Last month, Boston was awarded a four-star designation by the nonprofit movement Welcoming America, becoming the first city in Massachusetts to be certified by the group.
It recognizes cities that are national leaders in policies, programs and practices designed to support immigrant inclusion and belonging.
Today, the Mayor's Office for Immigrant Advancement (MOIA), along with other local organizations, celebrated the accomplishment.
"We have a clear message for them in Boston," said Mayor Michelle Wu. "Boston is a home for everyone."
She added that "most of us are here today in this country because somewhere down the line in our family history there is a story of that choice to make a new life, and build a new life as an immigrant here."
The highest designation is five stars, so the mayor said the city still has more work to do. And, at a time when the Trump administration is limiting temporary protected status for many immigrants, she said she wants to ensure that Boston is a safe place for anyone who may be fleeing danger.
"Today, 1 in 4 Bostonians were born in a different country, and more than a third of our residents speak a language other than English at home," Wu said. "We will not back down."
Patricia Sobalvarro is from Guatemala and said she and her entire community have benefited from the designation.
"Boston has worked tirelessly to ensure that my immigrant community is truly seen, valued and supported so that we don't always just survive but thrive," Sobalvarro said.
This is now the beginning of "Welcoming Week" where there will be events all over the city to provide resources, including helping people with job advancement, language skills and more.
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