M-618 (rev. 09/15)

Welcome to the United States 

A Guide for New Immigrants

Welcome to the United States 

A Guide for New Immigrants
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 978-0-16-092967-0 is for 

U.S. Government Publishing Office Official Editions only. The Superintendent 

of Documents of the U.S. Government Publishing 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, 2015.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (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 and 

copyright, are retained by the owner of the images. These images are not in 

the public domain and may not be used except as they appear as part of this 

guide.

This guide contains information on a variety of topics that are not within the 

jurisdiction of U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/USCIS. If you 

have a question about a non-DHS/USCIS issue, please refer directly to the 

responsible agency or organization for the most current information. This 

information is correct at the time of printing, however, it may change in the 

future.

F ro as le b y t eh S pu eri tn e dn e tn fo D co mu e tn s, .U S. G vo er mn e tn P Office

I tn er en t: koob st ro e. opg . vog P noh e: lot l ree f ( 668 ) 215 - 0081 ; DC a re a ( 202 ) 215 - 0081

ublishing

Fa :x ( 202 ) 215 - 4012 Mail: St po IDCC, W a hs i gn t no , D C 20402 - 1000

ISBN 978-0-16-092967-0

00
Table of Contents

Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Federal Departments and Agencies ...............................2

The United States Today ........................................3

Federal Holidays .............................................4

Contact USCIS ...............................................5

About This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Where to Get Help ...........................................8

USCIS Online Resources ......................................10

Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Permanent Resident . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Your Rights and Responsibilities ................................14

Maintaining Your Permanent Resident Status .......................16

If You Are a Conditional Permanent Resident ......................19

Finding Legal Assistance ......................................21

Consequences of Criminal Behavior for Permanent Residents ..........24

Getting Settled in the United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Get a Social Security Number ..................................28

Find a Place to Live ..........................................30

Look for a Job ..............................................35

Child Care .................................................41

Transportation .............................................43

Taking Care of Your Money . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Personal Finance ............................................48

Paying Taxes ...............................................51

Protect Yourself and Your Money ................................53

Understanding Education and Health Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Education in the United States ..................................58

Higher Education: Colleges and Universities .......................65

Adult Education ............................................67

Learn English ..............................................68

Health Care ................................................69

Other Federal Benefits Programs ................................72
Keeping Your Home and Family Safe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Be Prepared ................................................76

Stay Informed ..............................................78

Respond to an Emergency .....................................79

Learning About the United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

We the People: The Role of the Citizen in the United States ............84

How the United States Began ..................................85

Creating “A More Perfect Union” ...............................87

How the Federal Government Works .............................90

The Legislative Branch: Congress ................................91

The Executive Branch: The President .............................93

The Judicial Branch: The Supreme Court ..........................93

State and Local Government ...................................94

Experience the United States ...................................95

Becoming a U .S . Citizen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Why Become a U.S. Citizen? ...................................98

Naturalization: Becoming a U.S. Citizen ..........................100

You’re on Your Way .........................................107
1

Welcome to the United States 

A Guide for New Immigrants

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 here. 

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 work to achieve your goals, take time to get 

to know this country, its history, and its people. It is now both your right and 

your responsibility to shape the future of the United States and to ensure its 

continued success. 

Exciting opportunities await you as you begin your life as a permanent 

resident of this great country. Welcome to the United States! 

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
2

Federal Departments and 

Agencies

If you have a question and do not know which department can answer it, 

call 1-800-FED-INFO (or 1-800-333-4636). If you are hearing impaired, call 

1-800-326-2996.

You can also visit www .usa .gov for general information about federal 

departments and agencies.

U.S. Department of Education (ED)

Phone: 1-800-USA-LEARN 

Phone: 1-800-872-5327 

For hearing impaired: 1-800-437-0833 

www.ed.gov

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

Phone: 1-800-669-4000 

For hearing impaired: 1-800-669-6820 

www.eeoc.gov

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Phone: 1-877-696-6775 

www.hhs.gov

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Phone: 202-282-8000 

www.dhs.gov

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Phone: 1-800-375-5283 

For hearing impaired: 1-800-767-1833 

www.uscis.gov

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Phone: 202-354-1000 

www.cbp.gov

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

www.ice.gov

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 

(HUD)

Phone: 202-708-1112 

For hearing impaired: 202-708-1455 

www.hud.gov

U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)

