The Immigrant Guide - English

English

THE IMMIGRANT GUIDE

Edition 6

intercambio.org

What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

Building Cultural Awareness and Respect For Teachers Here are ideas for using the guide in English classes, conversation classes, or separate workshops:

Reading: There are different ways to use the text to practice reading.

Conversation: Introduce 1-2 topics at a time.

Begin by asking students what they know about the topic. For example, if you explore “Knowing Your Rights”, first ask what they know about their rights in the U.S. Ask what they want to learn about the topic.

These questions can also spark great conversations: - What is your experience with this in the U.S.?

Where and how did you experience it?

- How is this similar or different in your native country or where you grew up?

- What questions do you have about this topic?

Have students come up with questions. They can take turns asking you or other students.

If you use our Confidence and Connections curriculum, the Culture Tip in each lesson often ties to a topic in this guide and can lead to deeper conversation.

Vocabulary:

When they see a word in italics, have them look up the definitions on page V. If they don’t understand the definition or there are other words they don’t understand, they can look up the translation in their native language. Try to repeat it in their language and have fun with that!

To help them learn the new word, have them write a definition, synonym or draw a picture.

Pronunciation:

ii

When it’s difficult to understand a student because they stress the wrong syllable or they pronounce too many or not enough syllables, have them count out syllables and underline the stressed part of the word (e.g., reliable, not reliable).

If your students want more practice with challenging sounds, use Pronunciation Fun (see back cover).

Read a section aloud to your students to provide a model and allow students to process the information. Then have them read aloud to you. Some students like this and some are intimidated.

Students can read aloud to themselves. In person you can have people walk around the room reading aloud to themselves. On video chat they can put themselves on mute and read aloud.

Have students quietly scan the reading for important content.

Writing:

Dictate several sentences from the guide. In class, they can exchange papers to correct each other’s work.

Do a dictocomp. Read a paragraph several times at normal speed. Have your students write down what they can as you read. Each time you read the paragraph, they can add a few more words. The idea of this activity is for them to come up with a logical paragraph of their own. It won’t be exactly what you’ve read.

You can also provide workshops using the guide. Invite people in your community to discuss and expand on sections (i.e., invite a police officer to talk about laws, a nurse to talk about health, a banker to talk about finances).

When you first introduce the guide to your students, get them comfortable with the table of contents so they can find information on their own. Introduce the format and then do a brief activity: What topic # is the following

What page # is it?

Discrimination

____ 9

____ 2

Job Benefits

____

____

Credit Reports

____

____

Vaccinations

____

____

Internet Safety

____

____

Greetings

____

____

© 2021 Intercambio Uniting Communities. All Rights Reserved. No reproduction is permissible without prior consent from Intercambio Uniting Communities.

What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

Topic #

Table of Contents

The Law and the Role of Police . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1) Calling 911 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2) Alcohol & Drugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3) Drinking & Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4) Know Your Rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5) Sexual Harassment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6) Sexual Assault . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7) Domestic Violence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8) Stealing & Trespassing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9) Discrimination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10) Getting Legal Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11) Becoming a U.S. Citizen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 12) 13) 14) 15) 16) 17) 18) 19)

Finding Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Renting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Getting Problems Fixed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Lease . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Moving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fires & Carbon Monoxide (CO) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Being a Good Neighbor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Property & Renter’s Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4

Jobs and the Workplace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 20) 21) 22) 23) 24) 25) 26) 27) 28) 29) 30) 31) 32)

How to Find Jobs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Résumés . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cover Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

How to be a Good Employee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Interviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Getting Paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Working Overtime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Minimum Wage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Time Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Paychecks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Management Styles & Coworker Interactions . . . . . .

5 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 7 7 7 8 8

Finances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 33) Tax Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 34) Filing Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 35) Budgeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 36) Checking & Savings Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 37) Credit Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 38) Credit Ratings & Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 39) Saving & Growing Money . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 40) Check Writing & Cashing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 41) Identity Theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 42) Notary Publics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 43) Filing Insurance Claims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 44) Home Energy Saving & Typical Bills . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Page #

Health and Medical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 45) 46) 47) 48) 49) 50) 51) 52) 53) 54) 55) 56) 57)

The Emergency Room (ER) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Urgent Care Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Healthcare System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Filling Out Medical Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Communicating with Doctors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Medication & Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Depression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Counseling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Vaccinations & Check-ups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

HIV & AIDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Spreading Illness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Using a Thermometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

First Aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13 13 13 13 13 14 14 14 14 14 15 15 15

58) 59) 60) 61) 62) 63)

General Safety Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dental Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Exercise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Watch What You Eat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cigarettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Alcoholism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

15 17 17 18 18 18

Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 64) 65) 66) 67) 68) 69) 70) 71) 72)

Driving Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Parking Tickets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

What To Do if the Police Stops You . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Child Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Honking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Car Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Staying on the Right . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Buying & Registering a Car . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Carpooling & HOV Lanes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

19 19 19 19 19 20 20 20 20

Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 73) 74) 75) 76) 77)

Parenting in the U.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Keeping Children Healthy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Child Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Family Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

21 21 21 22 22

Education System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 78) 79) 80) 81) 82) 83) 84) 85) 86) 87) 88) 89)

Levels of School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Curriculum & English as a Second Language (ESL)23 Report Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Grade Point Average (GPA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 SATs, ACTs, & TOEFL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Finding a School for Your Kids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Parent-Teacher Conferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Parent Organizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 How to Help Your Kids Succeed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Extracurricular Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Interactive Teaching Styles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 College, University & Vocational Schools . . . . . . . . 24

© 2021 Intercambio Uniting Communities. All Rights Reserved. No reproduction is permissible without prior consent from Intercambio Uniting Communities.

iii

What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

Topic #

Table of Contents

Page #

FOR STUDENTS Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 90) Learning English . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

91) Postage & the Post Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

92) Internet Speed and Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

93) Computers & Internet Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

94) Names & Titles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

95) Junk Mail & Phony Phone Calls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

96) Document Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

97) Answering Phones & Checking Messages . . . . . . .

98) Cell Phone Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

99) The Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

100) Daylight Saving & Time Zones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

25 25 25 26 26 26 27 27 27 27 28

The information in this guide is about jobs, laws, health, housing, parenting, schools, finances, cultural norms and more. It will help you succeed and live with confidence in the U.S. We hope that you learn about cultural norms in the U.S. and that you maintain your individual culture.

Having people from different countries and different cultures makes communities stronger.

Use this guide to start important conversations. Be brave and share your experiences and perspectives.

We need to all learn from each other! Thank you!

U.S. Culture and Social Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 101) 102) 103) 104) 105) 106) 107) 108) 109) 110) 111) 112) 113) 114) 115) 116) 117) 118)

Greetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cleanliness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Common Social Taboos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Inclusive Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Punctuality & Confirming Meetings . . . . . . . . . . . .

Personal Space & Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

“Yes” Means Yes and “No” Means No . . . . . . . . . .

Small Talk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Humor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dating & Marriage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Religion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Gender Equality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Food Customs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Punishing Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tipping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dogs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Life Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

29 29 29 29 29 30 30 30 30 31 31 31 31 31 32 32 32 32

Shopping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 119) 120) 121) 122) 123)

Measurement Conversions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Reading Expiration Dates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

G etting Store Cards & Using Coupons . . . . . . . . .

Garage Sales & Thrift Stores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Returns & Rebates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

33 33 33 33 33

Lee Shainis Author, The Immigrant Guide Executive Director, Intercambio Uniting Communities

We looked at these reliable websites to gather a lot of the information in this guide:

Center for Disease Control and Prevention Child Welfare Information Gateway Consumer Product Safety Commission Department of Labor Federal Trade Commission Internal Revenue Service National Domestic Violence Hotline National Highway Traffic Safety Administration National Institutue of Mental Health U.S. Department of Health and Human Services U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Your Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 124) 125) 126) 127) 128) 129) 130) 131)

iv

Public Libraries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

R ecreation Centers & Outdoor Activities . . . . . . . .

C ommunity Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Transportation Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

W alking and Biking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Recycling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Volunteering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Movies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

34 34 35 35 35 36 36 36

© 2021 Intercambio Uniting Communities. All Rights Reserved. No reproduction is permissible without prior consent from Intercambio Uniting Communities.

What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

Vocabulary You Need to Know Many of these words have more than one meaning. The definition we use relates to a topic in this guide.

Annual — occurring or done once a year or every year Attorney — lawyer. A person qualified by a state or Federal court to provide legal services.

Bribe — to illegally give someone money or a gift to persuade them to do something for you Candidate — someone who is applying for school, a job position, or competing in a political election Cautious — being careful to avoid danger or risks Choke — unable to breathe properly because something is in your throat or there is not enough air Chores — small jobs that have to be done regularly Compensation — money paid to someone Confidential — spoken or written in secret and intended to be kept secret Damage — to harm something so that it is broken or destroyed Diagnose — to find out what illness someone has after doing tests, examinations, etc.

