relocating to the united states of america

The United States is a representative democracy, and citizens play a very important role in governing the country. In this section, you will learn about how citizens shape the U.S. government, how the United States was founded and grew, and how our government operates.

In the United States, the government gets its power to govern from the people. Therefore, there is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Citizens in the United States shape their government and its policies, so they must learn about important public issues and get involved in their communities. U.S. citizens vote in free elections to choose important government officials, such as the president, vice president, senators, and representatives. Constituents can call their elected officials to express an opinion, ask for information, or get help with specific issues.

The government is based on several important values: freedom, opportunity, equality, and justice. Americans share these values, and these values give us a common civic identity. Government in the United States protects the rights of each person. The United States is made up of people from different backgrounds, cultures, and religions. Our government and laws are organized so that citizens from different backgrounds and with different beliefs all have the same rights. No one can be punished or harmed for having an opinion or belief that is different from that of other people.

The United States is a nation governed by laws. Government officials make decisions based on those laws. The Constitution is known as the supreme law of the land because every citizen, including all government officials, and every new law must uphold its principles. Laws apply equally to everyone. The federal government has limited powers. Powers not given directly to the federal government by the Constitution are held by the states.

Federal Holidays

Most federal offices are closed on official holidays. If a holiday falls on a Saturday, it is observed on the preceding Friday. If a holiday falls on a Sunday, it is observed on the following Monday. Many non-government employers also give their employees a holiday on these days. The federal government observes the following official holidays. 

· New Year’s Day - January 1

· Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. - 3rd Monday in January

· Presidents’ Day - 3rd Monday in February

· Memorial Day - Last Monday in May

· Independence Day - July 4

· Labor Day - 1st Monday in September

· Columbus Day - 2nd Monday in October

· Veterans Day - November 11

· Thanksgiving Day - 4th Thursday in November

· Christmas Day - December 25

The Public Library

Public libraries in the United States are free and open to everyone. Libraries are located in almost every community. The library staff can help you find information on many topics and can give you a library card that allows you to borrow items, such as books, DVDs, and other resources, free of charge. Most libraries also have local newspapers for you to read and computers that you can use to access the Internet. Some libraries offer free computer classes, English language instruction, and other programs for children and adults. Ask the library staff about the services offered in your community. To find a library near you, visit www.nces.ed.gov

The Phone Book

Your local phone book (telephone directory) contains phone numbers and important information about federal, state, and local community services. The phone book has emergency information, local maps, and information about how to get phone service. The white pages list phone numbers of individuals and the yellow pages list phone numbers and addresses for businesses and organizations. You can also dial 411 on your phone to get a specific phone number anywhere in the United States. You may have to pay a fee when calling 411. 

The Internet

The Internet can link you to many sources of information, including the websites of federal, state, and local government agencies. Most government websites end with “.gov.” If you do not have a computer at home, you can use one in your public library. You can use the Internet to search for jobs, find housing, learn about schools, and locate community organizations and resources to help you. You can also use the Internet to learn about important news and current events, and to discover interesting information about life in America, U.S. history and government, and your local community. 

Community and Faith-Based Organizations That Assist Immigrants

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

Education can help connect you and your family to your community. This section describes schools in the United States for children, youths, and adults. This section also discusses the health care system and provides resources so that you and your family can stay informed.

Education in the United States

To make sure all children are prepared to succeed, the United States provides free public education from kindergarten through grade 12 for all students in the United States. Some communities also offer the chance for children as young as three years old to attend preschool. This section tells you how to enroll your children in school, how schools in the United States work, and how to help your children learn.

Most public schools in the United States are coeducational. Coeducational means that girls and boys attend classes together, however, there are some schools that only enroll a single gender. Most schools are part of a school district that has several schools, including different schools for children of different ages. The ages of students at each school may vary from community to community.

Enroll Your Child in School

One of the first things you should do is to enroll your child in school. Call or visit your local school district’s main office or website to find out which school or schools your child may attend. Currently, all states and the District of Columbia have compulsory school attendance laws. Compulsory school attendance means that all children who are between certain ages must attend school. In most states, these laws cover all children ages 5 to 16. Check with your local school district or state department of education to find out the required ages for school attendance in your state.

