The
United States is a large, diverse country, so generalizations
about it are difficult to make. It contains within its borders
enormous contrasts in geography, a wide range of climates,
and a great diversity among the people who call themselves
Americans. Americans are of many different racial and ethnic
backgrounds, and they hold a variety of religious beliefs and
values. Consequently, much of what you have heard about America
may not be true for you. Even information from friends or others
already in the United States may not be true in your case.
Every
community in the U.S. is different, and each has its own procedures
and system of working with newcomers. Staff members at your
resettlement agency will help you learn about your new country
and the local community in which you live.
One
lesson that you will learn quickly is that most Americans value
self-reliance and individual responsibility. You will be expected
to go to work as soon as you can find a job and begin to support
yourself and your family. Lack of English will not prevent
you from working, but you will need to learn more English to
progress to a better job. In most communities, you will find
classes that will help you take advantage of opportunities
for advancement.
A
second lesson you will learn is that resettlement is a permanent
decision. It is the first step to becoming a permanent resident
and a citizen of the United States. After one year you will
be eligible to apply for permanent resident alien status; after
four and a half years, you will be eligible to apply for American
citizenship.
As
a refugee, you may have lost everything, but in the United
States you are offered a chance to start over and rebuild your
life. Starting over may not be easy, but it can be done. Over
a million refugees have come before you, and most have done
well. You can succeed also. You bring the gifts of your special
talents, your background and culture, and your courage.
Refugees
who came before you might share the following advice:
Keep
an open mind.
Do
not rush to make judgments.
Make
every effort to learn and speak English.
Attempt
to understand American culture without criticizing it
in comparison to your own.
Participate
in American life.
Concentrate
on how far you have come, not how far you have to go.
Become
employed as soon as possible, and make plans for better
employment in the future.
The
following pages contain information about your new life and
new country to help you in your resettlement. The information
is necessarily brief and is certainly not complete. Remember
that although most Americans admire self-reliance, they also
respect someone who asks questions. It is the best way to begin
learning.