Phone: 202-514-2000

www.justice.gov

U.S. Department of the Treasury

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) 

Phone: 1-800-829-1040

For hearing impaired: 1-800-829-4059 

www.irs.gov

Selective Service System (SSS)

Phone: 1-888-655-1825

Phone: 847-688-6888

For hearing impaired: 847-688-2567 

www.sss.gov

Social Security Administration (SSA)

Phone: 1-800-772-1213 

For hearing impaired: 1-800-325-0778 

www.socialsecurity.gov or www.segurosocial.gov/espanol

U.S. Department of State (DOS)

Phone: 202-647-4000

For hearing impaired: 1-800-877-8339 

www.state.gov
3

Massachusetts

Rhode Island

Connecticut

New Jersey

Delaware

Maryland

Maine

New Hampshire New

York

Vermont

Pennsylvania

Ohio

Alaska

Hawaii

Texas

New

Mexico

Arizona

Utah

Nevada

California

Oregon

Washington

Idaho

Montana

Wyoming

Colorado

Oklahoma

Kansas

Nebraska

South

Dakota

North

Dakota Minnesota

Iowa

Wisconsin

Missouri

Arkansas

Louisiana Mississippi

Alabama

Georgia South Carolina

North

Carolina

Florida

Virginia

Tennessee

Kentucky

Illinois

Michigan

Indiana

West Virginia

Washington, DC

The United States Today

The United States also includes the territories of Guam, American Samoa, the 

U.S. Virgin Islands, and the commonwealths of the Northern Mariana Islands 

and Puerto Rico, which do not appear on this map.
4

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
5

Contact USCIS

Visit the USCIS website at www .uscis .gov and www .welcometousa .gov, a 

resource for new immigrants.

Call Customer Service at 1-800-375-5283 or 1-800-767-1833 (for hearing 

impaired).

To get forms, visit the USCIS website or call the USCIS Forms Line at 

1-800-870-3676.
6
7

About This Guide

This guide contains basic information to help you settle in the United States and find what you and your 

family need for everyday life. It also summarizes important information about your legal status and about 

agencies and organizations that provide documents or essential services you may need.
8

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 an immigrant and to understand how federal, 

state, and local governments work. You can also learn about important 

historical events that have shaped the United States, as well as the importance 

of getting involved in your community and suggestions on how to do so.

This guide provides a general summary of rights, responsibilities, and 

procedures related to permanent residents. To get more specific and detailed 

information, you should consult the laws, regulations, forms, and guidance of 

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You should always consult 

these more detailed resources for your specific immigration question or case. 

You can find this information on the USCIS website at www .uscis .gov. You 

can obtain USCIS forms on the website or by calling the USCIS Forms Line at 

1-800-870-3676. For more information, call Customer Service at 1-800-375-

5283 or 1-800-767-1833 (for hearing impaired).

Where to Get Help

This guide will help you get started, but it cannot answer all the questions 

you might have about life in the United States. For additional information, you 

can contact a state, county, or city government office to learn about available 

services or consult with local organizations that help new immigrants. You 

can find these offices and organizations by using the free resources described 

below.

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. 
9

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 governme

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. To locate federal government 

resources available to new immigrants, visit www .

welcometousa .gov.

nt 
10

Community and Faith-Based Organizations That 

Assist Immigrants

There are organizations in many communities that provide free or very lowcost 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. 

USCIS Online Resources

USCIS has a variety of helpful online resources available. These resources 

provide information about immigration topics, processing times, case status, 

fees, and other benefits. 

Online ResOuRces

If you want to: Visit:

Check your case status, view processing times, sign up for www.uscis.gov status updates, or find your nearest USCIS office

Check current filing fees www.uscis.gov/fees

Schedule a free INFOPASS appointment http://infopass.uscis.gov with a USCIS Officer 

As an immigrant, you should be aware that dishonest people have made fake 

websites that look like government websites to confuse you and take advantage of 

you. Remember, the official website of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is 

www.uscis.gov.

TIP
11

More Information for New Immigrants 

Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants is available in additional languages at 

www.uscis.gov/newimmigrants.
12
13

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. 

In this section, you will learn what it means to be a permanent resident and what you need to do to 

maintain your permanent resident status.
14

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. See page 18 for instructions.

