Immigrants are integral to the unique culture of the U.S.A. People from all over the globe move to the United States for any number of reasons, and these immigrants account for a significant portion of the American population.
In fact, as of 2022, 13.9% of the U.S. population is foreign-born —that's more than 46 million people.
Although it's common, it's certainly not easy. Moving to an entirely new country with different laws, cultures, and languages than your own can be daunting to say the least.
Luckily, there are a wealth of resources for immigrants designed to ease that transition into American society. We've put together 15 of the most valuable resources that you have at your disposal as an immigrant in the U.S., so you can hit the ground running and navigate any obstacles you encounter in your path.
1. Local Libraries It may sound a little silly, but libraries are extremely underrated.
The list of resources made available at public libraries is almost endless. From books and internet access to computers, printers, and city maps, your local library should be high on your list of places to stop by once you settle in your new home.
Search for a library near you on this directory of public libraries in the United States and speak to a librarian to begin your membership. Librarians are there to greet you with a smile and help you to navigate the resources available.
Many libraries also offer in-person and virtual events, free of charge. Keep an eye out for citizenship workshops, cultural events, and English as a second language courses! If you've immigrated with a family, libraries have excellent children's resources and events, too.
2. ESL Learning Resources According to the 2023 KFF/LA Times Survey of Immigrants , about 47% of immigrant adults report having limited English proficiency, making it difficult to navigate daily life, secure jobs, and access essential services.
As a newcomer to the U.S., basic American English is extremely important in order to communicate with those around you and access necessary resources and public benefits.
Many schools, libraries, and community organizations offer ESL classes to help you integrate into your new home. You can also explore online English courses for immigrants so you can continue honing your language skills at a time and pace that's convenient for you.
If you're already proficient in English but you find yourself struggling to communicate due to an accent, the BoldVoice app is just what you need. Designed by immigrants, for immigrants, with a focus on the intricacies of the American accent, BoldVoice can transform your daily life as an immigrant in the U.S.
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3. Housing Assistance Programs Finding shelter and affordable housing can be a major challenge for newcomers, especially when lacking a U.S. credit history.
Organizations like the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offer programs that simplify the process of finding and procuring safe and affordable housing.
While HUD is a national organization, it may be worthwhile to explore other non-profits and more targeted organizations as well. For example, the NYC Housing Authority provides information and public housing to New Yorkers, while texas.gov offers a range of resources for those seeking affordable housing in Texas .
4. Community Schools and Colleges For immigrant students, families, or any immigrants interested in pursuing education, understanding the American school system is a must.
Immigrant children may be enrolled in public schools in the U.S. , regardless of immigration status. Children can also benefit from federal programs like Head Start , which offers early childhood education, health, and nutrition services to low-income families.
For adults, community colleges and adult education centers provide opportunities to continue academic pursuits and gain new skills. Search for institutions in your area and don't be afraid to seek information from your community resources.
5. The Department of Labor and USAJOBS The U.S. Department of Labor website is a resource for immigrants seeking employment in America and looking to advance professionally. They provide information on interview preparation , job training programs, work permits, and how to get your foreign work experience recognized—not to mention a wealth of Spanish language resources .
USAJOBS lists government jobs at the federal, state, and local levels. Many government jobs don't require prior U.S. work experience and can be a great way to get started in your career as an immigrant in the U.S.
6. Ethnic or Cultural Community Centers America is filled with people of every background imaginable. As a result, there are an abundance of community resources for immigrants that cater to specific ethnic or cultural groups in America.
These communities can be a great source of support and connection for you. They often offer cultural events, language classes , and social activities that can help newcomers feel welcome and integrated into the community.
For instance, Asian Americans Advancing Justice provides support for Asian Americans navigating life in America, and CASA offers services and support for immigrant and working-class families and individuals in Georgia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
Search for community organizations in your area and you're sure to find a wealth of resources as you form connections with others who can relate to your unique experiences as an immigrant in the U.S.
7. Legal Aid Societies Legal aid societies can provide help for immigrants looking to understand their legal rights or perhaps navigate the asylum process.
These societies provide free or low-cost legal services to immigrants, helping those in need to avoid the conventional fees charged by typical legal resources, whether you're seeking specifically immigration legal services or general legal counsel.