Efficient — working well without wasting time, money, or energy Estimate — a statement of how much something will probably cost Faint — to suddenly become unconscious for a short time Fine — money that you have to pay as a penalty Fraud — the crime of stealing information in order to gain money or possessions Habit — something that you do regularly Inappropriate — not proper or right for a particular purpose or situation Initiative — to make decisions and take action without waiting for someone to tell you what to do Injury — damage to part of your body caused by an accident or an attack Insult — a rude expression intended to offend or hurt Intimidate — to scare or threaten someone Landlord — someone who owns and rents a room, building, etc. to another (tenant) Mood — the way you feel at a particular time Neglect — failure to pay proper attention to someone or something Negligent — not taking enough care for something or someone that you are responsible for Negotiate -to arrange or settle something by mutual agreement Origin — the country or place which someone or something comes from Outlet — a place on a wall where you can connect electrical equipment to supply electricity* Pedestrian — someone who is walking Persistent — refusing to give up or let go Praise — to encourage, congratulate, or say that you admire someone Punctual — arriving on time or finishing a task on time Refund — money that you get back Reliable — can be trusted or depended on Resource — something or someplace that provides information Shred — to cut or tear something into small pieces Sidewalk — a hard surface or path at the side of a street for people to walk on Stare — to look at something or someone for a long time without moving your eyes Strict — firm and expecting people to obey the rules Sudden — happening, coming, or done quickly or when you do not expect it Tenant — someone who lives in a house, room, etc. and pays rent to the person who owns it Theft — involving stealing or robbing Treatment — something that is done to try to cure someone who is injured or ill Valuables — things that you own that are worth a lot of money or are important to you Wages — money you earn that is paid according to the hours, days, or weeks that you work Withdraw — to take money out of a bank account

Definitions were taken primarily from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English

© 2021 Intercambio Uniting Communities. All Rights Reserved. No reproduction is permissible without prior consent from Intercambio Uniting Communities.

v

What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

1–4

The Law and the Role of Police Laws and police exist to make our communities safe. Police are strict and follow the law as it is written. Never bribe a police officer. It is your responsibility to understand and follow the laws. Always talk to police officers with respect.

1) Calling 911

911 responds fast to emergency calls.

Dial 911 to: - Report a fire.

- Report a crime while it is happening.

- Report a car accident.

- Get an ambulance for an emergency.

Be prepared to give your address and information about the emergency. You can ask for an interpreter.

Do not call 911 for something that is not an emergency.

2) Alcohol & Drugs

Drinking alcohol is only legal for adults over 21 years old. When you buy alcohol or enter a bar, they will ask for proof of your age.

There are penalties for providing alcohol to people under the age of 21.

It is usually illegal to drink alcohol or smoke marijuana in public places away from your home.

You can get arrested or deported for selling or having illegal drugs.

Using drugs around children can be considered child abuse.

If you or someone you know has a problem with drugs or alcohol, you can contact rehabilitation programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA).

If you do not have an attorney, the government will give you an attorney.

If an immigration or police officer knocks on the door and asks to enter your home, do not open the door. You only have to let law enforcement officers into your house if they have a search warrant signed by a judge.

5) Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment usually involves repeated behavior that is inappropriate and makes a person uncomfortable.

Examples include requests for a date, unwelcome behavior that is physical (a shoulder or back rub), or comments about a person’s appearance.

6) Sexual Assault

Forcing any person to perform any sexual act is a federal crime. This includes people who had sex before. If he or she says “no” and the act continues, it is sexual assault.

It is illegal for adults to influence anyone under a certain age to do sexual acts. This minimum age is usually 18.

3) Drinking and Driving

Driving after drinking alcohol can cause serious accidents and problems.

Driving after having one or two drinks can get you arrested.

Legal drinking limits for driving are different in different states.

4) Know Your Rights

1

If a police or immigration officer asks you questions: - Stay calm.

- Do not run away.

- You do not answer where you were born or how you entered the US. - You can ask to speak with an attorney before you answer any questions or sign any documents. You have the right to remain silent.

- If you speak, do not lie. © 2021 © 2021 Intercambio Intercambio Uniting Uniting Communities.

Communities.AllAllRights RightsReserved.

Reserved.No Noreproduction reproduction isis permissible permissible without withoutprior priorconsent consentfrom fromIntercambio IntercambioUniting Uniting Communities.

Communities.

What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

5–11

The Law and the Role of Police 7) Domestic Violence

Domestic violence and emotional abuse are behaviors used by one person in a relationship to control the other person.

Examples of abuse include: - Name-calling or insults.

- Preventing a partner from contacting family or friends.

- Preventing a partner from getting or keeping a job.

- Keeping money from him or her.

- Actual or threatened physical harm.

Violence is criminal and includes: - Physical assault – hitting, pushing, etc.

- Sexual abuse – unwanted or forced sexual activity.

- Stalking – repeated unwanted attention.

If you are a victim, call 911 for emergencies or the national domestic hotline 1-800-799-7233

8) Stealing and Trespassing

Many stores have security, and they can arrest you if you steal anything. This includes small and cheap items.

They can also arrest you if you steal anything from other people.

You can get arrested for trespassing, or being on the private property of a person without their permission.

9) Discrimination

Discrimination is when people are treated unfairly because they are part of a particular group.

It is illegal to discriminate according to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, age, and others.

This applies to housing applications and to places of employment.

If you experience discrimination at work, talk to the human resources manager or a supervisor.

If your children experience discrimination at school, talk to the counselor, principal or another school leader.

(5) Sexual Harassment

10) Getting Legal Help

To find an attorney who is reliable, talk to friends or look for a legal center. Some places provide low-cost or free assistance.

Attorneys charge in different ways such as: - Per hour, where you pay for the number of hours they work on your case.

- A flat rate that you agree on at the beginning, where it does not matter how many hours the attorney works.

- Contingency, where the attorneys collect a certain amount of money if they win the case.

Have your attorney’s phone number with you in case of emergencies.

If you use an attorney, get a written contract.

The contract should be in both English and in your native language.

Do not pay cash for services. Get a receipt for your payment. Keep your original documents.

Never sign a blank form or application. Always understand what you are signing.

No attorney has a special connection with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

11) Becoming a U.S. Citizen

USCIS has information about how to become a U.S. citizen. (https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship) There are resources for immigrants and organizations, including a welcome guide, learning materials and forms.

Applicants need to pass a test about rights, rules and U.S. history. They also need to demonstrate ability to read, write, speak, and understand basic English at the interview.

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2

What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

12-15

Housing 12) Finding Housing

You can find housing through: - The Internet.

- Talking with friends.

- Classified ads in the newspaper.

- Housing agencies.

- Looking for “For Rent” or “For Lease” signs.

Houses, apartments and mobile homes can come with or without furniture.

It is possible to rent a single room in a house or an apartment.

When you apply to rent, they might ask you for your social security number and references from employers and past landlords. These references can prove that you are responsible and will be able to pay rent.

It is important to establish good relationships with your landlords.

In the classifieds there are many abbreviations such as: FURN – furnished BR – bedroom BA – bathroom DEP – deposit

13) Renting

When you rent, you often need to pay a security deposit. The deposit is usually equal to one month of rent.

If you damage the property, the landlord may keep part or all of your deposit and possibly charge you extra.

Take photos of any problems before you move in.

Renters are not responsible for normal wear and tear. For example, it’s the landlord’s responsibility to replace the dishwasher if it is old and does not function.

15) The Lease

14) Getting Problems Fixed

3

Landlords have to keep their properties safe and in good condition. If your apartment needs repairs: 1. Contract the landlord and explain the problem.

2. If they do not respond, send a letter and keep a copy of the letter.

3. If you get no response, call a local housing office.

A lease is the legal contract signed between the landlord and tenant.

A lease has information including: - How much rent you pay each month.

- Extra fees for late payment.

- Who is responsible for paying water, electricity, gas, and trash service.

- When the landlord can increase the rent and by how much.

- The number of people who will live on the property.

- How many months you can live on the property.

If you want to continue living on the property when your lease ends, talk to the landlord about renewing the contract.

A month-to-month lease states that the renter or landlord may end the contract with one month’s notice. If there are no changes from the renter or landlord, the lease automatically renews at the end of every month.

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What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

16–19

Housing 16) Moving

When you move, fill out a Change of Address form at the post office or at www.usps.com.

Change the locks at your new home.

Contact friends, family and the following when you move: - Electric, gas, water, phone, cable, internet, and trash companies.

- Banks, credit unions and credit card companies.

- Doctor, dentist, and insurance agencies.

