Welcome is an American Value
Following is a message from Annie Nolte-Henning, executive director of the Community Sponsorship Hub.
As we navigate the path forward for sponsorship and resettlement, one thing is clear: welcome is an American value. Community, belonging, and the belief that everyone deserves a safe place to call home remain bedrock values of this country.
We know that 7 in 10 Americans support community sponsorship, and 1 in 4 Americans are interested in sponsoring a refugee or family—sending a strong signal that welcome is not just a policy choice but a deeply held American value.
Acts of welcome unite us. Sponsors are as diverse as our country itself—business owners, veterans, teachers, healthcare workers, faith leaders, and everyday citizens. With majority support from Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, Americans of all backgrounds have seen firsthand the positive impact resettlement has in communities large and small—upholding the values that define our country’s tradition of welcome and addressing challenges of the future.
The movement of welcome is powered by people like you. Join us in reaffirming your support to build welcoming communities.
Here are four actions you can take today:
- Form a Welcome Corps private sponsor group to welcome refugees in your community. Welcome Corps is a State Department community sponsorship program that brings together Americans from all walks of life in all 50 states and D.C.
- #ShareYourWhy and tell five friends to tell five friends about the importance of ensuring refugees and newcomers are welcomed with dignity. The more people who speak out, the stronger our collective voice is.
- Register for Community Conversations on November 21 where we will bring together national and local leaders to discuss the path forward and protecting our freedom to welcome.
- Make a donation to help more welcomers join this movement and access resources and guidance from experts.
In moments of uncertainty, I find hope in the actions of everyday people who extend a warm welcome to families seeking safety and a new beginning. Your support is critical to build more welcoming communities, and your voice helps ensure that America remains a beacon of hope and refuge.
Thank you for being part of this movement and for choosing to welcome.