USA: Tips for Green-Card Winners and other Immigrants

Where to Get Help

To find information, you may wish to contact a state, county, or city government office to learn about services you need or consult with a local organization that helps new immigrants settle into life here. You can find these offices and organizations by using the free resources described below.

 

The Public Library

 

Public libraries in the United States are free and open to everyone. Libraries are located in almost every community. The library staff can help you find information on almost any topic and can give you a library card that allows you to borrow items, such as books and videotapes, free of charge. Most libraries also have local newspapers for you to read and computers that you can use to search the Internet. Ask the library staff to show you how to use the computer to search the Internet.

 

Some libraries give free classes on how to search the Internet. Some libraries also provide English language tutoring or classes and other programs for children and adults.

 

Your Local Phone Book

 

Your local “phone book” (telephone directory) contains phone numbers and important information about federal, state, and local community services. The phone book has emergency information, local maps, and information about how to get phone service. The white pages list phone numbers of individual people; the yellow pages have phone numbers and addresses for businesses and organizations; and the blue pages show local, state, and federal government office phone numbers and addresses. You can also dial 411 on your phone to get a specific phone number anywhere in the United States. Your city also may have its own community phone book.

 

The Internet

 

The Internet can link you to many sources of information, including the websites of federal, state, and local government agencies. Most government websites end with “.gov”. If you don’t have a computer at home, you can use one in your public library or at an “Internet café” which is a business that charges a fee for using a computer with Internet service. You can use the Internet to search for jobs, find housing, learn about schools for your children, and locate community organizations and resources to help you. You also can find important news and current events, and discover interesting information on the Internet about life in America, United States history and government, and your local community. Visit http://www.welcometousa.gov to locate all federal government resources available to new immigrants.

 

TIP: As an immigrant you should be aware that dishonest people have made websites that look like government websites to confuse you and take advantage of you. Remember that http://www.uscis.gov is the official website of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Community- and Faith-Based Organizations That Assist Immigrants

 

There are organizations in many communities that provide free or very low-cost assistance to immigrants. These organizations can help you learn about your community and the services available to you as an immigrant. You can look for these organizations by searching on the Internet, looking in your local phone book, asking at the public library, and asking your local government social service agency.

 

 

 

Citation: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Office of Citizenship, Welcome to the United States: A guide for New Immigrants, Washington, DC, 2007, Revised Edition.