- Department of motor vehicles (DMV).

17) Fires & Carbon Monoxide (CO)

19) Property & Renter’s Insurance

If you buy property and renter’s insurance, you can receive money if damage happens to your property. Fire, theft or weather damage are types of damage that are covered by insurance.

(17) Smoke Alarm example

A smoke alarm is a device that will make a loud noise when it senses smoke. Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home.

You often need to change the batteries in smoke alarms every year. Many will beep if they need a new battery.

Common causes of house fires include cigarettes, children playing with fire, candles, and things that are hot such as stoves and toasters.

Do not put candles or portable heaters near flammable items like books and tissue boxes.

Always blow a candle out before leaving a room.

Never leave the kitchen while you are cooking or boiling water.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a toxic gas that has no smell or color. High levels of CO can kill you.

Every home should have at least one CO detector.

18) Being a Good Neighbor

Say hello to your neighbors, smile, and introduce yourself. You can welcome new neighbors with a small gift.

Only leave trash and recycling outside when they are going to be picked up that day or the next day.

Do not use your car horn or play loud music early in the morning or late at night. Your neighbors might call the police if you are very noisy.

The police can give you a large fine.

Make sure your kids and pets are not playing in the streets or on other people’s property.

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4

What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

20–24

Jobs and the Workplace 20) How to Find Jobs

You can find jobs on the Internet, through friends, classified ads, job agencies, workforce centers or walking around and looking for signs.

Many interviewers look at your social media profiles to see if you look professional.

Volunteering is also a good way to meet new people and get experience.

Be persistent, and don’t be afraid of getting rejected.

Sometimes you need to hear “no” a few times before you hear a “yes.”

If you want to start a business visit SBA.gov for information.

22) Cover Letters

Many professional jobs require a cover letter that explains why you are interested in the job, your relevant experience, and why you would be good for the position.

You can ask a native English speaker to edit your cover letter if you are worried about English mistakes.

You do not need to include a photo, your age, marital status or other personal information in a cover letter or resume.

23) References

Your resume should also include three or more references that employers can contact to learn more about your: - Work experience.

- Personality and teamwork.

- Punctuality and reliability.

- Strengths and weaknesses.

When you leave a job, it is a good idea to leave on good terms in case you need that supervisor to be a reference for you in the future.

Make sure that your references know that they might be called.

It is respectful to let your employer know 2-6 weeks before you leave a job.

24) How to be a Good Employee

Leaders and managers generally want employees who: - Are positive and enthusiastic.

- Are reliable and work hard.

- Want to learn new things and ask good questions.

- Use appropriate dress and language.

- Follow the rules and can be trusted.

- Collaborate and help coworkers.

21) Resumes

5

It is often necessary to have a résumé that includes your: - Contact information.

- Previous employment information.

- Educational background.

- Special skills, degrees, certifications, and classes you have taken in your field.

Resumes often include an objective statement that describes the kind of work you are looking for.

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What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

25–27

Jobs and the Workplace 25) Interviews

For an interview you should: - Arrive 10 minutes early or on time.

- Dress appropriately.

- Practice your responses before the actual interview.

- Gather as much information about the job and company as possible.

- Make eye contact, relax, and maintain a confident posture.

- Keep your answers brief and relevant.

Interviewers often ask you about your experience, why you are interested in the job, and your ability to work with a team.

Prepare good questions to ask at the interview such as: - What are your expectations for the person who gets this position?

- What do I need to know about the team I would work with?

- What is the culture and what are the values of this organization?

- What do you like most about working here?

- What do you think the biggest challenges are for this position?

After the interview, send thank you notes to the people who interviewed you.

26) Getting Paid

When they offer you a job, the employer will tell you how much the pay will be.

You can be paid an hourly wage or an annual salary.

- Receiving a salary means that each paycheck will be the same amount.

Employees on salary may be asked to work more hours without additional pay.

- Working as an hourly employee means that you are paid for the number of hours you work. Your paycheck amount will change depending on how many hours you work.

You can get paid once a week, bi-weekly (once every two weeks), semi-monthly (twice a month), or monthly. Bi-weekly payments provide 26 checks per year and semi-monthly payments provide 24 checks per year.

Some supervisors will offer raises without you asking, or they might have a system for offering raises. With some supervisors you need to ask for a raise.

27) Benefits

Employers offer different benefits such as: - Medical/dental insurance. Employers can pay 100% or less than 100%.

- Paid vacation time and sick days.

- Retirement benefits. See the Finances section for more on this.

The typical job offers two weeks of paid vacation a year.

It is more common to receive benefits with fulltime work than with part-time.

If you get hurt during your job, you may be able to receive money from your employer through workers’ compensation.

A union is an organization of workers who secure benefits and rights in the workplace.

Members of a union pay to support the activities of the union.

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6

What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

28–30

Jobs and the Workplace 28) Working Overtime

Employers generally have to pay hourly workers time-and-a-half for any hours above 40 per week.

So if you normally make $10 per hour you would make $15 per hour of overtime.

Some salaried employees are not eligible for overtime pay depending on the job responsibilities and salary.

29) Minimum Wage

The federal minimum wage is set and changed by Congress. Each state has its own minimum wage law.

Employees who receive a lot of money in tips, such as restaurant jobs, may receive less than the minimum wage.

30) Time Sheets

7

Always keep documentation for the hours you worked.

Do not report that you worked more hours than you worked. You can lose your job if you report incorrect hours.

If you see that you were paid for an incorrect number of hours, talk to your supervisor.

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What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

31–32

Jobs and the Workplace 31) Paychecks

Your paycheck shows the amounts that have been taken out of your check for federal and state taxes, and for Social Security and Medicare (FICA). FICA taxes are based on a percentage of the amount you receive.

The number of exemptions you claim on your W-4 form changes the amount that is taken out of your paychecks.

If the IRS shows that you owe less than the amount that was taken from your paychecks, you will receive money (a refund). If you owe more, you will have to pay it.

The “gross” income is the amount you make before taxes and “net” is the amount after taxes are deducted.

(31) Paycheck example

32) Management Styles & Coworker Interactions

Every workplace has different rules. Some are more formal and require you to arrive to work at a specific time and to wear certain clothes. Some are more casual and have flexible work hours. Ask your supervisor if you are unsure of the rules.

Some supervisors expect you to work extra hours without extra pay if you are on salary.

Some people spend time with coworkers outside of work. Others prefer to keep professional and social circles separate.

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8

What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

33–34

Finances 33) Filing Taxes

You need to file an income tax return every year on or before April 15th if you meet certain requirements that depend on how much you make.

You can ask for an extension if you need extra time.

You can file taxes using a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You can apply for an ITIN if you do not have a SSN. To get an ITIN you need to complete a one-page W-7 form from the IRS. The ability to show that you file taxes is important for applications, including for green cards or to become a citizen.

(37) ITIN Dependents are people who depend on your income, such as children you support. The number of dependents you have, and your income level decide how much you pay or receive. This information is from the W-4 form you complete when you begin working with a company.

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a tax credit for low-income working individuals and families.

Different companies can prepare your taxes for a cost. Internet programs can also help you prepare your taxes for free or a low cost.

Some communities have programs that will help you file taxes for free. The VITA program for example offers free tax help to: - People who generally make $57,000 or less - Persons with disabilities; and - Limited English-speaking taxpayers

34) Form W-2 Wage and Tax Statement

W-2 forms report money paid to employees and taxes taken out.

The W-2 reports income from January 1st through December 31st.

You receive a copy of your W-2 form in the mail or at your work in January. Use the information on your W-2 form to file your taxes.

(34) W-2 Wage and Tax Statement example

9

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What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

35–36

Finances 35) Budgeting

(35) Budgeting

Make lists of your income (money coming in) and expenses (money you spent). Make a monthly budget and include expenses for: - Food - Entertainment - Lodging - Utilities - Clothing - Phone - Insurance - Transportation - Donations - Internet - Savings - Emergencies

36) Checking & Savings Accounts

Banks and credit unions are a safe place to keep your money. The U.S. government will pay back money to you if it is lost or stolen by a bank or credit union.

It is not safe to carry a lot of cash. If you open a checking account, you can: - Write checks.

- Make debit card payments, which immediately take money out of the account.

- Get cash from ATM machines.

- Use online payment services like PayPal or Venmo.

ATM machines can be free if they are connected to your bank or credit union.

To open an account you often need two forms of identification, proof of address, and an opening deposit.

Some factors to consider when you choose a bank or credit union are: - Monthly fees for the account.

- Interest rates.

- How close it is to your home or work.

There are businesses that cash checks for people without accounts, but they may charge a lot of money.

Payday lenders offer cash advances or small loans. They charge large fees if you do not pay back the loan quickly.

