Certified Welcoming

The Certified Welcoming process in the United States formally evaluates and assesses a local or regional government's efforts to provide an inclusive place for all, including refugees and migrants, using the Welcoming Standard evaluative tool. Candidate governments submit an application; complete a self-assessment; and receive an evaluative audit and a detailed final report that identifies local strengths and provides a roadmap for areas of growth.

Communities that meet the Welcoming Standard earn the title of Certified Welcoming. The process results in new policies, practices, and programs being implemented, as well as development of new partnerships and continuous improvement plans. Participating local and regional governments are also able to access opportunities to share their practices on regional, national, and global stages.

Through the Welcoming Standard, Welcoming America has captured the core of what it means to be welcoming. Developed in collaboration with diverse experts including local governments, local civil society organizations, refugees, and migrants -- and with input from the public at large -- the Standard provides a comprehensive roadmap for immigrant inclusion.

The Welcoming Standard addresses a range of essential components, from language access to hiring practices and more. Beyond traditional immigrant integration strategies, the Welcoming Standard also includes practices for fostering greater unity between immigrants and U.S. born residents.

In the spirit of responsibility-sharing and a multi-stakeholder approach in the implementation of the Global Compact on Refugees, the content included in the Digital Space for the GRF Progress Review 2025 is submitted by States and other stakeholders themselves. They do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of UNHCR and its employees, and UNHCR is not responsible for any errors or omission, or for the results obtained from the use of this information.

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