Boston has become the first city in Massachusetts to earn a Certified Welcoming designation, receiving a 4-star rating from the national nonprofit Welcoming America for its work supporting immigrant inclusion and belonging. Mayor Michelle Wu, the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement (MOIA), and Welcoming America announced the recognition on Monday, calling it a marker of Boston’s standing as a national leader in policies and programs that help immigrant residents participate and thrive.
“Boston has been shaped by generations of immigrants seeking a better future and working hard to build the city we enjoy today,” Wu said. She credited the immigrant advancement office, community partners, and neighborhood and cultural leaders with work to “expand civic engagement, support our communities, and make Boston a city where everyone belongs.”
To earn the designation, Boston had to meet the criteria across all seven areas of the Welcoming Standard, Welcoming America’s roadmap for inclusive communities: government and community leadership, equitable access, civic engagement, connected communities, education, economic development, and safe communities. The certification follows a comprehensive review of city policies, programs, and practices, and fewer than 50 cities and counties nationwide hold it.
The recognition builds on MOIA’s “You Belong Here” initiative, a citywide campaign that encourages every resident to feel welcome, valued, and empowered to contribute to Boston’s future. City officials said the designation reflects working systems and partnerships, not symbolism.
“Boston’s strength comes from the people who call this city home, including our immigrant neighbors who contribute to every part of our civic, cultural, and economic life,” said Mariangely Solis, the city’s Chief of Equity and Inclusion. “This designation reflects our continued commitment to creating a city where language access, economic opportunity, and belonging are embedded into how we serve residents.”
As part of the certification, MOIA reviewed the city’s investments in language access, immigrant leadership development, legal services, workforce development, and community engagement. Among the efforts highlighted: support for community organizations that provide free and low-cost immigration legal assistance; English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programs; the Immigrants Lead Boston leadership program; the Immigrant Youth Advancement program, which connects young residents with mentorship, career exploration and workforce opportunities; and Community Office Hours that bring city resources into neighborhoods through Boston Public Library branches.
“Achieving this 4-star Certified Welcoming status is the result of a collaborative effort across City government and with immigrant communities who shared their experiences, priorities, and vision for Boston’s future,” said Courtney White, interim executive director of MOIA. She said the recognition celebrates the city’s progress while strengthening its commitment to ensuring every immigrant resident can access resources and participate fully.
Welcoming America framed Boston’s certification as a model for other communities. “Boston’s work behind this designation, across city government, community organizations, and immigrant residents who shaped it, is what welcoming looks like in practice,” said Daniel Valdez, the group’s deputy director. “It’s fitting that this comes in America’s 250th year, here in the birthplace of the American Revolution.” He called Boston the first Certified Welcoming community in Massachusetts.
The city will mark the milestone during Welcoming Week, from Sept. 10 to 19, with art, health, education, and economic programming, along with virtual and in-person events highlighting city services and the seven areas of the Welcoming Standard. The event schedule is available at boston.gov/welcoming.
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Source: City of Boston announcement from the Office of Mayor Michelle Wu and the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement, with Welcoming America. Direct quotes are as provided in the City’s statement.
This article was originally written in English. Other language versions are produced using AI translation software, and errors are possible — the English version is authoritative. CTN also uses AI to convert text into audio.