Do not send cash in the mail. If you need to mail a payment, you can buy a money order from a bank or grocery store.

(36) ATM machine

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10

What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

37–42

Finances 37) Credit Cards

A credit card allows you to buy now and pay later. The longer you wait to pay back the full amount you owe, the more interest you pay.

Interest rates can be very high. Try to pay your full credit card payment every month.

Cards have different annual fees, benefits and interest rates.

In order to receive a credit card, the bank will determine if you can afford the card. The bank then sets your credit limit, which is the maximum amount you can spend.

If you cannot get approved for a credit card because you have no credit history, you can open a secure credit card. With secured credit, you can’t spend more than the amount you have in your account.

You can use credit cards or bank accounts to set up automatic payments for monthly bills. This can help you to avoid late fees.

38) Credit Ratings & Reports

Your credit rating tells lenders, such as credit card companies and mortgage companies, how responsible you are in paying your bills and debts. A good credit rating allows you to borrow money through loans to buy expensive things like a house or a car.

You build up your credit rating by paying your bills for credit cards and loans on time.

For a free credit report to see your credit history, visit annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-3228228.

You may have to pay to view your credit score.

In general, a score of 725-759 is good. A score of above 760 is excellent and will get you the lowest interest rates.

39) Saving & Growing Money

11

There are many options for making your money grow. You can earn interest through a savings account, through CDs, bonds, annuities, stocks and more. Talk to an expert for more information.

Try to build savings. Having $1,000 in a savings account can help you cover unexpected or emergency expenses such as car repairs or health care.

Some employers provide benefits such as a 401(k) or a Simple IRA plan. With these, the employer often matches contributions that the employee makes up to a certain percentage.

For example, if you make $1,000 a month and

contribute 3%, the employer will contribute $30 to your retirement account every month.

You do not pay taxes on payments to your retirement accounts. But if you need to use the money before you retire, you will pay a big fee to take the money out of the account. These small amounts can grow to be big amounts if they are invested well!

40) Check Writing & Cashing

In order to cash, deposit or transfer a check you have to sign your name on the back of the check.

When you write a check you need to include: - The date.

- The amount as a number.

- The amount in writing.

- The name of the person or company receiving the check.

- Your signature When you write a check for more money than you have in the bank, the bank will charge you a fine. This is called an “overdraft”. Some banks and credit unions offer overdraft protection.

41) Identity Theft

Be careful about sharing your personal information. People can use it to open credit cards or buy things with your money.

Shred, don’t just throw away or recycle, documents that have your: - Social security number or ITIN. - Bank account numbers.

- Credit card numbers.

When you give personal information to a credit card company, bank, etc., you should be the person who made the call or started the communication.

Don’t carry important documents such as your passport or birth certificate when you don’t need them.

If you receive an email from the IRS or from a bank asking for personal information, it is probably false. Call if you are not sure. The IRS does not do business through email.

42) Notary Publics

A notary is different than an attorney. Notaries observe the signing of important documents and confirm the identity of the person.

Many financial institutions offer their customers this service for free. You should never pay a lot of money for this service.

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What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

43–44

Finances

(41) Fake IRS Email

(44) Programmable Thermostat

43) Filing Insurance Claims

44) Home Energy Saving & Typical Bills

Types of insurance you can pay for include car, health, life, property, renter’s, and disability.

You usually pay for the insurance every month This amount is often called the “premium”.

If you have insurance, you must first file an insurance claim for the injury or accident before you receive money from the insurance company.

You need to file the claim correctly. If you make mistakes with your claim, you may not receive money.

Keep receipts for major purchases or repairs you make.

If you experience theft, immediately report it to the police.

Common bills at home include electric, water, heat/gas, phone, trash, and cable/Internet. You can often pay bills online or through automatic payments that take money directly from your account.

- You can save energy and money by doing simple things such as: - Buy energy-efficient light bulbs.

- Turn off TVs, lights and other electronics when not in use.

- Only use heat and air conditioning when necessary.

- In hot weather, keep the house dark during the day and let in cool air at night.

- In cold weather, let the sunshine in during the day.

- Do not block vents that provide heating or cooling.

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12

What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

45–49

Health and Medical 45) The Emergency Room (ER)

Know the location of an emergency room (ER) close to your home. ERs have to treat a patient in immediate medical need, including people who cannot pay.

Emergency rooms are open 24 hours a day.

The ER can be expensive, especially if you don’t have health insurance. If you do not need emergency care, call a local clinic or your doctor to make an appointment.

Some conditions that may require immediate medical attention include: - Difficulty breathing.

- Fainting or sudden dizziness.

- Changes in vision.

- Sudden or severe pain.

- Pain or pressure in your chest.

- Bleeding that will not stop.

Information you share with doctors, nurses and hospital workers is kept confidential.

47) The Healthcare System

There are many options for health insurance.

Some employers pay for part or all of their employees’ health insurance costs.

Buying your own health insurance can be expensive, but it can reduce large medical bills.

Here are some words you should understand: - Premiums – the amount you pay monthly.

- Copay – the fee you pay every time you receive medical services, such as $30 for a regular visit or $100 for the ER. Your insurance pays for the rest of the basic service.

- Deductible – the amount that you have to pay for expenses before your insurance pays anything.

Most communities have clinics and Public Health departments that offer affordable health care.

Your children may be able to get free or lowcost health care through a state Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Each state has its own Medicaid and CHIP rules, so it is important to find out about the program in your state. For information, call 1-877-543-7669 or visit www.insurekidsnow.gov.

48) Filling Out Medical Forms

When you see a doctor or fill out medical forms they will ask about: - Allergies you have to medications.

- Health history and family health conditions.

- How much you drink and smoke.

- Medications you are taking.

49) Communicating With Doctors

46) Urgent Care Centers

13

Urgent care centers treat patients who have an injury or illness that requires immediate care but is not serious enough to visit to an ER. Urgent care can be faster and less expensive than a visit to the ER. Urgent care centers are usually not open all the time.

You can ask for an interpreter. It can be difficult if your children are responsible for translating for health situations Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor questions about anything. Questions you can ask may include: - When should I start to feel better?

- How can I prevent this from happening again?

- Are there symptoms I should look for?

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What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

49–54

Health and Medical 50) Medication & Labels

(50) Medicine Label example

For some medications, you need to get a prescription from a doctor. You can pick up prescription medicine at a pharmacy. You will probably get a discount if you have health insurance.

You can buy over-the-counter medicine like Tylenol and Advil at stores without a prescription.

All medicine comes with directions on the label that tell you: - How to take the medicine.

- How much to take, such as number of pills.

- How many times a day to take it and for how long.

Check the expiration dates and do not use medicine that has expired.

51) Depression

Depression is common. Symptoms can include: - Feeling sad and tired a lot.

- Feeling negative and guilty.

- Loss of interest in activities.

- Difficulty controlling moods.

- Not being able to sleep or sleeping too much.

- Thoughts of suicide.

If you think you may be suffering from depression, talk to a health clinic immediately.

If you think a friend is suicidal, call 911 if they are in immediate danger.

52) Counseling

Going to a counselor or therapist is common.

Counselors can help with family problems, individual issues, depression, and sadness.

Many immigrants experience stress when adapting to a new culture.

Local social services or your health care provider may offer affordable mental health services.

54) HIV & AIDS

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. It can be passed from an infected person to another person by having sex without using protection or by sharing needles.

Most areas have clinics that conduct free tests for HIV and can provide medication.

It is the law that you have to tell your doctor if you are HIV positive.

(53) Vaccinations

53) Vaccinations & Check-ups

People often go to a doctor or clinic once a year for a checkup to know about health problems before they become serious.

Doctors do tests, using blood or other physical samples.

Schools require children to receive vaccinations.

You can ask schools or your local public health department where to go for low-cost vaccinations.

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14

What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

55–58

Health and Medical 55) Spreading Illness

Many people are careful about spreading illnesses.

Wash your hands with soap and water: - Before preparing or eating food.

- After going to the bathroom.

- After changing diapers.

- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

- After touching garbage.

Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow when you cough or sneeze.

Wear a mask in public when laws require it.

56) Using a Thermometer

For most people, normal body temperature in degrees Fahrenheit is 98.6° F. In general, for adults a fever of 103° F or more is considered dangerous.

You can purchase a thermometer at pharmacies or grocery stores.

If you are not sure how dangerous the fever is, call a doctor or health clinic.

(55) Spreading illness

57) First Aid

Always call 911 for emergencies.

To stop bleeding, cover the wound with something clean and apply a little pressure.

A choking victim needs help immediately. The sign for choking is two hands placed on the throat.

You can use a series of abdominal thrusts to help anyone over one year old who is choking on an object. Follow these steps: 1. From behind, make a fist and place the thumb side of your fist below the rib cage and above the navel of the victim.