● 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. See 

page 19 for instructions.
15

What You Can Do

As a permanent resident, you have many rights and freedoms. In return, you have some responsibilities. One 

important responsibility is to get involved in your community. You should also learn about American culture, history, 

and government. You can do this by taking adult education classes and reading local newspapers.

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 immigrating to the United States and will be 

admitted as a permanent resident, you must pay the USCIS immigrant fee. You 

pay this fee online through the USCIS Electronic Immigration System (USCIS 

ELIS) at www.uscis.gov/uscis-elis. Please note that you 

will not receive your Permanent Resident Card until 

you have paid the USCIS immigrant fee. If you became a 

permanent resident by adjusting your status while you 

were in the United States, you pay only the Form I-485, 

Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust 

Status, filing fee and not the USCIS immigrant fee. 

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. There is a fee to file Form I-90. You can 

get this form online at www.uscis.gov or by calling the USCIS Forms Line at 

1-800-870-3676. If you are a conditional permanent resident (CR) through 

marriage or entrepreneurship, you were issued a two-year card. Do not use 

Form I-90 to apply for an extension or renewal of your status. Instead, you 

must file for removal of your conditions before your card expires. See page 

19 for instructions on how to remove the conditions on your permanent 

resident status.

Your Permanent Resident Card shows that you are allowed to live and work 

in the United States. You can also use your Permanent Resident Card to reenter the United States after traveling abroad. If you are outside of the United 

States for more than 12 months, then you will need to show additional 

documentation to re-enter the country as a permanent resident. For more 

information on these documents, see page 17.
16

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.

Safeguard Important Documents

Keep important documents that you brought from your home country in a safe place. 

Examples of important documents include: a passport, birth certificate, marriage 

certificate, divorce certificate, diplomas showing that you have graduated from high 

school or college, and/or certificates that show you have special training or skills.
17

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.

You can use your Permanent Resident Card as a travel document for returning 

to the United States if you have not been abroad for a year or more. If you 

think you will be out of the United States for more than 12 months, you 

should apply for a re-entry permit before leaving the country by filing Form 

I-131, Application for a Travel Document. You must pay a fee to file Form 

I-131. You can get Form I-131 at www.uscis.gov or by calling the USCIS 

Forms Line at 1-800-870-3676.

A re-entry permit is valid for up to two years. At a port of entry, you may 

show the re-entry permit instead of a visa or Permanent Resident Card. 

Having a re-entry permit does not guarantee that you will be admitted to 

the United States when you return, but it can make it easier to show that you 

are returning from a temporary visit abroad. If you would like additional 

information about international travel as a permanent resident, please visit 

www.uscis.gov. 

You should also be aware that—regardless of whether you might have 

abandoned your permanent resident status—you are subject to a full 

immigration inspection as an applicant for admission any time you have been 

abroad for at least 181 days, or in other situations specified in immigration 

law.
18

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.

Register with the Selective 

Service

All men between the ages of 18 and 26 years old 

must register with the Selective Service. Males 

who obtained their immigrant visa or adjusted 

their status at that age may have automatically been 

registered with the Selective Service. If so, you should 

have received information in the mail stating that you 

are registered. If you are unsure if you are registered, speak 

with someone from the Selective Service who can check your 

record. You can also check on the Selective Service website at www.

sss.gov. When you register, 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, but men between the ages of 18 and 26 are still required to register. 

Unless they want to, permanent residents and U.S. citizens do not have to 

serve in the armed forces.

You can register at a U.S. post office or on the Internet. To register for 

Selective Service on the Internet, visit the Selective Service System at 

www.sss.gov. 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 at www.uscis.gov.
19

Give Your New Address to USCIS

You must notify USCIS if you change your address. File Form AR-11, Change 

of Address, within 10 days of your relocation. For information on filing a 

change of address, go to the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/addresschange

or call Customer Service at 1-800-375-5283. You must notify USCIS each 

time you change your address.

For more information, call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 or visit www.uscis.gov.

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. 

See Form I-751, Petition to Remove the Conditions 

on Residence, for instructions on the filing process 

for children. Some immigrant investors are also 

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.
20

Filing Form I-751 with Your Husband or Wife

If you are a CR and you immigrated based on your marriage to a U.S. citizen 

or permanent resident, then you and your spouse must file Form I-751 

together so that you can remove the conditions on your permanent resident 

status.

