Welcome To The United States

Welcome to the United States A Guide for New Immigrants M-618 (rev. 09/07)
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Welcome to the United States A Guide for New Immigrants M-618(rev. Welcome to the United States A Guide for New Immigrants Revised Edition U.S. GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL EDITION NOTICE This is the Official U.S.Government edition of this publication and is herein identified to certify its authenticity.Use of the ISBN 978-0- 16-078733-1 is for U.S.Government Printing Office Official Editions only.The Superintendent of Documents of the U.S.Government Printing Office requests that any reprinted edition clearly be labeled as a copy of the authentic work with a new ISBN. The information presented in Welcome to the United States:A Guide for New Immigrants is considered public information and may be distributed or copied without alteration unless otherwise specified.The citation should be: U.S.Department of Homeland Security,U.S.Citizenship and Immigration Services,Office of Citizenship, Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants, Washington,DC,2007,Revised Edition. USCIS has purchased the right to use many of the images in Welcome to the United States:A Guide for New Immigrants .USCIS is licensed to use these images on a non-exclusive and non-transferable basis.All other rights to the images,including without limitation a For sale by the Superintendent of Documents,U.S.Government Printing Office Congratulations on becoming a permanent resident of the United States of America.On behalf of the president of the United States and the American people,we welcome you and wish you every success in the United States. The United States has a long history of welcoming immigrants from all parts of the world.America values the contributions of immigrants,who continue to enrich this country and preserve its legacy as a land of freedom and opportunity. As a permanent resident of the United States,you have made a decision to call this country your home.As you Do you have all the important documents as a permanent a place to live? need a job? See p. 33. Do you have learn English? do in an emergency? Do you want to know States? See p. 74. Do you want to Welcome to the United States:A Guide for New Immigrants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .i Federal Departments and Agencies . . . . . . . .v For More Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .vi AboutThis Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 The Judicial Branch:The Supreme Court . . .86 State and Local Government . . . . . . . . . . . . .86 Becoming a U.S.Citizen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89 Why Become a U.S.Citizen? . . . . . . . . . . . .90 Naturalization:Becoming a Citizen . . . . . . .91 The United States Today (map) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101 Federal Holidays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102 Photo Credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102 You�re On Your Way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103 Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105 If you are not sure which department to call about a question,start by calling 1-800-FED-INFO (or 1-800-333-4636) to ask where to call.People who have difficulty hearing can call 1-800-326-2996. You can also visit http://www for general information about federal departments and agencies. Department of Education (ED) U.S.Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue SW Washington,DC 20202 Phone:1-800-872-5327 For hearing impaired:1-800-437-0833 Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) U.S.Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) U.S.Department of Health and Human Services 200 Independence Avenue SW Washington,DC 20201 Phone:1-877-696-6775 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) U.S.Department of Homeland Security Washington,DC 20528 U.S.Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Phone:1-800-375-5283 For hearing impaired:1-800-767-1833 U.S.Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Phone:202-354-1000 U.S.Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) FEDERAL DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) U.S.Department of Housing and Urban Development Department of Justice (DOJ) U.S.Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington,DC 20530-0001 Phone:202-514-2000 Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Phone:1-800-829-1040 For hearing impaired:1-800-829-4059 Selective Service System (SSS) Registration Information Office PO Box 94638 Palatine,IL 60094-4638 Phone:847-688-6888 For hearing impaired:847-688-2567 Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of Public Inquiries 6401 Security Boulevard Baltimore,MD 21235 Phone:1-800-772-1213 For hearing impaired:1-800-325-0778 Department of State (DOS) U.S.Department of State FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit the USCIS website at http://www .Please ,a resource for new immigrants. Call Customer Service at or 1-800-767-1833 (hearing impaired). About This Guide Adjusting to your new life in the United States of America will take time.This guide contains basic As a permanent resident,you should begin to learn about this country,its people,and its system of government.Use this guide to find out about your rights and responsibilities as a new immigrant,to understand how our federal,state, and local governments work,and to learn how important historical events have shaped the United States.This guide .You can obtain USCIS forms by calling 1-800-870-3676 and Some libraries give free classes on how to search the Your Local Phone Book Your local �phone book�(telephone directory) contains phone numbers and important information about feder- al,state,and local community services.The phone book has emergency information,local maps,and informa- to locate all federal government resources available to new immigrants. As an immigrant you should be aware that dis- honest people have made websites that look like gov- ernment websites to confuse you and take advantage of you.Remember that http://www official website of U.S.Citizenship and Immigration Services. Community- and Faith-Based Organizations That Assist There are organizations in many communities that pro- vide free or very low-cost assistance to immigrants. These organizations can help you learn about your community and the services available to you as an immigrant.You can look for these organizations by .Look in the �Communities� section for information about communities and sugges- Visit the USCIS website at http://www a resource for new immigrants. Call Customer Service at 1-800-375-5283 Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Permanent Resident As a permanent resident,you are expected to respect and be lo yal to the United States and to obe y our country�slaws.Being a permanent r means that you have new rights and responsibilities. Being a permanent r esidentis a �pr ivilege�and not a �right.�The U.S.gover nment can take away your per manent resident status under certain conditions.You must maintain y our permanent r esidentstatus if you want to live and work in the United States and become a U.S.citizen one day.In this section, you will learn what it means manent r esidentand how you can maintain y our permanent r esidentstatus. Your Rights and Responsibilities What you do now 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.� Asa permanent resident,you have the right to: �Live and work permanently anywhere in the U.S. �Apply to become a U.S.citizen once you are eligible. �Request visas for your husband or wife and unmar- ried children to live in the U.S. �Join certain branches of the U.S.Armed Forces. �Purchase or own a firearm,as long as there are no state or local restrictions saying you can�t. Asa permanent resident,it is your responsibility to: �Obey all federal,state,and local laws. �Pay federal,state,and local income taxes. �Register with the Selective Service (U.S.Armed Permanent residents are issued a valid Permanent Resi- dent 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 or older,you must carry proof of your immigration status. You must show it to an immigration officer if asked for it.Your card is valid for 10 years and must be renewed before it expires.You should file Form I-90 to replace or or by calling the USCIS Forms Line.There is a fee to file Form I-90. Your Permanent Resident Card shows that you are allowed to live and work in the United States.You also can use your Permanent Resident Card to re-enter the United States.If you are outside the U.S.for more than 12 months,you will need to show additional documentation to re-enter the U.S.as a permanent resident.See page 10 for more information on the documents required to re-enter the U.S.if you are out of the country for more than 12 months. Keep important documents you brought from your home country in a safe place. These documents include your passport,birth certificate,marriage certificate,divorce certificate, diplomas showing that you have graduated from high school or college,and certificates that show you have special training or skills. OTHER IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS Maintaining Your Permanent Resident Status There are some things you must do to maintain your permanent resident status.These are also important to remember if you plan to apply for U.S.citizenship in the future. �Don�t leave the United States for an extended period of time or move to another country to live there permanently. �File federal,state,and,if applica- Keep Your Immigration Status Permanent residents who leave the United States for extended periods,or who cannot show their intent to live permanently in the U.S.,may lose their permanent resident status.Many immigrants believe they can live leaving the country.You should file Form I-131,Application for a Travel Document.You or by calling the USCIS Forms Line at 1-800-870-3676.You must pay a fee to file Form I-131. A re-entry permit is valid for up to two years.You may show the re-entry permit,instead of a visa or your Permanent Resident Card,at a port of entry.Having a re-entry permit does not guarantee that you will be your nearest Department of State Consular Office overseas for more information. Register With the Selective Service If you are a man and you are 18 to 26 years old,you must register with the Selective Service.When you regis- ter,you tell the government that you are available to serve in the U.S.Armed Forces.The United States does not have a military draft now. This means that permanent residents have to serve in the Armed Forces unless they want to. You can register at a United States post office or on the To speak with someone from the Selective Service,call 