You can send your child to a public or private school. Public schools are free and do not offer religious instruction. The state decides what your child learns in public school, but local school districts, principals, teachers, and parents decide how to teach your child. Charter schools are a special type of public school that operate independently from the local school district. Your local and state taxes, and some of your federal taxes, pay for public schools.

Private schools are another way you can educate your child. Private schools are owned and run by groups that are independent of the government, including religious and non-religious groups. Students generally must pay a fee (called tuition) to attend private school. In some cases, private schools may offer financial help for students who cannot pay the tuition. In other cases, public funds may be available in the form of vouchers for students to attend private school. Some private schools are coeducational, while some are only for boys or only for girls. Some states have licensing or registration requirements for private schools, and many private schools choose to be accredited by an accrediting association. To learn more about private schools, contact your state’s department of education.

Educating your child at home is another option. This is called homeschooling. The requirements for homeschooling differ from state to state. Parents interested in homeschooling should contact their state department of education to get more information.

Most American children are in public school for around 13 years, from kindergarten through grade 12. In most schools, your child will be placed in a class (called a grade) based on two things: age and level of previous education. In some cases, a school may give your child a test to determine his or her grade level and class assignment.

How long is the school year?

The school year usually begins in August or September and ends in May or June. In some places, children attend school all year. Children are in school Monday through Friday. Many schools offer programs before or after regular school hours for children whose parents work. You may be charged a fee for these before- or after-school programs, but some special tutoring services may be available for free in your school district.

What documents do I need to enroll my child?

You need your child’s medical records and proof that your child has certain immunizations (also called shots) to protect him or her from disease. You also may need proof of identification, such as a birth certificate, and proof that you live in the same community as the school. If you have lost these documents, ask school staff how to get new documents. To avoid delays, do this before you try to enroll your child.

What if your child does not speak English?

If your child does not speak English, the school district will evaluate your child’s language skills. The school will then provide your child with the services he or she needs to learn English and to participate in the academic program for his or her grade level. The school district is responsible for providing your child with the right services to meet your child’s language needs, and for informing you in a language you can understand about the services your child will receive. You can contact your child’s school to ask about this process. In addition to language services during the regular school day, some schools offer after-school programs and tutoring to help students improve English outside of school. Your child’s school will tell you what kind of extra help they offer to students learning English.

What if your child has a disability?

All students in the United States have the right to get a free public education, whether or not they have a disability. If your child has a disability, he or she may receive free special education and related services. Your child will be placed in a regular school classroom if appropriate for his or her needs. Sometimes your child may need special education or related services outside the regular classroom. You can participate when school staff make individualized decisions about how to best teach your child. The school is responsible for communicating with you about these decisions in a language that you can understand. 

How will your child get to school?

Children can sometimes walk to school in the United States. If the school is too far away or if it is not safe to walk, they may ride a school bus or take public transportation, such as a subway or train. Many public schools have free buses that pick up and drop off students at a school bus stop near your home. Other public schools provide eligible students with passes so that they can ride local public transportation for free or at a reduced cost. 

If you have a car, you can also set up a car pool with other parents in your area to share driving your children to school.

Higher Education: Colleges and Universities

After high school, young adults and other adults can continue their education in a two-year community or technical college, a four-year college, or a university. These are called postsecondary institutions or institutions of higher education. Typically, the first four years of postsecondary education is called undergraduate education, and schooling beyond the bachelor’s degree is called graduate studies. There are both public and private institutions of higher education. 

Generally, public colleges and universities may cost less than private ones, especially for residents of the state where the college or university is located. Adults can also choose to attend schools to learn how to do specific jobs, such as repairing computers or being a health care assistant. Students in higher education choose a specific subject to study in depth (this subject is called their major). Choosing a major helps prepare them for employment or further education in that field.

A college or university education can be expensive, but there are programs to help you pay for the cost of education. Most students take out a loan or apply for scholarships or financial aid to help pay for their schooling. Some schools provide financial support called scholarships. You can visit your school’s financial aid office to learn more about scholarships. Certain scholarships and grants are limited to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, permanent residents, or other eligible non-U.S. citizens.

