how you can get involved.

By providing my email and (optional) phone number, I agree to receive emails and text messages from Welcome.US. I understand I may unsubscribe at any time.