Welcoming in the News
Media inquiries: Please contact Communications Director Deborah Hakes.
The welcoming movement is growing across the United States and across the world. Here are some media coverage highlights to inspire and inform your own community’s welcoming movement.
Trump may not want immigrants, but Rust Belt mayors do
In the suburbs and countryside of Rust Belt swing states, President Donald Trump’s anti-immigrant message may have carried the day, but in the region’s post-industrial cities, it’s anathema. Mayors from Detroit to Cleveland -- as well as northeastern cities like Albany, NY, and Lowell, MA -- see financial salvation in immigrants and are dismayed by Trump’s drive to tighten the borders.
An undocumented high school senior who left Mexico aged 4 has been accepted to Harvard
Victor Reyes arrived in the US when he was four. Today he is class valedictorian, a soon-to-be computer science major at Harvard, and DACA student. "I want to be the one to show them that being undocumented isn’t a disadvantage. Instead, it is a motivator. Being undocumented helps you discover the virtue of hard work and perseverance."
How moms and families can create welcoming communities for immigrant families
As moms we know that the best way to build strong families is to have strong communities. Our strength is grounded in our ability to work together. From those who cook the food that we eat to those who invent businesses, new immigrants realize the value of working hard and doing our part.
Colorado Representative proposes task force to highlight immigrant contributions in the U.S.
Congressman Jared Polis created the Saved by American Immigrants National Taskforce to counteract Trump’s VOICE program. The project will share stories of immigrants — documented and undocumented — who have positively contributed to U.S. society.
Why embracing immigrants brings growth to Rust Belt cities
The Muslim ban goes against everything our country stands for, and it's an example of how when we abandon our values, there are real economic and social consequences for U.S. communities. But Rust Belt cities, like our members Dayton, Detroit, and Buffalo, understand the benefits of building a welcoming community for all.
There is a place for all of us here; cities affirm welcoming despite executive orders
As more communities wake up to the impact of national policies that stoke fear and recognize that such policies are not in their self-interest, we hope they move beyond symbolic welcoming affirmations to do the important work of creating truly inclusive places where all residents can participate and contribute more fully.
Restaurants vow to protect undocumented workers
Nearly 300 restaurants across the U.S. are pledging to create safe and equitable work environments for undocumented employees. "We want a place that is free of intimidation, free of hate. There's a place here at the table for everyone. Including people that may not like us, but our workers are scared."
A surprising salve for New York’s beleaguered cities: Refugees
Refugees settling in the beleaguered communities along New York’s old Erie Canal have been a surprising salve for decades of dwindling population and opportunity. Impact has been both low-budget and high-tech: Foreign-born students have flocked to programs — and paid tuition and fees — at upstate schools offering advanced scientific degrees, while street-level entrepreneurs have started shops.
How immigrants are helping Detroit’s recovery
Immigrants play a crucial role in revitalizing neighborhoods, communities, and economies. Just look to Detroit where new businesses are opening and flourishing, homes are being renovated, and the city is even investing in a new light-rail line.
Welcoming America Founder David Lubell discusses a new era for welcoming
Our Founder David Lubell talked with Atlanta's NPR station about what President Donald Trump’s orders on immigration and refugees mean for welcoming.
The real link between crime and refugees
Nine out of ten cities studied saw property and violent crime levels decline—some by drastic amounts. In Southfield, Michigan, violent crime dropped by 77% between 2006-2015. Decatur, GA, outside Atlanta, saw a 62.2% decrease between 2007-2015.
Michigan and Detroit need immigrants to reach goals
Immigrants start companies that employ Detroit and Michigan residents. They fill unmet talent needs in high-tech, manufacturing, agriculture and service industries, allowing companies to compete, create jobs and raise incomes for their workers. They enhance our culture and quality of life and are critical to building a 21st-Century Michigan with a prosperous middle class.