Health Care

Generally, people in the United States pay for their own medical care either directly or through insurance. Medical care is expensive, so it is beneficial to work for an employer that offers health insurance or to buy health insurance on your own. It is important that you and your family get health insurance as soon as possible.

Employers may offer health insurance as a benefit to their employees. Some employers pay for all of your monthly health care coverage cost while some pay only part of the cost. This monthly cost is called a premium. You may need to pay part of the premium. Usually, employers will deduct your part of the premium from your paycheck. Some employers will also allow you to buy insurance for your family. You will probably have to pay more for this coverage.

If you have health insurance, doctors may send their bills to your health insurance company. The health insurance company may pay some or all of these bills. Often you must pay an amount to the doctor or service provider each time you use their health care services. This is sometimes called a co-payment.

If you do not have health insurance, some doctors will expect you to pay for the full cost of your care. You may be able to get federal or state health care assistance. States provide some type of assistance to low-income children, pregnant women, and people living with disabilities. Some states have additional state-funded assistance programs.

If you need immediate medical care, you can go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital to receive treatment. Most hospitals with emergency departments are required by federal law to treat individuals with an urgent medical condition even if the person cannot pay, however, the health care providers may issue a bill for the medical services provided.

Get a Social Security Number

As a legal resident, you are eligible for a Social Security number, which is a number assigned to you by the U.S. government. It helps the government keep track of your earnings and the benefits you can receive. Your Social Security number is also used by financial institutions and other agencies, such as schools, to identify you. You may be asked for your Social Security number when you rent an apartment or buy a home.

Social Security is a U.S. government program that provides benefits for certain retired workers and their families, certain disabled workers and their families, and certain family members of deceased workers. The government department in charge of Social Security is called the Social Security Administration (SSA). 

Find a Place to Live

You can choose where you live in the United States. Many people stay with friends or family members when they first arrive. Others move into their own housing. 

In the United States, most people spend about 25 percent of their income on housing. 

Here are some housing options you may consider;

Renting a home

What to Expect When You Rent a Home

Applying to Rent: People who rent housing are called tenants. As a tenant, you either rent housing directly from the landlord (the owner of the property) or through the property manager (a person responsible for the property). A landlord or property manager may ask you to fill out a rental application, which verifies whether you have money to pay rent.

The application may ask for your Social Security number and proof that you are working. You can use your Permanent Resident Card if you do not yet have a Social Security number, or you can show a pay stub from your job to prove you are working. You may also be asked to pay a small application fee. 

If you are not yet working, you may need someone to sign the rental agreement with you. This person is called a co-signer. If you cannot pay the rent, the co-signer is responsible for paying it. 

Signing a Lease: You sign a rental agreement, or lease, if the landlord agrees to rent to you. A lease is a legal document. When you sign a lease, you agree to pay your rent on time and rent for a specific length of time. Most leases are for one year. You can also find housing for shorter periods of time, such as one month. You may have to pay more money for a short lease. 

When you sign a lease, you agree to keep the home clean and in good condition. You may be charged extra if you damage the place you are renting. The lease may also list the number of people who may live in the home.

Paying a Security Deposit: Renters usually pay a security deposit before moving into the home. This deposit is usually equal to one month’s rent. If the home is clean and in good condition when you move out, then you will get your deposit back. If not, the landlord may keep some or all of your deposit to pay for cleaning or repairs. 

Inspect the house or apartment before you move in. Tell the landlord about any problems you find. 

Before you move out, ask your landlord what you need to fix or clean so you may receive all of your security deposit back.

Paying Other Rental Costs: For some houses or apartments, the rent payment includes the cost of utilities, such as gas, electricity, heat, water, and trash removal. For other rentals, you must pay separately for these expenses. When you are looking for housing, ask the landlord if any utilities are included. 

If utilities are included, make sure this information is in your lease before you sign it. If utilities are not included, find out how much they will cost before signing the agreement. The cost of some utilities will be more in the summer (for air conditioning) or in the winter (for heat). Renters insurance, sometimes referred to as tenants insurance, is available. This insurance protects personal belongings, offers liability protection, and may cover additional living expenses if the home you are renting is destroyed or damaged.