2. Grasp your fist with the other hand and make quick upward thrusts until the object is removed.

You can learn more at CPR and First Aid classes in your community.

58) General Safety Practices (56) Thermometer

15

Ways you can prevent accidents and sicknesses: - Don’t have electric appliances like a toaster or hair dryer near a sink or shower.

- Never put metal or aluminum in the microwave.

- Never mix different cleaning products.

- Keep hot food hot and cold food cold.

- Do not let raw meat touch other foods and objects.

- Bend your knees and keep your back vertical when lifting heavy objects.

- Wear a helmet while biking.

- Be extra careful walking on ice and other slippery surfaces.

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What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

(57) First Aid

55–58

(57) Abdominal Thrust

(58) Bike helmets

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16

What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

59–60

Health and Medical 59) Dental Care

It is recommended to see a dentist for checkups and cleanings one or two times a year. Dental insurance is usually separate from health insurance. Dental insurance usually covers one or two free cleanings a year and x-rays once a year.

To protect your teeth and gums: - Brush two to three times a day and floss your teeth every day.

- Eat foods high in whole grains, vegetables and fruits, and calcium.

60) Exercise

17

People run, bike, and practice other forms of exercise in public.

Recreation centers (rec centers) and fitness clubs typically offer exercise classes.

Exercise helps reduce stress and can help you sleep better.

Try to exercise three to six days a week for 30 minutes or more at a time.

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What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

61–63

Health and Medical 61) Watch What You Eat

Read nutrition labels and know what you are eating and drinking.

The average person eats between 1500 and 2500 calories a day.

Food is often served in large portions. You don’t have to finish your meal. At restaurants people often take home the extras to eat later.

Drink a lot of water. Water that comes out of sinks is usually safe to drink.

About half of adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure. If you have hypertension, (high blood pressure), exercise regularly, manage your stress, reduce the amount of salt you eat, eat more fruit and vegetables, eat less fat, and talk to a doctor about medicine.

62) Cigarettes

Smoking harms the body and causes many diseases.

Smoking can also damage teeth and cause bad breath.

Cigarettes are expensive and many people view smoking negatively. Smoking is prohibited in many public places.

63) Alcoholism

Drinking a lot of alcohol can harm your body and your relationships.

It can also lead to legal problems, like being arrested for drinking and driving.

There are free support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) to help alcoholics. There are also support groups for family.

Alcoholics often need support from family or friends. Alcoholism is viewed negatively, but getting help is viewed positively.

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18

What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

64–68

Driving 64) Driving Laws

Your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will provide you with driving laws for your state.

If a police officer sees you breaking a driving law, you will get a ticket and points added to your license. If you receive a certain number of points, you will lose your license.

Make sure you renew your car registration once a year or when necessary.

Texting or using your phone while driving is (65) Parking tickets illegal in some states.

Distracted driving is the most common cause of car accidents in the United States.

“Yield” is a common and confusing sign. It means the driver needs to slow down and let other cars or people go. Sometimes at a yield sign the driver needs to stop.

Use your turn signals to show that you are turning left or right.

Always use your seat belt. Other people in your car should use seat belts too.

65) Parking Tickets

You will receive parking tickets for parking in illegal areas or for not paying the parking meter.

Fines can increase if you do not pay them within a certain number of days. In some areas, they will tow your car if it is parked illegally.

Never park in front of fire hydrants, driveways, taxi stands, red or yellow curbs, or bus stops.

Do not park in handicapped spaces if you do not have a handicapped card.

Look for signs where you park to make sure it is legal to park there during the hours you are there.

66) What To Do If the Police Stops You While Driving

(66) Stopped by police

(67) Child seats

If a police car flashes its lights behind you: 1. Use your turn signal and pull over to the right in a safe area.

2. Turn off the engine and do not leave your car.

3. Keep your hands on the wheel and stay relaxed. When the officer asks for your license, insurance and registration you can take your hands off the wheel.

4. Be polite and show respect.

67) Child Seats

19

Children have to ride in a child safety seat up to a certain age and weight as specified by state law.

The police will stop you when they see a child who is not using a seat belt or car seat.

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What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

69–72

Driving 68) Honking

In some countries people use their car horns often, but in the U.S. honking is only used when necessary, especially in smaller cities.

You usually use your car horn to prevent an accident or alert other drivers who are not paying attention.

69) Car Insurance

A car insurance policy protects you from losing money if you are involved in a car accident.

Policies provide different levels of coverage depending on how much risk you want to take.

Call two or three companies to get different prices. The cost of insurance depends on your driving record, how old you are, the value of your car, and how many people will drive the car.

Types of car insurance include: - Property damage – covers repairing the other person’s car.

- Bodily injury – covers costs of injuries to other people.

- Uninsured motorist – protects you if the person at fault has no coverage.

- Collision – covers damages to your car if the accident is your fault.

- Comprehensive – pays for non-accident related damage such as fire or theft.

You may need to provide proof that you have insurance before you can register your car.

If you are involved in an accident, stay and write down the other person’s name, phone number, insurance information, and license plate number.

AAA is an association that has low membership fees and helps when you have a car emergency.

(70) School Bus

70) Staying on the Right

When driving on the highway, stay on the right side of the road. Only use the left lane to pass other cars.

If you hear sirens or see flashing lights from an emergency vehicle, slowly pull over to the right to let the vehicle pass.

If you see flashing red lights on a school bus, do not pass the bus.

71) Buying & Registering a Car

You can buy used or new cars from an individual or from a dealer.

Get a good mechanic to inspect the car before you buy.

Be prepared to talk about the price because negotiation is a normal part of buying a car.

Before you meet with the seller, investigate the value of the car.

You should investigate different options such as buying, leasing and getting a loan from a bank or the dealer.

In some areas your car has to pass an emissions test before you can register the car.

72) Carpooling & HOV Lanes

Some highways have HOV lanes for cars with two or more people. In some areas, HOV lanes are for cars with three or more people. You can get a fine for driving alone in an HOV lane.

Some roads require you to pay a toll, and if you don’t pay you can get a large fine. Make sure you enter the “Cash Only” lane if you do not have a device that automatically pays tolls.

Hitchhiking is not common, and it is illegal in some states.

(72) HOV Lanes

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20

What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

73–75

Children 73) Parenting in the U.S.

Try to keep communication positive with your children.

Many communities have parenting groups that can help with ideas about how to be a good parent.

Physical discipline, such as slapping, hitting, or shaking hard enough to leave a mark or injure a child is illegal.

Know where your child is at all times, or you might be accused of child neglect. Child neglect is a serious crime.

A child legally becomes an adult on their 18th birthday.

74) Keeping Children Healthy

Children usually eat three meals a day with one or two snacks.

Make sure children drink lots of water.

Do not give children a lot of soda, juice, fried foods, candy or other foods and drinks with a lot of sugar or fat.

Give your kids a healthy breakfast every day to provide energy for school.

Make sure they know when and how to brush and floss their teeth, wash their hands, and clean their body. For more information ask a doctor and dentist.

75) Child Safety

21

If you have young children at your home you should: - Use outlet covers to protect against electrocution.

- Place window guards to prevent falling out of windows.

- Keep items like bleach, medicine, and matches out of children’s reach.

- Make sure small children cannot fall down the stairs.

Here are some other child safety tips: - Never leave a child under the age of 10 alone in a car.

- Teach children to stop, look and listen before crossing streets.

- Bullying is a danger to children’s safety. It is unwanted, aggressive verbal or physical behavior. Bullying can happen at school, on the bus, or on the Internet. To learn more about how to prevent or respond to bullying, visit www.stopbullying.gov. © 2021 Intercambio Uniting Communities. All Rights Reserved. No reproduction is permissible without prior consent from Intercambio Uniting Communities.

What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

76–77

Children 76) Family Planning

(77) Pregnancy

Talk with a doctor or clinic if you want to prevent pregnancy.

Children usually learn very little about sex and pregnancy in school.

Talk to a clinic for help with what to say or how to start a conversation.

Your participation in their education makes a difference in the decisions they make.

77) Pregnancy

Alcohol, tobacco, and drugs taken during pregnancy can harm your baby.

Health clinics and pregnancy centers offer help and answer questions for pregnant women.

When people in the U.S. breastfeed in public, they often cover their chest or go into another room.

Some pregnant women use a midwife and/or a doula. A midwife is a trained health professional who helps healthy women during labor, delivery, and after the birth of their babies. Midwives may deliver babies at birthing centers at home, or at a hospital. A doula is a trained professional who provides physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and after childbirth.

75) Child Safety – Outlet covers

75) Child Safety – Stair guard

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22

What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

78–81

Education System 78) Levels of School

Three- to five- year old children are considered pre-school age.

