Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson Celebrates National Immigrant Heritage Month, Awarding of 4-Star Certified Welcoming Designation

CHICAGO — As the City of Chicago celebrates National Immigrant Heritage Month, it has earned a 4-Star Certified Welcoming designation from Welcoming America, a national recognition of the City's commitment to immigrant inclusion, belonging, and equitable access to opportunity. The designation comes as Chicago hosts its third annual Immigrant Heritage Month celebration in partnership with the Chicago Park District.

"This National Immigrant Heritage Month, we celebrate the generations of immigrants and refugees whose courage, resilience, and contributions have helped shape Chicago into one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in the world," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "Earning a 4-Star Certified Welcoming designation reflects our values and our ongoing work to expand opportunity and ensure that every Chicagoan can fully participate in the civic, economic, and cultural life of our city. We are proud of this recognition and remain committed to building a Chicago where all residents can put down roots, contribute to their communities, and help shape our shared future."

"I am proud that Chicago continues to demonstrate that when immigrants and refugees are welcomed, our neighborhoods, economy, and democracy are stronger," said Deputy Mayor Beatriz Ponce de León. "This recognition reflects the collective efforts of community organizations, advocates, philanthropy, community members, City departments and sister agencies who continue the work of building a more inclusive city. We are excited to build on this momentum as we work toward achieving a 5-Star designation and further strengthening Chicago's leadership in immigrant inclusion and belonging."

The official City celebration will take place on June 24, 2026, at the Columbus Park Refectory, bringing together residents, community organizations, artists, and city leaders to honor the traditions and stories that continue to shape Chicago.

During the reception, Mayor Brandon Johnson will present the Bridge Builder Award to Adem Aluka, founder of Youth for a Better Future (YBF), in recognition of his longstanding commitment to empowering young people through education, mentorship, and innovative STEAM programming. For more than 12 years, YBF has provided opportunities for more than 1,000 youth, helping cultivate creativity, critical thinking, and pathways to success.

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Mayor Johnson will also recognize the Northwest Side Rapid Response Team and the Southwest Rapid Response Team with Immigrant Rights Champion Awards for their commitment to protecting and supporting immigrant communities across Chicago. Through Know Your Rights education and connections to trusted legal and community resources, both volunteer-led coalitions demonstrate the power of collective action.

The City of Chicago extends its gratitude to the many community-based organizations, advocates, philanthropic partners, artists, entrepreneurs, and residents whose partnership and dedication continue to make Chicago a more welcoming and inclusive city for all. The celebration will feature the contributions of immigrant entrepreneurs, artists, and cultural leaders, including Chef Dozzy of Dozzy's Grill, Chef Atzimba, Chef Domingo "Ding" Dominguez, and artist Azul Alberto Nogueron. Attendees will also enjoy performances by Daniel Flores "Trumpet Papi" and a traditional Indonesian dance and angklung music ensemble, showcasing the rich cultures and traditions.

The Certified Welcoming designation recognizes local governments that have implemented policies, programs, and practices that foster inclusion and create pathways for civic, social, and economic participation. Chicago joins a growing network of communities across the country that are setting the standard for welcoming and belonging.

"Migrants help make Chicago—and its parks—more vibrant and inclusive for everyone. For migrants building a home in Chicago, public parks are an essential community hub, providing direct access to public amenities, free cultural experiences, affordable programs and recreational opportunities and vital educational resources," said Chicago Park District General Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer, Carlos Ramirez-Rosa. "Guided by our 'Parks for All' goal, the Park District is proud to join our sister agencies in building an increasingly inclusive park system that fosters a true sense of belonging for every Chicagoan and supports a 4-Star Certified Welcoming city designation."

"This designation belongs to the Chicagoans who earned it, the leaders and residents across the city who decided that a welcoming Chicago is one where every person can put down roots and thrive." said Rachel Perić, Executive Director of Welcoming America. "Earning 4 stars takes commitment, and we're proud to recognize Chicago as a Certified Welcoming community, one that keeps choosing to look out for all its neighbors."

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Highlights of Chicago's Certified Welcoming Assessment

The certification process included a comprehensive assessment of City policies and practices and highlighted promising efforts across departments, including initiatives to strengthen language access, community engagement, and equitable service delivery.  The assessment also highlighted welcoming efforts beyond the City of Chicago such as Illinois Welcoming Centers and other State, County, and community initiatives.

Chicago's 4-Star designation reflects years of collaborative work with community-based organizations, City departments, sister agencies, and philanthropic partners, and other levels of government.

Highlights include:

• Institutionalizing welcoming policies and practices through the Mayor's Office of Immigrant, Migrant, and Refugee Rights and citywide coordination to advance language access, civic engagement, and immigrant inclusion.  
• Responding to humanitarian challenges through partnership, including the collaborative effort among City agencies, community-based organizations, faith leaders, and volunteers to support tens of thousands of newly arrived migrants while strengthening long-term systems of care and coordination.  
• Expanding access and belonging across City government, including language access initiatives, community navigator programs, workforce and entrepreneurship supports, and efforts to ensure immigrant and refugee residents can fully participate in civic, economic, and cultural life.

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About Certified Welcoming

Certified Welcoming is a formal designation for local governments that have created policies and programs reflecting their values and commitment to immigrant inclusion. This innovative program assesses local governments on their efforts to include and welcome immigrants in all areas of civic, social, and economic life in their communities. With a Certified Welcoming designation, communities distinguish their local efforts, build a competitive advantage, and gain access to opportunities to share their welcoming practices on a regional, national, and global stage. Learn more at certifiedwelcoming.org.

About Welcoming America

Welcoming America is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that leads a movement of inclusive communities becoming more prosperous by ensuring everyone belongs. We believe that all people, including immigrants, are valued contributors and vital to the success of our communities and shared future. Learn more at welcomingamerica.org.

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