Sometimes, you do not have to file Form I-751 with your husband or 

wife. If you are no longer married to your spouse or if your spouse abused 

you, you can file Form I-751 by yourself. You can also file Form I-751 

by yourself if deportation from the United States would result in extreme 

hardship. If you are not applying with your spouse, you can file Form I-751 

at any time after you become a CR. 

Filing USCIS Forms I-751 and I-829

Who: Conditional permanent resident (CR)

Why: Conditional permanent resident status expires two years after the date you became a CR.

When: Conditional permanent resident filing together with his or her spouse must file Form I-751. Immigrant investors 

must file Form I-829. Both of these forms must be filed within the 90 days before conditional permanent residence 

status expires. The expiration date is on your Permanent Resident Card.

Where to get the form: You can get the form at www.uscis.gov or by calling the USCIS Forms Line at 1-800-870-

3676.

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. Before you submit the form, check for the most 

current USCIS filing fees at www.uscis.gov/fees. 

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.
21

Finding Legal Assistance

If you need help with an immigration issue, you can use the services of a 

licensed immigration lawyer. You can check with your local bar association 

for help finding a qualified lawyer.

Some states certify specialists in immigration law. 

These attorneys have passed tests to prove that they 

have special knowledge about immigration law. The 

following states currently list certified specialists on 

their state bar websites: California, Florida, North 

Carolina, and Texas. Note: You are responsible for 

determining whether to hire an attorney. USCIS 

does not endorse or recommend any particular 

attorney.

TIP

Keep several copies of all forms you send to USCIS and other government offices. 

Send copies, not originals. Sometimes forms get lost, so keeping copies can help 

avoid problems. 

If You Are a Victim of Domestic Abuse 

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 residents to 

self-petition, or file their own petition, to become a permanent resident. See www.uscis.gov or call the National 

Domestic Violence Hotline for more information.
22

If you need legal help on an immigration issue but do not have enough 

money to hire a lawyer, there are some low-cost or free assistance options. 

Consider asking for assistance from one of the following places:

● A Recognized Organization: Organizations that are recognized by 

the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). For an organization to be 

recognized, it must have enough knowledge and experience to provide 

services to immigrants. A recognized organization can charge or accept 

only very small fees for those services. For a list of these BIA-recognized 

organizations, visit www.justice.gov/eoir/recognition-accreditationroster-reports.

● An Accredited Representative: People who are connected to BIArecognized organizations. These representatives can charge or accept 

only very small fees for their services. For a list of these BIA-accredited 

representatives, visit www.justice.gov/eoir/recognition-accreditationroster-reports. 

● A Qualified Representative: People who will provide free services. These 

representatives must know about immigration law and the rules of practice 

in court. 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, or friend) are all examples of qualified 

representatives.

● Free Legal Service Providers: The Department of Justice has a list of 

recognized free legal service providers for people who are in immigration 

proceedings. This is a list of attorneys and organizations that may be 

willing to represent immigrants in proceedings before immigration courts. 

The attorneys and organizations on this list have agreed to help immigrants 

pro bono (free of charge) only in immigration proceedings. Some of them 

may not be able to help you with non-court-related matters, such as visa 

petitions, naturalization, etc. The list is available at www.justice.gov/

eoir/free-legal-services-providers. 

● Pro Bono Program: Local lists of recognized pro bono organizations and 

their representatives are usually available at each local USCIS office.

For more information about finding legal services, please visit 

www.uscis.gov/legaladvice.

Beware of Immigration Fraud

Many immigration practitioners are well qualified and honest, and they can 

provide good services to immigrants, however, there are some people who 

take advantage of immigrants.
23

Before you decide to get help with immigration matters and before you pay 

any money, you should do 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.

Important 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 fact. 

● Some consultants, travel agencies, real estate 

offices, and people called “notaries public” 

offer immigration services. Be sure to ask 

questions about their qualifications and ask to 

see copies of their BIA accreditation letter or bar certificate. Some people 

who say they are qualified to offer legal services are not. These people can 

make mistakes that could put your immigration status at risk and cause 

serious problems for you.

● If you use an immigration consultant or lawyer, get a written contract. The 

contract should be in both English and in your native language (if English 

is not your native language). The contract should list all services that will 

be provided to you and how much they will cost. Ask for references before 

you sign the contract.

● Try to avoid paying cash for services. Make sure you get a receipt for your 

payment. Be sure to keep your original documents.