847-688-6888.This is not a free call. You can also find information on the USCIS website Give Your New Address to DHS Every time you move,you need to tell DHS your new address.You must file Form AR-11,Alien�s Change of Address Card.You must file this form within 10 days of your move.There is no fee to file this form.You may change your address online via an electronic AR-11 form at http://www .Change of address online also accepts address changes for most pending cases. For more information,call USCIS at1-800-375-5283 or IfYou Are a Conditional Resident You may be in the U.S.as a conditional 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.Some immi- grant investors are also conditional residents. A CR has the same rights and responsibilities as a per- manent resident.Conditional residents must file either Filing Form I-751 With Your Husband or Wife If you are a conditional resident and you immigrated based on your marriage to a citizen or permanent resident,then Why: Conditional resident status expires two years after the date you become a CR. Where to send the form: Send it to a USCIS Service Center. The addresses of the Service Centers are in the instructions for the form. What it costs: You must pay a fee to file Form I-751 or Form I-829. These fees can change,so check with USCIS for the current fees before you send the form. If you file Form I-751 or Form I-829 on time,USCIS will usually send you a notice extending your CR status for up to 12 months. During this time,USCIS will review your application. HOW TO FILE USCIS FORMS I-751 AND I-829 Keep copies of all forms you send to USCIS and other government offices.When sending docu- ments,do not send originals.Send copies.Some- Finding Legal Assistance If you need help with an immigration issue,you can use nized,�it must have enough knowledge and experi- ence to provide services to immigrants,and can charge or accept only very small fees for those services.For a list of these BIA-recognized organi- zations,see http://www An Accredited Representative. These are people who are connected to BIA �recognized organizations.� These representatives can charge or accept only very small fees for their services.For a list of these BIA- accredited representatives,see http://www A Qualified Representative. These are people who will provide free services.These representatives must know about immigration law and the rules of practice in court. Examples of qualified representatives include law school students and graduates and people with good moral character who have a personal or professional affiliation with you (relative,neighbor,clergy,co-worker,friend). Free Legal Service Providers. The Office of the Chief Immigration Judge has a list of recognized free legal service providers for people who are in immigration proceedings (see http://www ).This is a list of attorneys and organizations If you are a victim of domestic abuse,you can find help through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 (for hearing impaired). Help is available in Spanish and other languages. The Violence Against Women Act allows abused spouses and children of U.S. citizens and permanent or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline for more information. IF YOU ARE A VICTIM OF DOMESTIC ABUSE that may be willing to rep- resent immigrants in pro- ceedings before the Immigration Courts.The attorneys and organizations on this list have agreed to (free of charge) only in immigration proceedings,so some of them may not be able to help you with non-court-related matters (that is, some research so you can make the right decision about what kind of legal help you need.Protect yourself from becoming a victim of immigration fraud. Here are some things to remember: �No private organization or person offering help with immigration issues has a special connection with USCIS.Ask questions of people who make promises that sound too good to be true or who claim to have a special relationship with USCIS.Do not trust people who guarantee results or faster processing.If you are not eligible for an immigration benefit,using an immigration lawyer or consultant will not change that. �Some consultants,travel agencies,real estate offices,and people called �notaries public�offer immigration serv- ices.Be sure to ask questions about their qualifications Consequences of Criminal Behavior for Permanent Residents �Illegal trafficking in drugs,firearms,or people. �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 perma- nent resident if you: �Are arrested for assaulting or harassing a family mem- ber,including violating a protection order.This is called domestic violence. Finding a Place to Live You can choose where you want to live in the United States.Many people stay with friends or family mem- bers when they first arrive.After they find jobs,they where they are located,the number of rooms,and the cost of rent. �Look in the phone book yellow pages under �Property Management.�These are companies that rent homes.These companies may charge you a fee to help you find a home. �Ask friends and relatives or people at your job if they know of places to rent. What to Expect When You Rent a Home Applying to Rent. People who rent out apartments or homes are called �landlords.�A landlord may ask you to fill out a rental application form.This is so the landlord can check to see if you have the money to pay the rent. The application form may ask for a Social Security number and proof that you are working.You can use as one month.You may have to pay more money for a short lease than for a longer one. When you sign a lease,you agree to keep the home clean and in good shape.You may be charged extra if you dam- age the place you are renting.The lease may also list the number of people who can live in the home. A lease is a legal document.You must keep up your part of the agreement.Landlords must also do their part.They must keep the property safe and in good condition. Paying a Security Deposit. Renters usually pay a security deposit when they move in.This deposit is usually equal Paying Other Rental Costs. For some houses or apart- ments,the rent payment includes the cost of utilities (gas,electricity,heat,water,and trash removal).For other rentals,you must pay separately for these expenses.Ask the landlord if utilities are included when you are looking for housing.If they are,make sure this is in your rental agreement before you sign it.If utilities are not included,you should find out how much they will cost.The cost of some utilities will be more in the summer (for air conditioning) or winter (for heat). Landlords must keep the home or apartment you rent safe and in good condition. If you have a problem: �First,talk to your landlord. Tell him or her what is wrong and that you want it fixed. Ending a rental agreement is called �terminating your lease.�Your landlord may agree to terminate your lease early if he or she can find some- one else to rent your home.If not,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 secu- rity deposit if you leave before the end of the lease. Give your landlord a written notice that you want to move out.Most landlords require notice at least 30 days before you want to leave. Landlords cannot refuse to rent to you because of who you are. It is against the law for landlords to reject �your race or color. �the country you came from. �your religion. �your sex. �a physical disability. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: DISCRIMINATION IN HOUSING IS NOT ALLOWED If you move,you should tell the U.S.Postal Service so it can forward your mail to your new address.You can change y our address online at or visit your local post Beware of lenders charging very high interest rates on mortgages.Some lenders may try to charge you more because you are new to this country. There are laws to protect you from fraud,unneces- sary expenses,and discrimination in buying a home.Find out more by visiting the �Homes� section at http://www You also 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 rob- bery.You will also need to pay property taxes on the value of your home. A real estate agent or real estate lawyer can help you find a mortgage and insurance.He or she can also help you fill out the forms to buy your home.A real estate agent should not charge you a fee to buy a home.But you may have to pay a fee to a real estate lawyer to help you fill out the forms.You will also have to pay fees to Visit the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development website at http://www . See also the �For Homeowners and Home Buyers� section of http://www MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BUYING OR RENTING A HOME Find the Social Security office closest to you by: �Asking friends or neighbors where to find the nearest Social Security office. or,for Spanish,see or,for Spanish,see http://www IF YOU DO NOT SPEAK ENGLISH You do not need to fill out an application or go to a �You applied for an immigrant visa in October 2002 or later AND �You were age 18 or older when you came to the United States. �Identity theft� means someone has stolen your personal information,such as your Social Security or AVOID IDENTITY THEFT In this situation,the information needed to assign you a SSN was sent by the Depart- ments of State and Homeland Security to the Social Security Administration.The Social Security Administration will assign you a SSN and mail your SSN card to the same U.S.mailing address where USCIS sends your Permanent �You applied for your immigrant visa before October �You were under age 18 when you came to the U.S. A Social Security representative will help you apply for a SSN.Bring these documents with you when you go to the office to apply: �A birth certificate or other document such as your passport showing when and where you were born �A document showing your immigration status, including your permission to work in the U.S.This can be your Permanent Resident Card or passport with an immigration stamp or visa label. Your Social Security number will be sent to you in the mail. Taking Care ofYour Money Credit unions and savings and loan associations are other choices for banking.Your employer may have a credit union that you can join.Credit unions provide most of the same services as banks,but many offer extra services.Compare the services,fees,hours,and locations of banks before you open an account,so you It is not safe to leave large amounts of money in your house. It is also not safe to carry around large amounts of cash. It could be stolen or lost. Your money is protected if you put it in a bank that is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). The FDIC provides banks with insurance to protect your money. If your bank closes,the FDIC will pay you the amount of the money in your account up to $100,000. Make