Children usually start kindergarten in August or September of the year they have their 5th birthday.

Elementary school is kindergarten through 5th or 6th grade.

Middle school or junior high is usually 6th through 8th grade.

High school is 9th through 12th grade.

Adults who do not have a high school diploma can take an equivalency exam such as the GED, HiSET, or TASC. Different states accept different exams. These are often accepted like a high school diploma.

79) Curriculum & English as a Second Language (ESL)

In elementary schools all students usually take the same classes. In middle school and high school, students usually have options for classes.

Discuss the options with your children and show interest in their classes.

All public schools have to provide ESL classes.

Schools test children for English proficiency and give them a level for their ESL classes.

(80 & 81) Report Card with GPA example

23

80) Report Cards

Report cards use grades in the form of letters or numbers to show how well a student is doing in school.

Report cards are distributed two to four times a year. Some schools give report cards directly to students, some mail them to parents, and some put report cards on the Internet.

You may have to sign to confirm that you received the report card.

Talk to your children about their grades.

Congratulate them when they get good grades.

Talk to someone at school if you have questions.

81) Grade Point Average (GPA)

Middle school, high school, and college students receive grades lettered “A” through “E” or “F”. “A” is the highest grade and “E” or “F” is a failing grade.

Each student has a grade point average (GPA). The GPA is a summary of a student’s grades. Each letter grade has a value shown here: A = 4 points C = 2 E=0 B=3 D = 1 F=0 4.0 is a perfect GPA, but some high schools offer honors and AP classes. In these classes an “A” is equal to more than four points.

A high GPA can help students get into good colleges and get good jobs.

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What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

82–89

Education System 82) SATs, ACTs, & TOEFL

The SAT and ACT are tests that help colleges evaluate students. Students usually need to take one of these tests to get into college.

Typically they take these tests in 11th or 12th grade.

International students may have to take the TOEFL to get into college.

83) Finding a School for Your Kids

Every child has the right to a free education up to 12th grade.

Contact your school district if you do not want to send your child to the school in your neighborhood.

Some communities have charter schools and alternative schools. These schools are different than public schools.

Head Start is a national program to help children ages 3-5 from low-income families.

84) Parent-Teacher Conferences

Your participation in the education of your children affects their success.

Parent-teacher conferences are usually 15 minutes. Attend and ask: - How is my child progressing?

- What are their strengths?

- What do they need more help with?

- How can I help at home?

- How does my child get along with others?

- Does my child participate in class?

Ask for an interpreter if you do not understand English. Do not use children as interpreters.

In the U.S. it is common for parents to participate in schools, offer opinions, and ask questions of the teachers. You can talk to your child’s teacher at any time during the year.

85) Parent Organizations

Most schools have a volunteer parent organization, known as a PTA, PTSA or PTO. These organizations can allow you to: - Find great resources.

- Meet other parents and teachers.

- Give your opinion about how to improve the school.

87) Extracurricular Activities

Read to your children and have them read to you when they are ready.

Make schedules with a consistent time to go to bed at night and to wake up in the morning.

Students should participate in one or more after-school activities such as athletic teams, music clubs, theater, and student organizations.

This will help them make friends and learn new skills.

It can help students get into college if they can show different skills and talents

88) Interactive Teaching Styles

Education is more than just taking notes and listening to the teacher.

Adult and young students ask questions, answer questions, and do school activities in small groups.

89) College, University & Vocational Schools

86) How to Help Your Kids Succeed

Getting enough sleep helps their memory and ability to focus.

Create a consistent time at home for homework and reading without TV. If you watch a lot of TV, your children will want to watch a lot of TV. When your children break rules, use reasonable consequences.

Praise your kids, and be specific. For example, “You worked hard on that math problem and did not give up. That was great!”

Encourage your child to ask for help when they do not understand an assignment or have difficulty in school.

At home, share chores. Let your children cook with you and discuss ingredients and cooking processes.

Get educational toys.

Taking your children out of school for a long period of time can hurt their academic progress.

If they need to miss school, write a note to the school.

Encourage your children to make friends and get lots of exercise.

State universities are usually less expensive for students who live in that state.

Private universities are usually expensive.

Community colleges are less expensive than universities.

Vocational schools are for high school graduates who want to develop specific job skills, such as computer skills or mechanics.

There are many federal grants, loans and types of financial aid to help students pay for college.

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24

What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

90–92

Communication 90) Learning English

Learning English can give you more opportunities and allows you to communicate with more people Attend classes, do homework, practice whenever possible with English speakers, listen to the radio and music in English, and watch TV in English.

Don’t be shy or afraid to make mistakes. The people who learn are the people who practice.

91) Postage & the Post Office

92) Internet Speed and Costs

Wi-Fi allows you to use the Internet from a phone, laptop, or tablet without using cables.

Your internet speed can slow down if many devices are on the internet at the same time.

There are ways to improve your Internet speed at home, such as restarting your modem frequently and making sure the modem is not blocked by objects. (IMAGE) You can talk to the company that provides your Internet to see if they have plans that can provide faster Internet speeds. Ask if they offer special discounts.

To address an envelope: - Put the address of the person you are mailing to in the middle. Include the apartment or unit number.

- Put your address in the top left - Put a stamp on the top right.

You can buy stamps at the post office, at www.usps.com, and at many grocery stores.

Letters with stamps that weigh less than 1 pound can be dropped in blue metal mailboxes.

Post offices have many options for shipping letters and packages.

The address of the person sending the mail.

The address of the person receiving the mail.

25

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What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

93–95

Communication 93) Computers & Internet Safety

Many people use email. You can set up a free email account with gmail.com, hotmail.com, or yahoo.com.

When you share your email address with companies, they can share your email address with other companies.

There are many ways to experience problems on our computers and phones, like viruses and identity theft. To avoid this: - Do not open links, photos, or attachments that look suspicious or from someone you don’t know. Sometimes a message looks like it is from a person you know but it is not. If you are not sure, do not click on it.

- Do not click on ads or on websites that you do not know are safe.

- Never send information with personal information including bank account numbers, social security numbers, credit card numbers, or passwords.

- Use antivirus software.

Paying for Internet access at home can be a large long-term cost. Investigate options and check the time period for the contract.

95) Junk Mail & Phony Phone Calls

No government agency will call you to ask for money. If you receive a call like this, hang up and call the official number for the business or government agency to check if it is a scam.

When you provide your private information to someone, you should be the one who started the contact.

Be cautious if you have “won” something for which you never applied. Phone calls from people you do not know can be an attempt to get your personal information to steal your money.

Gifts or checks marked as “free” often come with services or contracts that you do not want.

If you do not want to receive calls from companies that try to sell you things, register your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry at www.donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222.

94) Names & Titles

Most U.S. Americans have a first name and middle name given by their parents and a last name, or surname. The last name usually comes from the father’s family.

Traditionally, a married woman takes the last name of her husband, but it is common now for women to keep their own last name.

Some people use their middle name and some do not.

People usually talk to other people using first names.

When you need to address a man formally you use Mr. (Mister). For women use Mrs. (Misses) or Ms. (Miss) depending on their age and if they are married.

If someone has another title like Dr. (Doctor), use that title to address them formally.

People who do not identify as “he” or “she” often use “they”. Many people now sign their names with their pronouns, usually he/him/his, she/her/ hers or they/them/theirs.

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26

What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

96–99

Communication 96) Document Storage

Make copies of important documents and keep the copies in a separate safe place. These can include: - Birth certificates.

- Car or home titles.

- Passports.

- Diplomas and school records.

You should also keep the following documents filed and organized: - Paystubs, tax forms and other financial documents.

- Leases and other contracts.

- Automobile, medical, and insurance records.

Review credit card and bank statements to make sure that they don’t include purchases or withdrawals you didn’t make.

97) A nswering Phones & Checking Messages

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Sometimes people think it’s rude to answer a cell phone during a meeting, at meals, at the library, or when talking with friends. For this reason, you often need to leave and receive messages or send text messages.

If you have to answer calls in public places, do not talk very loudly.

In some states, driving while texting or talking on a cell phone is illegal.

98) Cell Phone Expenses

If you have a cell phone, understand the minutes and services that are part of your plan.

You can get a very large bill if you use more services or minutes than you signed up for.

You have to sign a two- or three-year contract with many cell phone companies. Some companies allow you to buy a pre-paid plan, where you pay first and you have limited minutes and services to use.

99) The Media

News media can be very liberal, very conservative, or neutral. Some news channels and newspapers support the views of Democrats, and other support the views of Republicans.

Your social media will often show you stories that the company thinks you will like.

For instance, if you click on stories about basketball, you will see more stories about basketball. If you click on a story that criticizes the president, it will show you more stories that criticize the president.