● Never sign a blank form or application. Make sure you understand what 

you are signing. 

For more information about how to protect yourself from becoming a victim 

of immigration fraud, visit www.uscis.gov/avoidscams. 

Get help if an immigration consultant has cheated you. Call your state or local 

district attorney, consumer affairs department, or local police department. You 

can also contact the Federal Trade Commission to report the unauthorized 

practice of immigration law by visiting www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov.
24

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;
25

● 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.

If you have committed or have been convicted of a crime, you should consult 

with a reputable immigration lawyer or a community-based organization 

that provides legal service to immigrants before you apply for another 

immigration benefit. See page 21 for information on how to find legal 

assistance.
26
27

Getting Settled in the United States

This section provides information that can help you adjust to life in the United States. You will learn 

how to get a Social Security number, find a place to live, look for a job, find child care, and travel in the 

United States. 
28

Get a Social Security Number

As a permanent 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 the Social Security office closest to you by:

● Looking on the SSA website, www.socialsecurity.gov. For Spanish, visit 

www.segurosocial.gov/espanol. The website also has limited information 

available in several other languages.

● Calling 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 (for hearing impaired) 

between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Free interpreter services are available.

If You Do Not Speak English

The Social Security office can provide an interpreter free of charge to help you apply 

for a Social Security number. When you call the Social Security office, tell the person 

who answers the phone that you do not speak English. They will find an interpreter to 

help. You can also get assistance from an interpreter when you visit the Social Security 

office.

The Social Security Administration website contains helpful information for people new 

to the United States. The “Other Languages” section of the website has information about Social Security in several 

languages. Visit www.socialsecurity.gov; for Spanish, see www.segurosocial.gov/espanol.
29

You do not need to fill out an application or go to a Social Security office to 

get a Social Security number if all of the following conditions apply to you:

● You asked for a Social Security number or card when you applied for an 

immigrant visa;

● You applied for an immigrant visa in October 2002 or later; and

● You were 18 years old or older when you came to the United States.

In this situation, the Departments of State and Homeland Security sent the 

required information to assign you a Social Security number to the Social 

Security Administration (SSA). The SSA will assign you a Social Security 

number and mail your Social Security card to the same U.S. mailing address 

where USCIS sends your Permanent Resident Card. You should get your Social 

Security card within three weeks after you arrive in the United States. If you 

do not receive your card within three weeks after arriving in the United 

States, contact the SSA immediately. Also, contact the SSA if you change your 

mailing address after you arrive but before you receive your Social Security 

card. 

You must go to a Social Security office to get a Social Security number if any

of the following conditions apply to you:

● You did not ask for a Social Security number or card when you applied for 

an immigrant visa; 

● You applied for your immigrant visa before October 2002; or

● You were under age 18 when you came to the United States.

A Social Security representative will help you apply for a Social Security 

number. Bring the following documents with you when you go to the Social 

Security 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 United States. This can be your Permanent Resident Card or 

passport with an immigration stamp or visa label.

The SSA will send your Social Security number to you in the mail. You 

should receive your Social Security card about two weeks after the SSA has 

all documents needed for your application. If SSA needs to verify any of your 

documents, it may take longer to receive your Social Security number.
30

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

Apartments and houses can be rented. You can find these in several ways:

● Look for “Apartment Available” or “For Rent” signs on buildings.

● Ask friends, relatives, and co-workers if they know of places to 

rent.

● Look for “For Rent” signs in public spaces, such as bulletin 

boards in your library, grocery stores, and community centers. 

● Research places available for rent on the Internet. If you do not 

have a computer at home, you can use one at your local public 

library.

● Look in the phone book’s yellow pages under “Property 

Management.” These are companies that rent apartments and 

houses. They may charge you a fee to help you find a home.

● Look in the “Classifieds” section of the newspaper. Find 

the pages listing “Apartments for Rent” and “Homes for 

Rent.” These will have information about renting homes and 

apartments.

● Call a local real estate agent.

Call 311 for Information on City or Town Services 

In many cities and towns, you can call 311 to find non-emergency government 

services. For example, you can call 311 to ask a question about garbage collection or 

request that your sidewalk be repaired. Some places do not offer 311 services. Call 

your city or town government to see if 311 is available in your area.
31

What to Expect When You Rent a Home

This section outlines the different steps you may encounter before moving 

into your new home. For more information, visit www.hud.gov or, for 

Spanish, see www.espanol.hud.gov. 