sure the bank you choose has FDIC insurance. KEEPING YOUR MONEY SAFE When you open a bank 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 bank some money�called a �deposit��to put into your new account.After a few days,you can take money out of your account.This is called �withdraw- ing�money.You can withdraw money by writing a check,going to an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM),or filling out a withdrawal form in the bank. Using Your Bank Account The bank 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 number or ATM card.They could use it to take money out of your account. Debit cards .Your bank may give you a debit card to use Credit cards�also called �charge cards��allow you to make purchases and pay for them later. CREDIT CARDS Check your credit card bill each month to make sure all the charges are correct.If you see a charge that you did not make,call the credit card company imme- diately.You usually do not have to pay for charges you did not make if you tell the credit card company right away. Write down the numbers for all bank accounts and debit,ATM,and credit cards.Also write down the phone numbers of these companies.Keep this informa- In the U.S.,the way you handle your credit is very important. There are organizations that create a �credit score� or �credit rating� for you depending on how you pay bills,how many loans you take out, and other factors. This credit rating is very important when you want to buy a home or car or take out YOUR CREDIT RATING Looking for a Job There are many ways to look for a job in the United States.To increase your chances of finding a job,you can: �Ask friends,neighbors,family,or others in your com- munity about job openings or good places to work. �Look in the newspaper �Classifieds�section under �Employment.� �Look for �Help Wanted�signs in the windows of local businesses. �Go to the Employment or Human Resources offices of businesses in your area to ask about job openings. �Visit community agencies that help immigrants find jobs or job training programs. �Search for jobs on the A good resum�: �Has your name,address, and phone number. �Lists your past jobs and includes dates you worked. �Shows your level of education. �Shows any special skills you have. �Is easy to read and has no mistakes. Check with local community service agencies to see if they can help you write a resum�.Private businesses can help with this,too,but they charge a fee. The Job Interview In addition to your pay,some employers provide extra employment �benefits.� Benefits may include: �Medical care. �Dental care. �Eye care. �Life insurance. WHAT ARE BENEFITS? You may want to ask: �What are the hours of work? �How much does the job pay? (U.S.law requires most employers to pay a �minimum wage,�which is the lowest wage permitted.) �How many vacation days are there? �How many sick days are there? �What benefits come with the job? During the interview,an employer can ask you many questions.But employers are not allowed to ask some questions.No one should ask you about your race, Several federal laws forbid employers from discriminating against people looking for a job. The United States has laws forbidding discrimination because of: �Race,color,religion,country of origin,and sex (Civil Rights Act). �Age (Age Discrimination in Employment Act). �Disabilities (Americans with Disabilities Act). �Sex (Equal Pay Act). For more information about these protections,visit the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website at http://www or call 1-800-669-4000 and 1-800-669-6820 (for hearing impaired). Other laws help keep work places safe,provide for leave in cases of family or medical emergencies, and provide temporary funds for unemployed workers. Visit the U.S. Department of Labor website at for more information about workers� rights. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: FEDERAL LAWS PROTECT EMPLOYEES color,sex,marriage,religion,country of origin,age,or any disability you may have. What to Expect When You Are Hired When you go to your new job for the first time,you will be asked to fill out some forms.These include: �Form I-9,the Employment Eligibility Verification Form.By law,your employer must check to see that all newly hired workers are eligible to work in the U.S.On your first day of work,you will need to fill in the I-9 form.Within three business days,you must show your employer your identity documents and work authorization documents.You can choose what documents to show as proof of your right to work in the U.S.,as long as the document is listed on the I-9 form.The list of acceptable documents is on the back of the I-9 form.Examples of acceptable documents are your Permanent Resident Card or an unrestricted Social Security number card in combination with a state-issued driver�s license. �Form W-4,Employee�s Withholding Allowance Certificate.Your employer should take federal taxes from your paycheck to send to the government.This is called �withholding tax.�Form W-4 tells your employer to withhold taxes and helps you figure out the right amount to withhold. �Other Forms.You may also need to fill out a tax with- holding form for the state you live in and forms so You may be paid each week,every two weeks,or once a month.Your paycheck will show the amount taken out for federal and state taxes,Social Security taxes,and any employ- ment benefits you pay.Some employers will send your pay directly to your bank;this is called �direct deposit.� Speaking English at Work If you do not speak English,try to learn it as soon as possible.You can find free or low-cost English language classes in your community,often through the local public schools or community college.Knowing English will help you in your job,your community,and your daily life.See page 60 for more information on learning English. Federal law says that employers cannot discriminate against you because of your immigration status. Employers cannot: �Refuse to hire you,or fire you,because of your immigration status or because you are not a U.S. �Require you to show a Permanent Resident Card,or reject your lawful work papers. �Prefer hiring undocumented workers. �Discriminate against you because of your national origin (or country of origin). for more information. FEDERAL PROTECTION FOR IMMIGRANT WORKERS If your employer says you m speak English at work,he or she must show that speaking English is required for you to do your job correctly.Your employer must also tell you that English is required before you are hired. If your employer cannot show that speaking English is required for your job,he or she may be breaking a federal law.If you need assistance or more information, you can contact the U.S.Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).Call 1-800-669-4000 or 1-800-669- 6820 (hearing impaired) or go to http://www Drug Tests and Background Checks For some jobs,you may be required to take a test to make sure you are not using illegal drugs.Some jobs require that you have a background check,an investiga- tion into your past activities and present circumstances. Paying Taxes Taxes are money paid by U.S.citizens and residents 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 is paid to federal,most state,and some local governments.�Taxable income�is money that you had too much taken out of your paycheck,you will A W-2 is a federal form that lists your earnings and the taxes you paid for the last tax year. A tax year is from January 1 to December 31 of each year. By law,your employer must send you a W-2 form by January 31 each year. You will receive a W-2 form for each job you have. You must send a YOUR W-2 FORM: WAGE AND TAX STATEMENT Taxpayer Assistance Centers are located in communities across the United States.To find the Taxpayer Assistance Center where you live,visit http://www Taxes pay for the services the federal government provides to the people of the United States. Some examples of these services are: �Keeping our country safe and secure. �Curing and preventing diseases through research. �Protecting our money in banks by insuring it. �Educating children and adults. �Building and maintaining our roads and highways. �Providing medical services for the poor and elderly. �Giving emergency help when natural disasters strike,such as hurricanes,floods,or earthquakes. HOW GOVERNMENT WORKS FOR US Traveling in the United States There are many ways to travel in the United States.Many cities have buses,trains (also called �sub- SHOULD I BUY A CAR? information at Some permanent residents already have a driver�s license from another country.You may be able to trade this for a license in your state.Check with your state office to see if you can do this. �Drive on the right-hand side of the road. �Always have your driver�s license and insurance card with you. �Always wear your seat belt. 10 TIPS FOR DRIVING SAFELY IN THE U.S. A driver�s license is used for identification in �driver education.�You can also look under �Driving Instruction�in the yellow pages of the phone book. Hitchhiking is not common in the United TRAVEL INFORMATION For bus travel: Greyhound 1-800-229-9424 or For train travel: For air travel: There are many airlines in the U.S. Look in pages under �Airlines.� Taking Care ofYour Health People in the U.S.pay for their own medical care. Medical care is expensive,so many people buy health ers will deduct the employee�s part of the premium from their paycheck. Doctors send their bills to your health insurance com- pany.The health insurance company will pay for some or all of your medical services.Often you must pay a Clinics are medical offices that provide free or low-cost services. Most communities have at least one clinic. Community organizations that work with immigrants may know of a low-cost or free clinic in your area. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services also provides basic healthcare to immigrants. They have a website that lists clinics and other healthcare choices. To find a clinic or doctor near you,visit FINDING A CLINIC OR OTHER LOW-COST HEALTHCARE and pregnant women.Check with the public health department of your state or town. If you need urgent medical care,you can go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.Most hospitals are required by federal law to treat patients with a med- ical emergency even if the person cannot pay. Federal and State Health Programs is a joint federal/state program for low-income people.Each state has its own Medicaid guidelines. Medicaid pays for medical services,such as visits to the doctor and hospitalization.Permanent residents who entered the U.S.bef August 22,1996 may be able to residents who entered the U.S.on or after August 22, Contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service website at http://www MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MEDICAID AND MEDICARE monthly fee.Prescription drug coverage helps pay for medications doctors prescribe for treatment.Enrolling in a Medicare prescription drug plan is voluntary,and you pay an additional monthly fee for this coverage. Medicare website at http://www State Children�s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) Each state has its own SCHIP rules. You need to find out about the program in your state. For information about SCHIP in your state,call 1-877-543-7669 or visit http://www of your state. MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SCHIP Other Federal Benefits Programs You or members of your family may be eligible for other federal benefits,depending on your immigration status,length of time in the U.S.,and income. The Food Stamp Program Some low-income immigrants and immigrant children may be eligible for food stamp assistance,depending on their immigration status,length of time in the U.S.,and income. Food stamps allow you to obtain some foods free at gro- cery stores.Some states may have their own state-funded food stamp programs with different rules for immigrant eligibility that may vary from state to state.For informa- tion on federal food stamp eligibility from the U.S.Food and Nutrition Service in 36 different languages,visit Services for Survivors of Domestic Violence Immigrants and their children who are survivors of domestic violence may be eligible for federal benefits and services,such as battered women�s shelters or food stamps.For more information on these services from the U.S.Department of Health and Human Services,visit Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is a federal pro- gram that gives money to states to provide assistance and work opportunities for low-income families.Immigrants may be eligible, depending on their immigration sta- tus,length of time in the U.S.,and income.Programs differ by state and some states have their own state- funded assistance program.For links and information on TANF,visit Assistance for Disabled Immigrants Immigrants with disabilities may be eligible for Medicaid,food stamps,and Supplemental Security Income,depending upon their immigration status, length of time in the U.S.,and income.For more information on food stamps,see page 47.For infor- mation about Supplemental Security Income,see One-Stop Career Centers The federal government funds career centers that offer training referrals,career counseling,job listings,and other employment-related services.English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and job skills training are also offered to immigrants,depending on their immigration status and income,at some of these centers.For infor- mation on One-Stop Career Centers throughout the U.S., You can visit http://www to find out about services that might be available to you. Education and Childcare Education can help connect you and your family to your community.This section describes schools in the United States for children,youth,and adults and answers questions you may have about them.It also offers suggestions for finding good childcare,if you have young children at home and need to work. Education To make sure all children are prepared to succeed,the U.S. provides free public education.This section tells you how to sign your children up for school.You will learn how U.S.schools work and how to help your children learn. Enrolling Your Child in School Most public schools in the United States are co-educa- tional.Co-educational means that girls and boys attend taught.Your federal and state income taxes and your local property taxes pay for these schools. Students must pay a fee (called �tuition�) to attend pri- vate schools.Religious groups run many private schools. Some are co-educational.Some are only for boys or only for girls.Some offer financial help for students who can- not pay the tuition. Most American children are in school for 12 years.Your children will be placed in a class (called a �grade�) based on their age and how much previous education they One of the first things you should do is enroll your child in school.Some questions that parents often ask about public schools include: 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.Some schools offer programs before or after regular school hours for children whose parents work.You may be charged a fee for these programs. Where do I enroll my child? Call or visit your local school district�s main office to find out which school your child should attend. Tell the school staff your child�s age and the address where you live. HOW MOST U.S. SCHOOLS ARE ORGANIZED Elementary or Primary School Kindergarten and Grades 1 to 5 Youth Ages 11 to 13 Secondary or High School Young Adults Ages 14 to 18 Postsecondary or two-year or four-year Colleges or Universities,Trade Schools All Adults May Attend What documents do I need to enroll my child? You need your child�s medical records and proof that they have certain immunizations (also called �shots�) to protect them from disease.You also may need proof that you live in the same community as the school.If you have lost these documents,ask school What if my child is disabled? My child was not in school before coming to the United States.How long can he or she attend public school for free? Your child can attend school for free until they reach age 21 in most states.If your child has not graduated from high school by then,he or she can enroll in adult education classes to obtain a General Educational Development (GED) certificate instead of a high school diploma.Call your local school district office or your state department of education to find out where GED classes are offered. What will my child eat at school? Children can take lunch to school or buy it at the FEDERAL SCHOOL MEALS PROGRAM Who pays for books and school activities? Public schools usually provide free books. Students must usually buy their own school supplies,such as paper and pencils.If you can- not pay for these supplies,contact your child�s school.Some schools may charge a small fee for supplies or special events,such as school trips. Many schools offer after-school sports and music programs.You may need to pay a fee for your children to participate in some of these programs. What will my child learn? How is my child�s work judged? Teachers assign grades based on the work your child does during the school year.Grades are usually based on homework,tests,attendance,and class behavior. You will receive a �report card�several times a year. This report card tells you how your child is doing in each subject.Schools have different ways of grading How can I talk to my child�s teacher? Most schools have regular parent conferences for What if my child misses school? Being in school is very important.Parents must Most public and private schools have a Parent Teacher Association (PTA) or Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). These groups help parents learn about what is going on WHAT YOU CAN DO and alcohol.Talk to a teacher,school counselor,or administrator if you are worried about your child�s Higher Education:Colleges and Universities Young adults can continue their education in a two-year community or technical college or a four-year college or university after high school.These are called �postsec- ondary institutions�or �institutions of higher education.� There are public and private institutions of higher educa- tion.Public colleges and universities cost less than private ones,especially for residents of the state where the college or university is located.Young adults can also choose to attend schools to learn specific jobs,such as repairing computers or being a healthcare 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. Degree TypeType of SchoolYears of Schooling CertificateCommunity College/Six months to Trade Schooltwo years Associate�sCommunity CollegeTwo years Bachelor�sFour-year College or Four years University Master�sUniversityTwo years DoctorateUniversityTwo to eight years ProfessionalSpecialized SchoolTwo to five years A college or university education can be expensive. Some schools provide financial help called �scholar- ships.�The U.S.government also provides financial aid for students.Most students take out a loan or apply for financial aid or scholarships to help pay for their schooling.Certain scholarships and grants are limited to U.S.citizens. Federal Financial Aid for College Students The U.S.government provides financial help to students attending certain institutions of higher education.This aid covers many school expenses,including tuition,fees, books,room and board,supplies,and transportation. Students qualify for this aid by their financial need,not their grades.There are three types of federal aid: �Grants�money that you don�t have to repay. �Work Study�money that you earn while you are in school. �Loans�money that you borrow that you must repay later with interest. For more information on federal financial aid programs, call 1-800-433-3243 or visit the U.S.Department of Education website http://studentaid.ed.go .Information is also available in Spanish. Be careful when you are searching for information on student financial assistance. Avoid offers that seem too good to be true or that promise you results in exchange for money. Every year,families lose millions of dollars to �scholarship fraud.� If you are the victim of fraud,or for free information,call 1-877-382-4357 or 1-866-653-4261 for hearing impaired,or visit the Federal Trade Commission website at http://www BEWARE OF FINANCIAL AID FRAUD Adult Education Learning does not have to end when you become an adult.In the U.S.,people are encouraged to become �lifelong learners.�If you are 16 years of age or older Many adults take classes to learn more about a subject that interests them or to learn new skills that can help them in their jobs.Many public school systems and local community colleges offer classes in a wide range of subjects for adults.Anyone can enroll in these classes, which generally have low fees.Check with your local school system or community college to find out what classes are available,how much they cost,and how to enroll. Learning English There are many places where you can learn how to speak,read,and write in English.Many children and adults enroll in English as a Second Language (ESL) classes.These classes help people who do not know English to learn the language.These classes are also called English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) or English Literacy classes. Children who do not know English will learn it in school.America�s public schools provide help and instruction for all students who need to learn English. Students who need extra help are often called Limited English Proficient (LEP) students. Students just beginning to learn English may take an ESL class in place of a regular English class.Students with more English language skills may be placed in a regular classroom and given extra help.Some schools also offer after-school programs and tutoring to help students learn English.Your child�s school will tell you what kind of help they give students who need to learn English. Adults who do not understand English can enroll in an ESL class offered in a public adult and community edu- cation program or private language school. Public adult and community education programs are often offered in local communities by school districts and community colleges.These programs may provide ESL classes along with tutoring from local volunteers. These programs are often free,or you may pay a small your local community college or school district office to find the nearest ESL program.Look in the blue pages of your phone book under the heading �Schools� Public.