Ending a Lease: Ending a rental agreement is called “terminating your lease.” If you need to terminate your lease earlier than expected, you may have to pay monthly rent until the end of the lease even if you are not living there. 

You also may lose your security deposit if you leave before the end of the lease. Before you move out, give your landlord a written notice telling him or her that you are ready to move out. Most landlords require at least 30 days’ advance notice before you want to leave. Before you sign the lease, make sure you understand its terms and ask how much notice you are required to give the landlord before moving out.

Buying a Home

For many people, owning a home is part of the American dream. Owning a home has many benefits but also many responsibilities. 

Most people need to get a loan to pay for a home. This is called a mortgage. You can get a mortgage from a local bank or from a mortgage company. A mortgage means you are borrowing money at a specific interest rate for a specific period of time. 

The interest you pay on your mortgage can be deducted from your federal income tax. You need to buy homeowner’s insurance to help pay for any possible future damage to your home. Insurance usually covers damage due to bad weather, fire, or robbery. You will also need to pay property taxes on the value of your home.

We help our clients find a mortgage and insurance. We further help you fill out the forms to buy your home.

Child Care

Do not leave young children at home alone. If you work and your children are too young to go to school, you need to find someone to watch them while you are at work. Sometimes school-age children need someone to watch them after school. If you or other family members are not able to watch your children after school, you need to find someone to take care of them. Otherwise, there may be serious legal consequences. 

Finding Child Care 

Choosing someone to care for your children is an important decision. As you make this decision, think about the quality and cost of care. Try to find a caregiver who is close to your home or job. We assist our clients in finding a good child care provider. 

Transportation 

There are many ways to travel in the United States. Many cities have different forms of public transportation, such as buses, trains, or streetcars. Anyone can ride public transportation for a small fee. In some places, you can buy a card to use for several trips on trains or buses. 

You can also pay for each trip separately. Taxicabs, or taxis, are cars with drivers who take you where you want to go for a fee. Taxis are more expensive than public transportation.

Getting a Driver’s License

It is against the law to drive without a driver’s license. You must apply for and get a driver’s license if you want to drive. You get your driver’s license in the state where you live. Some permanent residents already have a driver’s license from another country. You may be able to trade it for a driver’s license in Florida. 

Taxes are money paid by people to federal, state, and local governments. Taxes pay for services provided by the government. There are different types of taxes, such as income tax, sales tax, and property tax.

Income Tax: Income tax is paid to federal, most state, and some local governments. Taxable income is money that you get from wages, self-employment, tips, and the sale of property. Most people pay income taxes by having money withheld from their paychecks. The amount of income tax you must pay depends on how much money you earn. Income tax rates are lower for people who make less money. Anyone who earns income, resides in the United States, and meets certain requirements needs to file a tax return and pay all taxes owed.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the federal agency that collects income tax. Taxpayers file Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, with the IRS each year. Your tax return tells the government how much you earned and how much in taxes was taken out of your paycheck. If you had too much taken out of your paycheck in taxes, you will receive a refund. If you did not have enough taken out of your paycheck in taxes, you will be required to pay the IRS.

Social Security and Medicare Taxes: These federal taxes are withheld from your paycheck. Social Security provides benefits for certain retired workers and their families, certain disabled workers and their families, and certain family members of deceased workers. Medicare taxes pay for medical services for most people over age 65. In most cases, you must work a total of 10 years (or 40 quarters) over the course of your life to receive Social Security retirement benefits and Medicare benefits. You may need fewer than 10 years of work to receive disability benefits or for your family to get survivors’ benefits based on your earnings.

Sales Taxes: Sales taxes are state and local taxes. These taxes are added to the cost of buying certain things. Sales taxes are based on the cost of the item. Revenue collected from sales taxes helps pay for state and local government services, such as roads, police, and fire departments.

Property Taxes: Property taxes are state and local taxes on your house and/or land. In most places, property taxes help support local public schools and other services.

