Intro to Welcoming
Welcoming is any act that helps newcomers in need of safety thrive in their new communities. Americans in every state have opened their hearts and communities to support newcomers who have fled their homes.
What is welcoming?
Welcoming is any act that helps newcomers and aspiring Americans find stability in the U.S. and thrive in their new communities.
Who is a welcomer?
Welcomers are more than volunteers—they’re friends and neighbors who support newcomers and aspiring Americans through acts like private sponsorship, guidance in their new neighborhoods, support on the journey to citizenship, donations to provide essential services, and celebrating important moments together. Every act of welcome is meaningful.
For our new neighbors on the path to citizenship, Welcomers are the mentors cheering them on through the final meaningful steps toward the stability and recognition that comes with becoming an American.
Why welcoming matters right now
A record number of people across the globe forced to flee their homes due to violence, conflict, and persecution are searching for safety.
At the same time, 8.7 million green card holders already in the U.S. are eligible to become citizens, yet fewer than 1 in 10 apply each year due to cost, complexity, or lack of support.
Inspired by our American ideals, Welcomers eagerly support newcomers and aspiring Americans alike to help them build stable lives and flourish in their new communities.
Welcoming is good for our communities:
- Newcomers fill critical vacancies in the workforce alongside hardworking Americans.
- Newcomers contribute to the economic development of communities in decline by starting their own businesses, buying homes, and paying taxes.
- Every act of welcome expands our capacity to support newcomers and integrate new Americans, leading Welcomers to rediscover their neighbors and connect beyond our differences.
When Americans participate in welcoming, we all benefit by connecting deeply with one another and learning from our new neighbors.
How are Americans welcoming today?
No act of welcome is too small. Welcomers are:
- Volunteering as Citizen Guides to support lawful permanent residents (green card holders) on their citizenship journey.
- Contacting their representatives in support of private sponsorship programs.
- Hosting Welcome Tables to raise awareness about the benefits of newcomers and talk about ways they can take action together.
- Sharing their stories of Welcome in local media.
- Leading compassionate, nonpartisan conversations with friends and family about the important work of welcoming in their communities.
Welcoming by the numbers
2 million
Through private sponsorship, an estimated 2 million Americans in more than 12,000 zip codes raised their hands to welcome newcomers.
$7 billion
We estimate sponsors leveraged over $7 billion in their own time and resources to welcome newcomers to their communities.
30+
Each sponsor reports they engage with more than 30 people in their community to help welcome newcomers, allowing Americans to connect with their neighbors and enhancing integration outcomes for newcomers and communities.
Stories of welcome
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