� Most large cities also have private language schools that offer day or evening ESL classes.The cost for these classes is often based on the number of hours of instruction. Private language classes are generally more expensive than public classes.To find a private language school, look in the yellow pages of your telephone book under the heading �Language Schools.� Some community organizations,libraries,and religious groups also offer free or low-cost ESL classes.Check with your local public library,social service agency,or place of worship.The reference librarian at the local library can also tell you about ESL programs and show you where to find ESL books,tapes,CDs,and computer software at the library. CALL 211 FOR INFORMATION ON SOCIAL SERVICES Childcare If you work and your children are too young to go to school,you may need to find someone to watch them You have a number of choices when choosing a childcare provider. A caregiver comes into your home to watch your children. This type of service can be Some childcare providers will take care of children for a full day or only part of the day,depending on the parents� needs. Cost is also a factor in choosing a caregiver. Check to see if you are eligible for federal or state childcare assistance. Many states offer financial assistance to low-income parents who are working or participating in job training or education programs. TYPES OF CHILDCARE Make sure the childcare provider or program you are using is licensed or accredited.�Licensed� How Can You Tell if a Childcare Provider Is Good? Think about these basic questions when you visit a childcare program. �Are the children happy when around the staff? �Are toys available that are appropriate for the chil- dren�s ages? �Were children doing an appropriate activity? �Did the provider talk to your child while you were there? �Is the space clean and organized? �Is there a curriculum or routine for the children? Be sure to ask for references so that you can talk to other parents about the program. Emergency Help:Call 911 In the United States,you can call 911 on any telephone �The 911 operator will ask you questions to find out what and where the emergency is.Keep calm and answer these questions.Try to stay on the phone with the operator until you answer all questions. Call 911 for serious,life-threatening emergencies only. Calling 911 for the wrong reason may keep someone �Ask for directions. �Ask for information about public services. �Find out if someone is in jail. �Report situations that are not emergencies. �Ask for information about animal control. In the U.S.,there are federal,state,and local law enforcement agencies that protect the public. In your community, law enforcement officers are the police or sheriff. Find out the phone number of the police station nearest you and keep it next to your telephone. Remember that police officers are there to protect you and your family from harm. Do not be afraid to report a crime,especially if you are the victim. Some criminals take advantage of immigrants because they think you will not report the crime to the police. If you are stopped by a police officer: �Don�t be afraid. Be polite and cooperative. �Tell the officer if you do not speak English. LAW ENFORCEMENT IN THE UNITED STATES Keeping Your Home and Family Safe numbers (police station,fire department,and doctor) near your phone,where you can easily find them. �Find the main valves for gas,electricity,and water in your home.Be sure you know how to turn them off by hand. �Prepare a disaster kit that includes a flashlight, area to be the main person your family will call if you are separated in an emergency.Make sure everyone knows to call this person and has his or her phone number. �Ask about emergency plans at your children�s school. Be sure your child knows what to do.Ask where you for more information. for more information. WHAT YOU CAN DO Poison Control Many things in your home can be poisonous if they are swallowed.These can include cleaning products,medi- Learn how to help in certain emergency situations,such as when someone is bleeding or choking.This is called �first aid.�You can take a first aid training class through your local Red Cross.Call your local Red Cross office or Keep a first aid kit at home,at work,and in your car.A first aid kit has items you can use for small injuries or for pain,such as bandages,antiseptic wipes,pain medicine,instant ice packs,and gloves.You can buy a good first aid kit at your local drugstore. CONTROL Homeland Security Advisory System for Terrorist Attacks The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has a system to help people understand the risk of a possible terrorist attack.The system uses different colors to show different levels of danger.These are: .Severe condition.There is a severe risk of terror- ist attacks.An attack has already happened or is about to happen. .High condition.There is a high risk of ter- If a Terrorist Attack Happens The U.S.government can use the Emergency Alert System (EAS) to provide information to the country in an emergency.The president of the United States can use this system to provide immediate information to the public when an emergency happens.State and local govern- ments may also use the EAS to provide emergency information to the public in their area.If an emergency happens,listen to the radio or television for information about how to protect yourself and your family. If a terrorist attack happens,listen to what local authorities tell you to do.Listen to the radio or television for instructions.Have a television or radio in your home that works on batteries in case electricity in your area is temporarily lost. ISKOF ERRORIST TTACKS ISKOF ERRORIST TTACKS ISKOF ERRORIST TTACKS ISKOF ERRORIST TTACKS ISKOF ERRORIST TTACKS Don�t Be Afraid,Be Ready DHS is helping Americans learn about possible dangers, so they can be ready to react during a terrorist attack or natural disaster.DHS provides information to help you make your family,your home,and your community safer from the dangers of crime,terrorism,and disasters of all kinds.Call 1-800-BE-READY for printed informa- tion or visit the DHS website http://www ,or by calling 1-800-480-2520.You also Federal and state officials are asking all people living in the U.S. to help fight terrorism. Be aware of your surroundings,especially when you travel on public buses,trains,and airplanes. If you see a suspi- cious item that has been left behind,such as a briefcase,backpack,or paper bag,report it immediately to the nearest police officer or other authority. Do not open or remove the item yourself! WHAT YOU CAN DO Learning About the United States The United States is a representative democracy,and citizens here play a very important role in governing the country.In this section,you will learn about how citizens help shape the U.S.government,how the United States began and developed,and how our government operates. We the People:The Role of the Citizen in the United States Our 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 most other people. The word �democracy� means �government by the people.� Democracy can have different forms in different countries. In the United States,we have what is called �representative democracy.� This means that the people choose officials to represent their views and concerns in government. OF,BY,AND FOR THE PEOPLE: WHAT IS DEMOCRACY? How the United States Began they were governed.They especially objected to �taxa- tion without representation.�This means that people had to pay taxes,but they had no say in how their gov- ernment operated. By 1776,many people felt that this was unfair and that they should govern themselves.Representatives from the colonies issued a Declaration of Independence.This important document declared that the colonies were free and independent and no longer tied to Great Britain.Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence.He later became the third president of the United States. WHAT YOU CAN DO THE UNITED STATES AND THE ORIGINAL THIRTEEN COLONIES The thirteen colonies were founded in the following order: The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4,1776.This is the reason that Americans celebrate July 4th every year as Independence Day:it is our nation�s birthday. The United States had to fight for its freedom from Great Britain in the Revolutionary War.General George Washington led the military forces of the American Revolution.He is known as the �Father of Our Country.� Later he became the first president of the United States. After the colonies won the war,they became states.Each state had its own government.The people in these states wanted to create a new form of government to unite the states into a single nation.Today, this central govern- ment,our national government,is called �the federal government.�The United States now consists of 50 states,the District of Columbia (a special area that is the home of the federal government),the territories of Guam,American Samoa,and the U.S.Virgin Islands,and the commonwealths of the Northern Mariana Islands and Puerto Rico. Many Americans know these words from the Declaration of Independence by heart: �We hold these truths to be self-evident,that all men are created equal,that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights,that among these are Life,Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.� This means that all people are born with the same basic rights. Government does not create these rights, and no government can take these rights away. �ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL� Creating �A More Perfect Union� For several years after the American Revolution,the government.This document is the U.S.Constitution, one of the most important documents in American history.The Constitution described how the newgov- ernment would be organized,how government officials would be chosen,and what rights the new central government would guarantee to citizens. The members of the Constitutional Convention approved the Constitution on September 17,1787. Next,all 13 states had to approve it.Some people felt The United States flag has changed over our history. Now it has 13 stripes to represent the original 13 American colonies. It has 50 stars,one for each state. The American national anthem was written about the flag and is called �The Star-Spangled Banner.