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What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

100

Communication 100) Daylight Saving & Time Zones

At 2:00 a.m. on the second Sunday in March, clocks are set forward one hour to 3:00 a.m.

At 2:00 a.m. on the first Sunday in November, clocks are set back one hour to 1:00 a.m.

Arizona and Hawaii do not have Daylight Savings Time.

There are four time zones. When it is 11:00 a.m.

Eastern Standard Time in New York, it is: - 10:00 a.m. Central Standard Time in Chicago.

- 9:00 a.m. Mountain Standard Time in Denver.

- 8:00 a.m. Pacific Standard Time in San Diego.

MARCH +1 Hour

NOVEMBER -1 Hour

(100) Mainland U.S. Time Zones

PST

MST

CST

EST

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What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

101–105

U.S. Culture and Social Skills Not all U.S. Americans or any group of people from the same country or region act the same way. Culture is more than the country we come from. Every individual has their own culture.

In this section we introduce common cultural norms in the U.S. We are not presenting these as good or bad, or better or worse.

The goal of this section is for people to: - 1. Learn about how many people in the U.S. see these cultural behaviors - 2. Think about your own beliefs and behaviors - 3. Share your perspectives, listen to other perspectives, and have respectful discussions about the differences

104) Inclusive Language 101) Greetings

Greetings depend on how well you know the person. When people meet someone for the first time, they usually: - Stand up, smile and make eye contact.

- Say “My name is ____. Nice to meet you.”

- Introduce people they are with. For example, “This is my wife, Marcela.”

Hugging is common with family and friends.

102) Cleanliness

Many people are uncomfortable with strong body odors, bad breath, chewing gum loudly, and spitting or belching in public.

Littering, or throwing garbage or trash in the wrong place outside of your home, is illegal.

Put trash and waste in the correct containers.

The plumbing system in the U.S. is reliable.

Put toilet paper in the toilet, not in the trash can. Do not put other things in the toilet.

103) Common Social Taboos

29

There is some information that people like to keep private. Many people prefer not to talk about their: - Opinions about politics.

- Salary or how much they make.

- Sexual orientation and practices.

- Religious beliefs.

- Age or weight.

Some people like talking about what they do for work and some prefer not to talk about that.

Do not stare or point at people.

Do not use bad language in front of children and others who might not approve.

Most people consider it polite to smile, open doors for others, and say “please” and “thank you”.

Often, people have different preferences. For example, not all Native Americans use the term “Native Americans”. Many prefer using the name of their specific tribe. Some people prefer to be called “black” and others prefer “African American”. Do not be afraid to ask questions about it Inclusive

Can Be Offensive

Black or African American

Negro

Person of color

Colored

U.S. American

American (to refer to someone from the U.S.)

Asian

Oriental

Older person or Senior

Old, Ancient, Elderly

Gay/Lesbian/Queer

Homosexual

Heterosexual

Straight

Undocumented immigrant

Illegal immigrant

Person with a disability

Handicapped, Disabled, Crippled, Retarded

105) Punctuality & Confirming Meetings

It is important to always arrive on time for: - Work and work meetings.

- School.

- Appointments with a doctor or dentist.

For social events, the importance of being on time depends on the situation. Some people see being late as a sign of disrespect. Some people think it is okay to be late for social events.

If you are late for an appointment or a meeting, text or call to let people know, Many people use a planner or calendar to remember where they need to be.

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What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

106–109

U.S. Culture and Social Skills 106) Personal Space & Volume

106)

In the U.S. the physical space between you and the person you are interacting with is usually at least one full arm’s length.

Some people do not like when other people speak very loud. People may think you are angry when you talk loud.

Small talk is conversations about things such as the weather, sports, movies, television, shopping, etc. It can also include topics like your family or your perceptions of the U.S. Small talk can be a way to lead to deeper conversation.

Personal Space

107) “Yes” Means Yes and “No” Means No

108) Small Talk

If you do not understand something, it is usually better to admit it immediately. This is true especially when it affects safety at work.

For social events if you tell people you will go, they expect you to go. It is okay to say, “Thank you for the invitation, but I am not able to attend.” People can get upset if you say “yes” but you do not go.

If a person offers you help and you say “no”, they may not offer again.

109) Humor

Humor can start conversations or relax situations.

Sarcasm is common, where people say the opposite of what they mean. An example, a person can say “Wow, it’s really hot outside!” when the weather is very cold.

Some people use sarcasm when they are upset, and some use it to be funny.

Do not use humor about race, gender, homosexuality, disabilities or religion.

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30

What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

110–114

U.S. Culture and Social Skills 110) Dating & Marriage

(110) Wedding Rings

It is common for men and women who are not dating or married to be friends. If a member of the opposite sex talks to you, it does not mean that he or she is interested in a relationship.

Most married couples wear a wedding ring on the finger next to the little (pinky) finger of the left hand.

111) Religion

People practice many religions, and you are free in the U.S. to choose any religion.

Religion is personal and is not talked about in public schools and most workplaces.

112) Gender Equality

Women and men have the same rights and have equal roles in society.

Many women have leadership positions in the government and at businesses.

It is common for men to cook, clean, and take care of children. In many families the children also clean, cook, do laundry and other chores.

(112) Gender Equality

113) Food Customs

Potlucks are common. This is where people bring food to an event, and everyone shares the food. It is common for people to ask you how you made your dish.

Some restaurants serve very large portions of food. If you do not finish, you can ask to take the “leftovers” home.

It is common for people to talk about dietary restrictions, food allergies, and special diets.

114) Punishing Children

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Using physical punishment at home or at school to punish children is illegal.

If children break the rules at school they may have to stay after school or be suspended and not allowed to come to school for a few days.

Talk to someone at the school to learn about rules that your children need to follow.

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What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

115–118

U.S. Culture and Social Skills 115) Tipping

When you go out to eat, expect to pay 15-20% for a tip. An 18% tip is average. Many people pay a smaller tip if they buy food to go.

At restaurants it is common for servers to bring your bill before you ask for it.

You should also tip your hairstylist, taxi drivers and people who help with your luggage.

Never tip a government officer. This includes police officers.

116) Dogs

If you have a dog you need to: - Give the dog food and water.

- Let the dog outside 3 to 5 times a day.

- Clean up after your dog when it goes to the bathroom outside.

If you do not take care of your dog, your neighbors may call the police.

If you would like to pet a dog: 1. Ask the dog’s owner for permission.

2. Allow the dog to smell your hand and do not put your face near the dog’s face.

funeral. A will is a legal document that says how you want to distribute your money or property after you die.

Services associated with death like funerals and memorials can be very expensive.

Other significant ages are: - 16 – in most states this is the legal driving age - 18 – a person becomes a legal adult - 21 – the legal age to drink alcohol and use marijuana in states where it is legal.

- 62 – You can begin collecting your Social Security payments. But, your monthly payments go up if you wait.

- 65 – Eligible for Medicare - 67 – Eligible for your full Social Security benefit.

(115) Tipping

117) Crime

Be smart, but don’t be scared of everyone and everything. Common safety suggestions are: - Lock up your home, car, bike and objects.

- Do notwalk alone at night in unsafe neighborhoods.

- Don’t carry a lot of money or valuables with you.

A lot of theft takes place through credit card and email fraud.

If you see a crime happen, get to a safe place and call 911.

(116) Dogs

118) Life Events

Some people have a baby shower before a baby is born. At a baby shower people bring gifts for the baby.

When a woman is pregnant, people often ask when she is due, or what day the baby is expected to come.

Many weddings, baby showers, and other celebrations have a ‘gift registry’. This is an online list of things that the people want or need.

Guests can buy the items on the list.

Many people write thank you notes to people who give them a gift or do them a favor.

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What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

119–123

Shopping 119) Measurement Conversions

The U.S. does not use the metric system.

You should learn the following conversions: 1 pound (lb)

.45 kilogram (kg)

16 ounces (oz)

1 mile

1.6 Kilometers (km)

1” inch

2.5 centimeters (cm)

1’ foot

.3 meters (m)

12” inches

70°F

21.1°C

°F = 9/5 °C + 32

1 gallon

3.8 liters

4 quarts = 8 pints

121) Grocery Stores & Coupons

You should know how tall you are (your height) in feet and inches and how much you weigh in pounds.

Numbers in the thousands usually use a “,”.

For example, one thousand is written as 1,000.

1.000 is not correct. The “.” is used in numbers as “point”. For example, 11.4 gallons of gas is spoken as 11 point 4.

122) Garage Sales & Thrift Stores

120) Reading Expiration Dates

Food and drinks that come in containers have an expiration date. This tells you when the food will start to go bad.

You can get sick if you eat or drink anything that has expired.

A “sell by” date means the item is safe to eat or drink a few days after that date.