Getting an Account

In the United States, two types of financial institutions that offer personal financing accounts are banks and credit unions.

A bank account is a safe place to keep your money. Banks have different kinds of accounts. Checking accounts and savings accounts are two common ones. You can open an account for yourself or a joint account with your spouse or another person. Banks may charge you fees for some of their services.

A credit union is another place to safeguard your money. Your employer may have a credit union that you can join, or you may be able to join one, depending on where you live. Credit unions provide most of the same services as banks but may offer extra services. Compare the services, fees, coverage, hours, and locations of financial institutions before you open an account so you can choose one that best meets your needs.

When you open an account, you will be asked to prove your identity. You can use your Permanent Resident Card or driver’s license. You will also need to give the financial institution some money—called a deposit—to put into your new account. When you take money out of your account, this transaction is called a withdrawal. You can withdraw money by writing a check, going to an automated teller machine (ATM), or filling out a withdrawal form at your financial institution.

Using Your Account

You can get money from your account by using a personal check, ATM, or debit card. Be sure that only you and your joint account holder (if you have one) have access to your account.

Personal Checks: You can get a supply of personal checks when you open your checking account. These checks are forms that you fill out to pay for something. Checks tell your financial institution to pay the person or business you have written on the check. Keep these checks in a safe place and ask your financial institution how to order new checks when you have used your supply.

ATM Cards: You can ask your financial institution for an ATM card. An ATM card is a small plastic card linked to your account. Use this card to get cash or deposit money in your account at an ATM. Usually you do not pay a fee for using your own financial institution’s ATM. You will most likely be charged a fee if you use an ATM owned and operated by another financial institution. The financial institution staff will show you how to use an ATM card and give you a special number, called a PIN (personal identification number), to use at the ATM. Be careful when using ATMs. Never give anyone your PIN or ATM card because he or she could use it to take money out of your account.

Debit Cards: Your financial institution may give you a debit card to use for your checking account. Sometimes your ATM card can also be used as a debit card. Never give anyone your PIN or debit card because he or she could use it to take money out of your account. You can use your debit card to pay for something at a store and the money will automatically be taken out of your checking account to pay the store.

Cashier’s and Certified Checks: These are checks that a financial institution creates upon your request. You give the financial institution money and then they create a check for that amount of money to the person or business you want to pay. Financial institutions may charge a fee for these checks. Ask your financial institution about other options that may be available to you.

Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Permanent Resident 

As a permanent resident, you are expected to consider the United States your home and to respect and obey this country’s laws. Being a permanent resident also means that you have new rights and responsibilities.

Being a permanent resident is a privilege, not a right. The U.S. government can take away your permanent resident status under certain conditions. You must maintain your permanent resident status if you want to live and work in the United States and become a citizen one day. 

Your Rights and Responsibilities

Your conduct as a permanent resident can affect your ability to become a U.S. citizen later. The process of becoming a U.S. citizen is called naturalization.

As a permanent resident, you have the right to:

· Live permanently anywhere in the United States.

· Work in the United States.

· Own property in the United States.

· Attend public school.

· Apply for a driver’s license in your state or territory.

· Join certain branches of the U.S. armed forces.

· Receive Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, and Medicare benefits, if you are eligible.

· Apply to become a U.S. citizen once you are eligible.

· Request visas for your spouse and unmarried children to live in the United States. 

· Leave and return to the United States under certain conditions.

As a permanent resident, you must:

· Obey all federal, state, and local laws.

· Pay federal, state, and local income taxes.

· Register with the Selective Service (U.S. armed forces), if you are a male between the ages of 18 and 26.

· Maintain your immigration status.

· Carry proof of your permanent resident status at all times.

· Change your address online or provide it in writing to USCIS within 10 days of each time you move.

Permanent residents are issued a valid Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) as proof of their legal status in the United States. Some people call this a “Green Card.” If you are a permanent resident who is 18 years old or older, you must carry proof of your immigration status. You must show it to an immigration officer or law enforcement officer if asked for it. Your Permanent Resident Card can be valid for 10 years, and you must renew it before it expires or if your name changes. To replace or renew your Permanent Resident Card, you must file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.