� The flag is also called the �Stars and Stripes,� and a favorite American song is called �Stars and Stripes Forever.� �OLD GLORY��THE UNITED STATES FLAG that the Constitution did not do enough to protect the rights of individual people.The states agreed to approve the Constitution if a list of individual rights were added to it.The states approved the Constitution in 1789.This list of individual rights,called the Bill of Rights,was added to the Constitution in 1791. Changes to the Constitution are called �amendments.� The first10 amendments to the Constitution are called the Bill of Rights. The United States is a nation governed by laws.Govern- ment 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 law that is created must uphold the principles of the Constitution.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. �We the People� are the first three words of the U.S. Constitution. The Constitution begins by explaining why it was written and what it was intended to accomplish. This section is called the �preamble.� Here is the preamble to the Constitution: �We the People of the United States,in Order to form a more perfect Union,establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility,provide for the common defense,promote the general Welfare,and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity,do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.� The Bill of Rights:The First 10 Amendments The first changes to the Constitution were made to pro- tect individual citizens and to limit the power of gov- ernment.The Bill of Rights lists important freedoms that are promised to the American people.In most instances,these rights limit what government can do to individual people.These rights include: �Freedom of speech.The government cannot tell peo- ple what to say or not say.People can say what they want about public issues without fear of punishment. �Freedom of religion.The government cannot tell people what place of worship to attend.People can choose to worship�or not worship�as they please. �Freedom of the press.The government cannot decide what is printed in newspapers or heard on radio and TV. �Freedom to gather,or �assemble,�in public places. The government cannot stop people from holding lawful public gatherings for many different purposes. The U.S. Constitution is called a �living document� because the American people,acting through their state and national representatives,can change it when necessary. These changes are called �amendments.� It is a long and difficult process to change the Constitution,so it has been changed only 27 times over the course of our history. Besides the Bill of Rights,some important amendments are the Thirteenth,which forbids slavery,and the Fourteenth,which �Freedom to own firearms.In most cases,the govern- ment cannot prevent people from owning guns. �Freedom to protest government actions and demand change.The government cannot silence or punish people who challenge government actions they don�t agree with. The Bill of Rights also guarantees �due process.�Due How the Federal Government Works The original 13 colonies had lived under the total power of the British king.In their new central government, Americans wanted to prevent a concentration of power in one government official or one office.The Constitution created three branches for the federal government,so that power would be balanced.The three branches have sepa- rate responsibilities.We call this the system of �checks and balances.�No single branch of government can become too powerful because it is balanced by the other two branches. The Legislative Branch:Congress Citizens of the United States vote in free elections to choose people to represent them in the U.S.Congress. Congress has the responsibility of making the laws for our nation.Congress is made up of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The U.S.House of Representatives People in each state vote to choose members of the House of Representatives.There are 435 members of the House of Representatives,which is often called �the House.�The number of representatives from each state depends on how many people live in that state. States are divided into districts.People living in each dis- trict vote for someone to represent their district in the House.Each representative serves for two years,and then THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT the U.S. Congress and related offices The three branches of the federal government are: the president,vice president,and departments of the federal government the Supreme Court of the United States and federal courts across the country people have another chance to vote for them or for a dif- ferent person to represent them.Representatives can serve in Congress for an unlimited period of time. There are five additional members in the House.These are the representatives of the District of Columbia,the commonwealth of Puerto Rico,and the territories of Guam,American Samoa,and the U.S.Virgin Islands.They In the United States,everyone can call their elected representative and senators. You can call 202-224-3121 and ask for your representative�s or senators� offices. You can write to your representative or senators to ask questions or give your opinion about legislation and the federal government,or if you have a problem and need help with federal benefits. To write to your representative:To write to your senator: The Honorable (add representative�s full name)The Honorable (add senator�s full name) U.S. House of RepresentativesUnited States Senate Washington,DC 20515Washington,DC 20510 You can visit the websites of Congress to learn about current activities in the House and Senate and about your own representative and senators,including their website addresses. �For the House of Representatives,visit http://www �For the Senate,visit http://www GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS SERVE THE PEOPLE may participate in debates,but they cannot participate in the formal votes of the entire House. The House of Representatives makes laws,but it has some special responsibilities.Only the House of Representatives can: �Propose laws about taxes. �Decide if a government official accused of committing a crime against the country should be put on trial in the Senate.This is called �impeachment.� The U.S.Senate There are 100 senators in the U.S.Senate.People in each state vote to choose two senators to represent them in Congress.Senators serve for six years,and then people have another chance to vote for them or for a different person to represent them.Senators can serve in Congress for an unlimited period of time.Senators make laws,but they also have special responsibilities. Learn about your representative and senators and what they are doing to represent you in Congress. You can do this by looking for stories about them in your local newspaper and visiting the websites for Congress. All senators and representatives have local offices in their home communities; you can find these listed in the blue pages of the phone book. If you visit Washington,DC,you can take a free tour of the U.S. Capitol,where Congress works. You can learn about the president by visiting the website for the White House,the president�s home. Visit http://www WHAT YOU CAN DO Only the Senate can: � Say �yes�or �no�to any agreements the president makes with other countries or organizations of coun- tries.These are called �treaties.� �Say �yes�or �no�to any person the president chooses for high-level jobs,such as Supreme Court justices or officials to run the federal departments,such as the Department of Education or the Department of Health and Human Services. �Hold a trial for a government official who has been �impeached�by the House of Representatives. The Executive Branch:The President The president is the leader of the executive branch and is responsible for upholding and enforcing the laws of the country.The president has many other responsibili- The Judicial Branch: The Supreme Court The Constitution created the Supreme Court,the high- est court in the United States.There are nine judges on the Supreme Court.They are called �justices.�The presi- dent chooses the members of the Supreme Court,and they serve as long as they are able.The Supreme Court can overrule both state and federal laws if they conflict with the Constitution.There are other federal courts, such as the U.S.District Courts and the U.S.Circuit Courts of Appeals. To learn more about the U.S.Supreme Court,visit State and Local Government In addition to the federal government,each state has its own constitution and its own government.Each state government also has three branches:legislative,execu- tive,and judicial. The leader of the state executive branch is called the �governor.�The people of each state vote in elections to choose their governor and their representatives to the state legislature.The state legislature makes the laws that apply in each state.These laws cannot conflict with the U.S.Constitution,and each state judicial branch upholds the laws of that state. Each state also has local governments.There are city or county governments or ices in your local community,such as public schools and libraries,police and fire departments,and water, gas,and electric services.People in local communities usually vote for local government officials,but some local officials are appointed.Local governments have different forms.Some have mayors as their leaders; some have city councils or county councils.Local communities also have school boards,citizens who are elected or appointed to oversee the public schools. WHAT YOU CAN DO Becoming a U.S.Citizen Becoming a U.S.citizen gives permanent residents new rights and privileges.Citizenship also brings with it new responsibilities.This section offers some reasons to consider becoming a U.S.citizen and describes what you To become a citizen,you must be willing to swear your loyalty to the United States.You must give up your alle- giance to any other country.You must agree to support and defend the U.S.Constitution.When you become a citizen,you accept all of the responsibilities of being an Traveling with a U.S.passport. A U.S.passport enables most cases,a child born abroad to a U.S.citizen is auto- matically a U.S.citizen. Becoming eligible for federal jobs. Certain jobs with government agencies require U.S.citizenship. Becoming an elected official. Only citizens can run for federal office (U.S.Senate or House of Represen- tatives) and for most state and local offices. Keeping your residency. AU.S.citizen�s right to remain in the United States cannot be taken away. Becoming eligible for federal grants and scholarships. Many financial aid grants,including college scholar- ships and funds given by the government for specific purposes,are available only to U.S.citizens. Obtaining government benefits. Some government benefits are available only to U.S.citizens. Naturalization:Becoming a Citizen The process of becoming a U.S.citizen is called �natu- ralization.