Dates are always written in month/day/year format (November 18, 2021 is written as 11/18/21).

Garage sales, or yard sales, are usually held on Saturdays and Sundays.

People have garage sales to sell used items in front of their homes. You can often find good cheap clothes, furniture and other items at these sales and at thrift stores.

Thrift stores are sometimes called Secondhand or consignment stores.

You can usually negotiate prices at garage sales.

123) Returns & Rebates

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Many supermarkets and other stores give discount cards to people who register their name and address.

You can also find coupons in newspapers and on store websites.

Some cities have a tax on sugary drinks, called a soda tax. These are created to reduce the consumption of drinks with added sugar.

Carbonated soft drinks, sports drinks and energy drinks are considered sugary drinks.

Some foods are labeled USDA organic. This means the foods are grown and processed using certain soil quality, animal raising practices, pest and weed control.

Stores have different rules about when you can return an item. Some give you credit to buy a different item at the store, and some will return your money.

Be sure to keep receipts for items you might return.

Some expensive items come with a warranty, a written agreement in which a company promises to repair or replace it if it breaks within a particular period of time.

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What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

124–125

Your Community 124) Public Libraries

(124) Public libraries

Most communities have a public library where you can check out books, music, and movies for free. Many libraries can get you free access to online books, music and movies too.

If you return an item after the due date, you will have to pay a late fee.

Many libraries have computers with free Internet access.

Libraries often offer classes and can be a good place to learn about community resources.

125) R ecreation Centers & Outdoor Activities

Most communities have recreation centers (rec centers) with gyms, exercise equipment, and pools.

Recreation centers usually have different payment options.

Most communities also have free public parks that are great for outdoor family activities.

Take out your trash at the parks when you leave.

There are laws about hunting and fishing.

Contact the Parks and Wildlife Office in your state for more information. You can get a fine for hunting or fishing without the correct license.

(125) Outdoor Activities

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What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

126–128

Your Community 126) C ommunity Resources

There are organizations that can help with things such as housing, food, childcare, and health care.

In many areas you can dial 211 to find resources.

You may need to talk with a few agencies to find the resource you need.

Some immigrants, including children, may be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP provides you with funds to help you buy food at grocery stores. Rules for SNAP are different in each state. For information about SNAP and requirements, visit www.fns.usda.gov/snap.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a federal program that provides assistance and work opportunities for qualified low-income families. For more information and requirements, visit www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ ofa/programs/tanf.

Immigrants with disabilities may be eligible for Medicaid, SNAP, and Supplemental Security Income. For information, visit www. socialsecurity.gov/ssi.

127) Transportation Options

In large cities, buses and metro systems are common. Biking is common in other areas.

Taxis are usually expensive. The cost of taxis and ride share programs can change depending on the time of day.

128) Walking and Biking

When you are riding a bicycle or walking, always assume that cars do not see you when crossing roads.

(128) Walk sign Always have a light on your bike if it’s dark and wear light or reflective clothing.

Stay on the right side of the street or path.

Only use the left side to pass someone.

Always cross streets at an intersection and look for the walk sign.

(128) Walking and biking

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What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

129–131

Your Community 129) Recycling

(129) Recycling

Many communities recycle glass, plastic, tin, aluminum, and paper.

Talk to your neighbors or a local government agency to find out what you can recycle and how recycling works where you live.

130) Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to: - Help your community.

- Meet friendly people.

- Get job experience.

- Learn about community needs.

- Feel rewarded.

Many communities have local agencies that can connect you to volunteer opportunities that match your interests.

Examples of volunteeer organizations include food banks, recreation programs, animal shelters, literacy programs, and arts programs.

Some websites, like www.volunteermatch.org, can help you find volunteer opportunities in your area.

City and County governments often have boards and commissions that need volunteers.

Many nonprofit organizations also need Board members.

(130) Volunteering

131) Movies

Know which movies are right for children: - G — the movie is for all ages.

- PG — parents may want to watch the movie with their children.

- PG13 — material may be inappropriate for kids under 13.

- R — Restricted — anyone under 17 must come with an adult.

- NC17 — no one under 17 permitted.

Some movie theaters and other places offer discounts for children, students, and people over the age of 62 or 65. People over the age of 62 or 65 are often referred to as “seniors”.

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What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

Official National Holidays Many offices, banks and schools are closed for these holidays.

New Year’s Day — January 1st — The start of a new year!

Martin Luther King (MLK) Day — 3rd Monday in January — Honors Civil Rights Leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. On this day there are often marches and gatherings to celebrate civil rights.

Presidents’ Day — 3rd Monday in February — Celebrates the birthday of George Washington, who became the 1st U.S. President in 1789, and Abraham Lincoln, who helped to end slavery in 1862.

Memorial Day — Last Monday in May — Honors the nation’s war dead; marks the unofficial beginning of summer.

Independence Day — July 4th — Celebrates Declaration of Independence from Britain. At night there are celebrations with fireworks.

Labor Day — 1st Monday in September — Celebrates the achievements of workers and the labor movement, marks the unofficial end of summer.

Veterans Day — November 11th — Honors all veterans of the U.S. armed forces.

Thanksgiving — 4th Thursday in November — Celebrates the giving of thanks for the autumn harvest. Usually involves large family meals with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie.

Christmas Eve — December 24th.

Christmas Day — December 25th.

New Year’s Eve — December 31st.

Other Holidays – These are not official holidays.

Valentine’s Day — February 14th - traditional day to express love; sending Valentine’s cards, donating to charity or giving candy or flowers.

Mother’s Day — 2nd Sunday in May. Father’s Day—3rd Sunday in June.

Halloween — October 31st. Children dress up in costumes and “trick-or treat”, where they go around to different houses and politely request treats/candy. Some adults dress up too and go to costume parties.

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What Every Immigrant Needs to Know

Acknowledgments

Author:

Lee Shainis

Content:

Rossana Miranda-Johnston

Design:

Mario Abela, David Olivares

Editing:

Kristine Edwards, Jennifer Kurtz, Rachel Fuchs, Arturo Bencosme, and Lara Shainis

Thank you to the many people who have provided ideas, feedback, and support to make this effort possible.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning or otherwise, except as permitted under Sections 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without prior written permission of the author.

Disclaimer THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN IS PROVIDED “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE. INTERCAMBIO UNITING COMMUNITIES (HEREIN REFERRED TO AS INTERCAMBIO), EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE AND NON-INFRINGEMENT, AND INFORMATIONAL CONTENT. INTERCAMBIO DOES NOT MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES REGARDING THE VALIDITY, ACCURACY, OR RELIABILITY OF, OR THE RESULTS OF THE USE OF THE INFORMATION IN ITS PUBLICATIONS, THE TEXT AND THE WEB SITES CITED THEREIN, MATERIALS ON THE WEB SITES CITED IN THE TEXT, THE PRODUCTS OR SERVICES OBTAINED THROUGH THE WEB SITES CITED IN THE TEXT OR ANY OTHER SITES LINKED TO THE WEB SITES CITED IN THE TEXT. THE MATERIALS IN THIS TEXT OR ON THE WEB SITES CITED THEREIN MAY BE OUT OF DATE, AND INTERCAMBIO MAKES NO COMMITMENT TO UPDATE THE MATERIALS IN THIS TEXT OR ON ANY WEB SITES. TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL INTERCAMBIO OR ANY OF ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, MEMBERS, EMPLOYEES, CONTRACTORS, SUBCONTRACTORS, AGENTS, SUCCESSORS OR ASSIGNS (AS APPLICABLE) BE LIABLE TO THE READER OF THIS TEXT, THE INFORMATION, OR THE CONTENT, FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, MULTIPLE, SPECIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE TEXT OR THE INFORMATION CONTAINED THEREIN, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH LIABILITY IS BASED ON BREACH OF CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), STRICT LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY, FAILURE OF ESSENTIAL PURPOSE OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF INTERCAMBIO IS ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. Although this Text may include links providing direct access to other Web sites, Intercambio has not participated in their development, and does not monitor or exert any editorial or content control over those Web sites.

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Since 2001, Intercambio has connected 5,000 volunteer teachers with 10,000 adult English learners in Boulder County through 1-on-1 and group classes. Since 2010, we have offered consulting, training, and curriculum to over 1,000 organizations nationwide. Learning, relationships, accessibility and fun are our core values.

The Immigrant Guide provides critical information and topics to start discussions about laws, systems, and culture in the U.S. We hope that these conversations lead to learning for both students and teachers. Programs nationwide have successfully used The Immigrant Guide by including the topics in existing English classes, conversation classes, and workshops. See our website for more ideas and resources.

Available in multiple languages. See the website for languages currently available.

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Online resources on many Immigrant Guide topics can be found on our website.

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