Tips for New Immigrants to Settle in the USA

Thousands of immigrants are arriving every year to USA from various countries from all over the world. All these new immigrants come to this fantastic country with golden dreams in their eyes so as to make their sweet home here. These immigrants have to mould themselves fresh, right from the beginning as their living pattern and standards were altogether different in their home countries. This changeover is slightly easier for the younger generation but it is really difficult for the aged immigrants, as they have been used to the living conditions of their original country. I have myself migrated to this country before about 2 years at the age of 56 years and hence am aware of the problems to be faced by a new immigrant in this country. I have tried to give brief tips that shall prove extremely useful to the new immigrants.

1. Arrival in USA- The immigration officer stamps your passport at the USA airport only, bearing your alien registration number (green card number). Once this stamp is put, you have become an authorized USA resident. The sealed cover containing all your visa documents, and medical reports including your chest X-ray, handed over to you by consulate office in your home country, will be checked by the immigration officer at the arriving airport. Hence, please arrange to keep these documents handy with you in your hand baggage so that you can present them during the immigration process. You will be required to give your fingerprints also at the airport. It is suggested to check the detailed postal address of your sponsor so that your green card and the social security card are received safely by you without any delay. It takes about 2 weeks for receipt of these important documents. However, if you wish, you may start looking for a suitable job. But you will be able to start your job only after receipt of your social security card.