�You can apply for naturalization once you You may have to follow different rules if: �You,or your deceased parent,spouse,or child,have served in the U.S.Armed Forces. �You are a U.S.national. �You obtained permanent residence through the 1986 amnesty law. �You are a refugee or asylee. �You have a U.S.citizen spouse who is regularly stationed abroad. �You lost U.S.citizenship under prior law because of marriage to a non-citizen. �You are an employee of certain types of companies or nonprofit organizations. A Guide to Naturalization for more information. You may also wish to consult an immigration attorney or other qualified professional. Requirements for Naturalization The general requirements for naturalization are: 1.Live in the U.S.as a permanent resident for a specific amount of time (Continuous Residence). 2.Be present in the U.S.for specific time periods (Physical Presence). 3.Spend specific amounts of time in your state or USCIS district (Time in State or USCIS District). 4.Behave in a legal and acceptable manner (Good 5.Know English and information about U.S.history and government (English and Civics). 6.Understand and accept the principles of the U.S. Constitution (Attachment to the Constitution). If you leave the U.S. Your residence To keep your status for:status is:you must: More than six monthsPossibly brokenProve that you continued to live,work,and/or have ties to the U.S. (e.g.,paid taxes) while you were away. More than one yearBroken In most cases,you must begin your continuous residence over. Apply for a re-entry permit before MAINTAINING CONTINUOUS RESIDENCE AS A PERMANENT RESIDENT 1.Continuous Residence �Continuous residence�means that you must live in the U.S.as a permanent resident for a certain period of time. Most people must be permanent residents in continuous residence for five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen) before they can begin the naturalization process. For refugees,this means five years from the date you arrived in the U.S.,which is usually the date you obtained permanent resident status.For those granted asylum status in the U.S.,this period begins one year before you got permanent resident status.The date on your Permanent Resident Card is the date your five years begins.If you leave the United States for a long period of time,usually six months or more,you may �break�your continuous residence. If you work for the U.S. government,a recognized U.S. research institution,or certain U.S. corporations,or if you are a member of the clergy serving abroad,you may be able to preserve your continuous residence if you: 1.Have been physically present and living in the U.S. without leaving for at least one year after becoming a permanent resident. 2.Submit Form N-470,Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes,before you have been outside the U.S. for one year. There is a fee to file Form N-470. For more information,contact the USCIS Forms Line at: 1-800-870-3676 and ask for Form N-470,Application PRESERVING YOUR RESIDENCE FOR NATURALIZATION PURPOSES: EXEMPTIONS FOR ONE-YEAR ABSENCES If you leave the United States for one year or longer, A re-entry permit (Form I-131) and the Application to Preserve Residence for Naturaliza- tion Purposes (Form N-470) are not the same. You may show a re-entry permit instead of your Permanent Resident Card (if you have been gone for less than 12 months) or instead of a visa (if you have been gone for more than 12 moths) If you are on active-duty status or were recently discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces,the continuous residence and physical presence requirements may not apply to you. You can find more information in the M-599 Naturalization Information for Military Personnel brochure. Every military base should have a point- of-contact to handle your naturalization application and certify a Form N-426,Request for Certification of or by calling Customer Service at 1-800-375-5283. EXEMPTIONS FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL Be aware that absences from the United States while your naturalization application is pending could cause problems with your eligibility,especially if you accept employment abroad. 2.Physical Presence in the United States �Physical presence�means that you actually have been present in the United States.If you are a permanent resident at least 18 years old,you must be physically present in the United States for at least 30 months during the last five years (or 18 months during the last three years,if married to a U.S.citizen) before you apply for naturalization. United States. This includes short trips to Canada and Mexico. For example,if you go to Mexico for a week- end,you must include the trip when counting how many days you spent out of the country. �Continuous residence� is the total time you have resided as a permanent resident in the United States before applying for naturalization. If you spend too much time outside the United States during a single trip, you may break your �continuous residence.� �PHYSICAL PRESENCE� 3.Time as a Resident in State or USCIS District Most people must live in the state or USCIS district where they apply for naturalization for at least three months.Students can apply for naturalization either where they go to school or where their family lives (if they depend on their parents for support). 4.Good Moral Character To be eligible for naturalization,you must be a person of good moral character.A person is not considered to be of �good moral character�if they commit certain crimes during the five years before they apply for naturalization or if they lie during their naturalization interview. �Drunk driving or being drunk most of the time. �Illegal gambling. �Prostitution. �Lying to gain immigration benefits. �Failing to pay court-ordered child support. �Committing terrorist acts. �Persecuting someone because of race,religion,national origin,political opinion,or social group. BEHAVIORS THAT MIGHT SHOW A LACK OF GOOD MORAL CHARACTER If you commit some specific crimes,you can never become a U.S.citizen and will probably be removed from the country.These crimes are called �bars�to naturaliza- tion.Crimes called �aggravated felonies�(if committed on or after November 29,1990),including:murder,rape, sexual abuse of a child,violent assault,treason,and illegal trafficking in drugs,firearms,or people are some exam- ples of permanent bars to naturalization.In most cases, immigrants who were exempted or discharged from serv- ing in the U.S.Armed Forces because they were immi- grants and immigrants who deserted from the U.S.Armed Forces are also permanently barred from U.S.citizenship. You also may be denied citizenship if you behave in other ways that show you lack good moral character. Other crimes are temporary bars to naturalization. Temporary bars usually prevent you from becoming a citizen for up to five years after you commit the crime. �Any crime against a person with intent to harm. �Any crime against property or the government involv- �Two or more crimes with combined sentences of five years or more. �Violating controlled substance laws (e.g.,using or selling illegal drugs). �Spending 180 days or more during the past five years in jail or prison. Report any crimes that you committed when you apply for naturalization.This includes crimes removed from your record or committed before your 18th birthday.If you do not tell USCIS about them,you may be denied citizenship and you could be prosecuted. 5.English and Civics In general,you must show that you can read,write,and speak basic English.You also must have a basic knowledge of U.S.history and gov- ernment (also known as �civics�). You will be required to pass a test of English and a test of civics to prove your knowledge. Many schools and community organizations help people prepare for their citizenship tests.You can find A Guide to Naturalization .The USCIS Office of Citizenship offers products,such as the Learn About the United States:Quick 6.Attachment to the Constitution You must be willing to support and defend the United States and its Constitution.You declare your �attachment�or loyalty to the United States and the Constitution when you take the Oath of Some people who apply for naturalization have different test requirements because of their age and the length of time they have lived in the U.S. If youLived as permanentYou do notYou must areresident in the U.S. fortake thetake the Age 50 or older 20 yearsEnglish testcivics test in your language Age 55 or older15 yearsEnglish testcivics test in your language Age 65 or older20 yearsEnglish testsimplified civics test in your If you do not have to take the English test,you must bring your own translator for the civics test. Under certain circum- stances,if you have a disability that makes it impossible for you to come to an interview,special arrangements may be Allegiance.You become a U.S.citizen when you take the Oath of Allegiance. People who show they have a physical or developmental disability that makes them unable to understand the mean- ing of the Oath do not have to take the Oath of Allegiance. If you have a pending naturalization application and you move,you must notify USCIS of your new address.You can call 1-800-375-5283 to report your new address.You must also file Form AR-11 with DHS.You may change your address online via an electronic AR-11 form at .See page 12 for instructions. Naturalization Ceremonies If USCIS approves your application for naturalization,you must attend a ceremony and take the Oath of Allegiance.USCIS will send you a Form N-445,Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony,to tell you the time and date of your cere- If you cannot go to your ceremony,you can reschedule Maryland Washington Washington, DC THE UNITED STATES TODAY* *The United States also includes the territories of Guam,American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the commonwealths of the Northern Mariana Islands and Puerto Rico, which do not appear on The federal government observes the following official holi- days.Most federal offices are closed on these days.