The Legal Aid Society serves low-income New Yorkers, for example. There's also the Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati , Atlanta Legal Aid , and the Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia , to name a few.
8. Public Transit Programs Newcomers to the U.S. can benefit from transportation assistance programs and resources designed to help them navigate their new environment.
In this regard, public transit authorities may provide discounted fares, ride-sharing programs, or volunteer drivers to help immigrants get to work or school. For example, the Chicago Transit Authority offers reduced fares and free ride programs for students, seniors, and people with disabilities, among others.
Search for your local public transit authority and explore their offerings, so you can get to where you need to be.
9. Health Clinics and Medical Liaisons When you have a health crisis or need to see a doctor in the U.S., you can locate any health clinic around you. Many health clinics offer services specifically for immigrants, including language translation to help you understand the healthcare system.
You may also reach out to federal organizations like the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFCC). The NAFCC provides resources to help immigrants find affordable healthcare options.
10. National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing legal representation, advocacy, and support for immigrants and refugees in the United States.
This organization is one of the U.S. immigration help agencies that also offers a wealth of information online, including Know Your Rights resources in multiple languages.
11. The National Domestic Violence Hotline The justice system in the U.S. has strict laws against domestic violence. However, domestic violence still occurs, among immigrants and American-born citizens alike.
Immigrant victims of domestic violence are much less likely to be aware of the resources available, and this may hinder them from accessing much-needed help.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides support and resources for victims of domestic violence across the United States. They also offer a 24/7 hotline in multiple languages, live chat, and video calls.
12. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Prioritizing mental health is essential. Adjusting to life in a new country can take a huge toll on a person's mental state, so connecting to mental health services is especially crucial for new immigrants.
Many communities offer mental health services specifically for immigrants, including counseling and support groups.
Federal organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) can provide the resources and support that you need to manage your mental health. Community-based services are also available all throughout the country—be sure to search for mental health services dedicated to your city, state, or community, as well.
13. Resources for Women Women immigrants may face unique challenges when settling in a new country, from navigating gender-specific health services to finding employment opportunities. There are several organizations dedicated to supporting immigrant women through these challenges.
For example, the Women's Refugee Commission focuses on improving the lives and protecting the rights of women, children, and youth displaced by conflict and crisis. They offer resources on healthcare, education, and employment specifically tailored to women immigrants.
Similarly, Tahirih Justice Center provides free legal and social services to immigrant women and girls fleeing gender-based violence.
These resources are crucial for empowering immigrant women, ensuring they have the support they need to thrive in their new environment.
14. Feeding America Feeding America is a vital resource for anyone facing food insecurity in the U.S., including immigrants. As a national network of food banks and pantries, Feeding America provides access to nutritious food for millions of people each year. You can easily find a food bank or pantry near you by searching with your zip code on their website.
These food banks are open to everyone in need, regardless of immigration status, ensuring that you and your family can access the sustenance you require. Many Feeding America member organizations also offer services specifically tailored to the immigrant community, such as providing culturally appropriate foods that reflect the diverse culinary traditions of the people they serve.
Beyond just food, these food banks often connect individuals with additional resources, such as nutritional education, assistance with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and other community services that can support your overall well-being as you adjust to life in the U.S.
15. Local Community Gardens In many American cities, community gardens provide a shared space where residents, including immigrants, can grow their own food and crops. These gardens are not only a source of fresh vegetables and herbs but also serve as vibrant community hubs where you can connect with others, share gardening tips, and even learn about different cultures through shared agricultural practices.
Examples of these programs include the Los Angeles Community Garden Council , which supports over 40 community gardens across Los Angeles, offering plots to local residents. In Seattle, the P-Patch Program operates over 90 community gardens, providing opportunities for gardeners of all skill levels to cultivate their own food.
Master American English with BoldVoice Finding your footing in a new country is not an easy feat. But with the right community resources, you can get the support you need to settle and thrive in your new home.
Getting past the communication barrier will help you more effectively navigate the complexities of American society. This in turn impacts your access to services, social connections, and you overall quality of life.
BoldVoice is here to guide you as you master the cultural nuances of the American language. A speech training and communication platform that offers tailored lessons and exercises to help you communicate clearly in American English, you can get started breaking the language barrier by signing up to BoldVoice today to begin your 7-day free trial.
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