The first “Welcoming” campaign took place in Iowa in 2004. This successful campaign, dubbed “Welcoming Iowa,” was a short-term initiative that aimed to improve the climate for the rapidly growing immigrant population in the state.

In 2005 the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC), inspired by the Iowa campaign’s message and approach, started to make plans for a “Welcoming Tennessee Initiative” (WTI). Since launching in 2006, The Welcoming Tennessee Initiative – the model for all subsequent welcoming initiatives – has substantially improved the climate for immigrants within the state. Statewide polling by Middle Tennessee State University has demonstrated an increase in positive opinions towards immigrants, and thousands of Tennessee residents have become active supporters of Tennessee’s increased diversity as a result of the project. In 2009 WTI was awarded the E Pluribus Unum Prize for exceptional immigrant integration initiatives.

The success of Welcoming Tennessee inspired several additional immigrant support organizations across the country to follow its lead. In July of 2007, seven organizations interested in starting Welcoming campaigns met  to combine efforts and expand Welcoming campaigns past Tennessee. Hosting the meeting was Four Freedoms Fund, a funding collaborative that has played a crucial role in the formation and development of Welcoming America.

Since May of 2008, the national collaborative has grown substantially. The original pilot sites have increased their statewide reach considerably, and new Welcoming sites have formed in six additional states – bringing the current total to 13. In January of 2009 the Welcoming America national office was formed, and its first staff person was hired. The major goal of the national desk is to transform Welcoming America from a collection of local campaigns into a dynamic, inter-connected movement that gains momentum and sweeps the country.