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 employers also give their employees a holiday on these days. New Year�s DayJanuary 1st Birthday of Martin Luther King,Jr.3rd Monday in January Presidents�Day3rd Monday in February Memorial DayLast Monday in May Independence DayJuly 4th Labor Day 1st Monday in September Columbus Day2nd Monday in October Page 11,right photograph courtesy of http://www Page 40,text box,top photograph by Gerald L.Nino. Page 85,top right,Oval Office photograph by Paul Morse. Pages 1,14,29,66,68,and 70 (left column),photographs by John Vavricka. FEDERAL HOLIDAYSPHOTO CREDITS You�re On Your Way We hope that you find this guide useful.It was written to help you as you start your life in the United States,as well as help you understand your rights and responsibilities as a permanent resident.The guide tells you ways that you can become involved in your community.It also tells you some of the things that you will have to learn about if you wish to become a naturalized citizen.If you go to the USCIS website you will find other materials that will help you learn more ( Now that you are here,you will have a chance to see all that life in the United States can be.We welcome you as a permanent resident,and we wish you a successful life in this country. Address changes Change of address online,12,100 Department of Homeland Security notification,8,12 U.S.Postal Service notification,24 Adult education,59�61 Air travel,43 Amendments to the Constitution,80 Amtrak train service,43 Apartments,20�22 Application for a Travel Document,10 Armed Forces,11,95 Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs),30�31 Automobiles,41�42 Background checks,38 Bank checks,31 Banks/Bank accounts,29�32 Benefits (employment),34 Bill of Rights,79�81 Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA),14�15 Bus travel,43. See also Greyhound bus service Buying a home,24�25 Cars,41�42 Checks and balances in government,81 Children childcare,62�64 education for,50�56 State Children�s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP),46 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF),47 Churches,4,63 Citizen Corps Council,69,72 Citizenship in the U.S.,89�100 good moral character,97�98 naturalization process,91�100 Oath of Allegiance,99�100 physical presence requirement,96 residency requirement,93�95 Civics knowledge,98�99 �Classifieds�(newspapers),20,24,33 Colleges,57�58. Higher education Communities community organizations,4�5 involvement in,5 Departments of the United States government. U.S. Disabilities,immigrants with,48,52 Americans with Disabilities Act,35 Medicare coverage for,45�46 Discrimination at work,37 housing,23,25 looking for a job,35 Domestic abuse. services for survivors of,47 victims of,15 Domestic violence,18 Driver�s licenses,8,30,41�43 Drug tests,38 Due process,81 Education,49�61 adult,59 for children,50�56 English classes,48,60�61 higher education,57�58 Elementary school,51 Emergencies,65�72 Emergency Alert System (EAS),71 medical care,45 911 telephone number,66�67 preparation for,68�70,72 Employee�s Withholding Allowance form (W-4),36 Employment discrimination,37 job interviews,34�36 job searches,33�36 One-Stop Career Centers,48 English classes,37�38,60�61 for children,52 One-Stop Career Centers offering,48 requirement for citizenship,98�99 Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC),v,35,38 Executive branch,82,85 Expenses for housing,22,25 Faith-based organizations,4 Federal Citizen Information Center,25 Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC),29 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),72 Federal government. Government of the United States Departments and agencies,v-vi holidays,102 structure,81�86 Federal School Meals Programs,53 Federal Trade Commission,27,58 Financial aid for college students,57�58 Financial information,29�32 First aid,70 Flag of the United States,78 Food for children at school,53 Food Stamp Program,47 Forms,14 Application for Naturalization (N-400),92 Application for Travel Document (I-131),10,95. re-entry permit Employee�s Withholding Allowance (W-4),36 Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9),36 A Guide to Naturalization (M-476), 92�93,99 Permanent Resident Cards,9. Permanent Resident Forms�continued (USCIS),2 W-2 tax form,39 awareness of immigration,4,16�17 financial aid,57�58 laws to protect from,25 temporary bar to naturalization,98 Free-of-charge legal services,15�16. See alsoPro bono legal services General Educational Development (GED) certificate,52,59 Government of the United States,74�87. U.S. Bill of Rights,79�81 branches of federal,81�86 Constitution,creation of,78�81 contact information for agencies,v�vi federal holidays,102 Government of the United States�continued history,75�79 state and local governments,86�87 Great Britain,75,77 �Green Card,�9. Permanent Resident Card Greyhound bus service,43 A Guide to Naturalization (M-476), 92�93,99 Head Start Programs,63 Healthcare,44�46 High school,9,51,52,56,57,59 Higher education,51,57�58 History of the United States,75�79 Hitchhiking,43 Holidays (U.S.),102 Home ownership,24�25 Home schooling,50 Hospitals,45 Housing,20�25 discrimination in,23 owning,24�25 renting,20�24 Identity theft,27 Income taxes,38�40. Taxes Information resources,2�4,6 car,41 employment benefits,34 health,44�46 homeowner�s,25 Internal Revenue Service (IRS),vi,11,38�39,40 Jefferson,Thomas,75 Job searching,33�36 Judicial Branch (Supreme Court),86 Jury duty,90 Landlords,21�23 Law enforcement,67 Leases,21,23 Legal assistance,14�17 Legislative branch (Congress),82�85 Libraries,2�3,61 finding information at,4,20,33 Limited English Proficient (LEP) students,60 Local governments,86�87 Low-cost healthcare,44 Map of the United States,76,101 Medicaid,45 Medicare,39,45�46 Middle school,51 Military service,11,95 Money management,29�32 Money-wiring services,29 Moral character,97�98 Mortgages,24�25 Motor vehicles,41�43 National Child Care Information Center,62 National Domestic Violence Hotline,15 Oath of Allegiance to the United States,99�100 Office of Special Counsel (Department of Justice),37 Office of the Chief Immigration Judge (Department of Justice),15�16 �Old Glory�(U.S.flag),78 One-Stop Career Centers,48 Parent Teacher Organizations,55 Permanent Resident Card,9,12�13,28,36,37,94,100 bank accounts,opening,30 rental applications and,21 Permanent resident status,9,10�11 Personal checks,30 Postsecondary education,51,57�58 Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes (N-470),94�95 President of the United States,85 Primary school,51 Private schools,50 legal services,16 Property taxes,25,39 Public libraries,2�3,61 finding information at,4,20 Public schools,50,52 Public transportation,41 Re-entry permits,10,93,95 Real estate,24�25 Red Cross organization,70 Renting a home,20�23,25 Representative democracy,74 Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service (N-426),95 Resum�s,33�34 Rights and responsibilities permanent residents,7�18,38 citizens�,38,74,78�82,90�91 Taxes 911 emergency telephone number,66�67 Office of Special Counsel,37 Poison Control Center,70 Ready Campaign,72 State Children�s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP),46 U.S.Department of Housing and Urban Development,23,25 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF),47 Train travel,43. Transportation/Traveling,41�43 driver�s licenses,41�43 outside the U.S.,10 to schools,53 United States Constitution,78�81 U.S.Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS),v,vi,2,6 U.S.Customs and Border Protection (CBP),v U.S.Department of Agriculture,53 U.S.Department of Education (ED),v,58 U.S.Department of Health and Human Services (HHS),v,44 domestic violence services,47 Head Start Programs,63 National Child Care Information Center,62 U.S.Department of Homeland Security (DHS),v advisory system for terrorist attacks,71�72 notification of address change,8,12 U.S.Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), vi,5,23,25 U.S.Department of Justice (DOJ),vi,37 legal assistance,15�16 U.S.Department of Labor,35 U.S.Department of State (DOS),vi,10 U.S.Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC),v, 35,38 U.S.Food and Nutrition Service,47 U.S.House of Representatives,82�84 U.S.Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE),v U.S.Postal Service,24 U.S.Senate,82�85 U.S.Supreme Court,82,86 Universities,57�58. Higher education Violence Against Women Act,15 Voting rights,90 citizens and elections,74,82�87,90 Ninteenth Amendment,80 W-2 tax form,39 Washington,George,77 Websites Amtrak,43 Citizen Corps Council,69,72 credit rating reports,32 Domestic violence,services for survivors of,47 Federal Citizen Information Center,25 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),72 federal government agencies,v�vi Federal School Meals Program,53 Federal student aid (U.S.Department of Education),58 Federal Trade Commission,58 finding a clinic or other low-cost healthcare,44 first aid classes,70 Food Stamp Program,47 government benefits,48 Greyhound,43 Head Start Programs,63 Homeowners,home buyers,and renters,information for,25 ID theft,information on,27 legal assistance,Board of Immigrations Appeals-accredited,15 Websites�continued legal assistance,Board of Immigrations Appeals-recognized, legal assistance,free,15 Medicare and Medicaid,45�46 motor vehicle administrations,41�42 National Child Care Information Center,62 Neighborhood Watch,69 Office of Special Counsel (Department of Justice),37 One-Stop Career Centers,48 Ready Campaign,72 Selective Service System,11 Social Security Administration (SSA),26 State Children�s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP),46 Supplemental Security Income,48 Taxpayer Assistance Center locations,40 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF),47 U.S.Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS),6 U.S.Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD),5,25 U.S.Department of Labor,35 U.S.Department of State,10 U.S.Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), 35,38 U.S.Food and Nutrition Service,47 U.S.House of Representatives,83 U.S.Postal Service,24 U.S.Senate,83 U.S.Supreme Court,86 White House,84 Only the Senate can: � Say �yes�or �no�to any agreements the president makes with other countries or organizations of coun- tries.These are called �treaties.� �Say �yes�or �no�to any person the president chooses for high-level jobs,such as Supreme Court justices or officials to run the federal departments,such as the Department of Education or the Department of Health and Human Services. �Hold a trial for a government official who has been �impeached�by the House of Representatives. The Executive Branch:The President The president is the leader of the executive branch and is responsible for upholding and enforcing the laws of the country.The president has many other responsibili-

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