A program launched in partnership with the Obama administration more than a decade ago that certifies localities to “improve immigrant inclusion” overlaps with crimes being committed by illegal foreign nationals in those communities, according to crime reports, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations and other data evaluated by The Center Square.

“Certified Welcoming is a formal designation for cities and counties that have created policies and programs reflecting their values and commitment to immigrant inclusion,” given by the nonpartisan nonprofit organization, “Certified Welcoming.” It[ **says it partner**](https://welcomingamerica.org/welcoming-network/)**s** with 300 nonprofits and local governments working “to build more inclusive and welcoming communities in the United States.” 

It launched its “Welcoming America” initiative in 2014 to advance a strategic plan to “better integrate immigrants and refugees into American communities.”

The organization clarifies that the certification is not the same as having sanctuary city status. Instead, it indicates that communities have “committed to adhering to inclusive policies and practices \[in its\] **‘**[**Welcoming Standard**](https://welcomingamerica.org/the-welcoming-standard/),’” to build trust and relationships with law enforcement and educate “immigrants about their rights and responsibilities under the law.”

So far, 36 cities and counties are Certified Welcoming: Boise, Idaho; Champaign and Oak Park, IL; Indianapolis and Allen County, IN; Emporia, KS; Louisville, KY; New Orleans, LA; Portland, ME; Baltimore, Anne Arundel and Montgomery counties, MD; Detroit, MI; Minneapolis, MN; Crete and Lincoln, NE; Nashua, NH; Charlotte, NC; Dayton, Cuyahoga Falls and Toledo and Cuyahoga and Lucas counties, OH; Tulsa, OK; Erie, Lancaster, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, PA; Austin and Dallas, TX; Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County, UT; Roanoke, VA; and Seattle, WA.  

Obama-era 'Welcoming Cities' program overlaps with illegal border crosser crimes