Maintaining Your Permanent Resident Status

Once you have obtained permanent resident status, you will continue to be a permanent resident unless your status changes as provided under U.S. immigration law. One way you can lose permanent resident status is by abandoning it. You abandon your permanent resident status by leaving the United States to live abroad permanently with the intent of giving up your permanent resident status. Your conduct will demonstrate your actual intent. There are some things you can do to decrease the possibility that the U.S. government will find that you have abandoned your status:

· Do not leave the United States for an extended period of time unless the circumstances show that your trip is for a temporary purpose (for example, to attend school, take a temporary job, or care for a family member). If you are absent for a year or longer, you cannot use your Permanent Resident Card to enter the United States.

· If something happens that delays your return, be prepared to explain the reason(s) for the delay.

· File federal and, if applicable, state, and local income tax returns.

· Register with the Selective Service if you are a male between the ages of 18 and 26.

· Give your new address to USCIS within 10 days of each time you move.

Keep Your Immigration Status

Some immigrants believe they can live abroad and keep their permanent resident status as long as they return to the United States at least once a year, but this assumption is incorrect. Travel to the United States once a year may not be sufficient to maintain your status. Permanent residents may travel outside the United States, and temporary or brief travel usually does not affect your permanent resident status. If you leave the country for too long or indicate in another way that you do not intend to make the United States your permanent home, the U.S. government may determine that you have abandoned your permanent resident status. This can also occur if you take a trip that is between six months and a year, if there is evidence that you did not intend to make the United States your permanent home.

File Tax Returns

As a permanent resident, you must file income tax returns and report your income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as well as to your state, city, or local tax department, if required. If you do not file income tax returns while living outside of the United States for any length of time, or if you say that you are a non-immigrant on your tax returns, the U.S. government may decide that you have given up your permanent resident status.

If You Are a Conditional Permanent Resident

You may be in the United States as a conditional permanent resident (CR). You are a CR if you were married for less than two years to your U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse on the day your permanent resident status was granted. If you have children, they also may be CRs. 

A CR has the same rights and responsibilities as a permanent resident. Conditional permanent residents must file Form I-751, and immigrant investors must file Form I-829, Petition by 

Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions, within two years of the date they were granted conditional permanent resident status. This date is usually the expiration date of your Permanent Resident Card. 

You should file these forms within the 90-day period prior to the two-year anniversary of when you got your conditional permanent residence. If you do not do this, you could lose your immigration status.

Consequences of Criminal Behavior for Permanent Residents 

The United States is a law-abiding society. Permanent residents in the United States must obey all laws. If you are a permanent resident and engage in or are convicted of a crime in the United States, you could have serious problems. You could be removed from the country, refused re-entry into the United States if you leave the country, lose your permanent resident status, and, in certain circumstances, lose your eligibility for U.S. citizenship. 

Examples of crimes that may affect your permanent resident status include:

· A crime defined as an aggravated felony, which includes crimes of violence that are felonies with a one-year prison term;

· Murder;

· Rape;

· Sexual assault against a child;

· Illegal trafficking in drugs, firearms, or people; and

· A crime of moral turpitude, which, in general, is a crime with an intent to steal or defraud, a crime where physical harm is done or threatened, a crime where serious physical harm is caused by reckless behavior, or a crime of sexual misconduct.

There are also serious consequences for you as a permanent resident if you:

· Lie to get immigration benefits for yourself or someone else;

· Say you are a U.S. citizen if you are not;

· Vote in a federal election or in a state or local election open only to U.S. citizens;

· Are a habitual drunkard or someone who is drunk or uses illegal drugs most of the time;

· Are married to more than one person at the same time;

· Fail to support your family or to pay child or spousal support as ordered;

· Are arrested for domestic violence (domestic violence is when someone assaults or harasses a family member, which includes violating a protection order);

· Lie or present fake documents to get public benefits or defraud any government agency;

· Fail to file tax returns when required;

· Willfully fail to register for the Selective Service if you are a male between the ages of 18 and 26; and

· Help someone else who is not a U.S. citizen or national to enter the United States illegally even if that person is a close relative and you are not paid.