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.
32

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.

Addressing Home Repairs with Your Landlord

Landlords must keep the home or apartment you rent in safe and good condition. If you are in need of a home repair:

● First, talk to your landlord. Tell him or her about the problem and that you need it fixed. If your landlord does not 

respond, then write a letter to your landlord to tell him or her about the problem. Keep a copy of the letter for 

yourself. 

● If your landlord still does not respond to your request, then call your local Housing Office. Most city or local 

governments have people who inspect homes for problems. Ask the Housing Office to send an inspector to visit 

your home. Show the inspector the problem. 

● Lastly, if your landlord does not fix the problem(s), then you may be able to file a legal charge against your 

landlord. 
33

Know Your Rights: Discrimination in Housing Is Not Allowed 

Landlords cannot refuse to rent to you because of who you are. It is against the law for landlords to reject you 

because of:

● Your race or color;

● Your national origin;

● Your religion;

● Your sex;

● A disability; or 

● Your family status.

If you feel you have been refused housing for any of these reasons, contact the U.S. Department of Housing and 

Urban Development (HUD) by phone at 1-800-669-9777 or 1-800-927-9275 (for hearing impaired). You can also 

file a complaint in the “Fair Housing” section of www.hud.gov. Information is available in several languages. 

TIP If you move, you should tell the U.S. Postal Service so it can forward your mail to 

your new address. To change your address online, visit www.usps.com/umove 

or visit your local post office. Also, do not forget to file Form AR-11, Change of 

Address, with USCIS. See page 19 for instructions.

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. 

Real estate agents can help you find a home to buy. Ask friends or co-workers if 

they can recommend a real estate agent, or call a local real estate agency for the 

name of an agent. Ask for an agent who is familiar with the area where you want 

to buy a home. There are many ways to search for real estate, such as researching 

on the Internet, looking at real estate in the newspaper “Classifieds” section, or 

looking for “For Sale” signs in the neighborhoods you like. 
34

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.

A real estate agent or real estate lawyer can help you 

find a mortgage and insurance. He or she can 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 get 

your mortgage and to file legal forms with the state. These fees are 

called closing costs. Your real estate agent or mortgage lender must tell you 

how much these fees will be before you sign the final purchase forms for 

your home. For help on looking for a real estate agent, finding a loan, and 

choosing insurance, visit the “Buying a Home” section of 

www.hud.gov. 

TIP Protect yourself from loan fraud and lenders who charge very high interest rates 

on mortgages. Some lenders may try to take advantage of you, such as bycharging 

you more money because you are new to this country. There are laws to protect 

you from fraud, unnecessary expenses, and discrimination in buying a home. For 

more information about loan fraud and advice on preventing it, visit the “Buying a 

Home” section of www.hud.gov.
35

More Information about Buying or Renting a Home

Visit the “Buying a Home” section of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) website at 

www.hud.gov. You can also speak to a housing counselor by calling HUD at 1-800-569-4287. Information is 

available in English and Spanish.

For other helpful resources, visit the Federal Citizen Information Center at http://publications.usa.gov.

Look 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 members, or other people in your 

community about job openings or good places to work. 

● Search for jobs on the Internet. If you use a computer at your library, ask 

the library staff to help you get started. 

● 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 and that 

administer job-training programs.

● Check bulletin boards at local libraries, grocery stores, and community 

centers for hiring notices. 

● Check with the department of employment services for your state or 

locality.

● Look in the newspaper’s “Classifieds” section under “Employment.”
36

Applying for a Job

Most employers will ask you to fill out a job application. This is a form with 

questions about your address, education, and past work experience. It may 

also ask for information about people you have worked with in the past who 

can recommend you. These people are called references, and the employer 

may want to call them to ask questions about you.

You may need to create a résumé with a list of your work experience. A 

résumé tells your employer about your past jobs, your education and training, 

and your job skills. When you apply for a job, take your résumé with you.

A good résumé:

● Has your name, address, phone number, and 

email address;

● Lists your past jobs and includes dates worked;

● Shows your level of education;

● Shows any special skills you have; and

● Is easy to read and has no mistakes.

Check with local community service agencies to 

see if they can help you write a résumé. Private 

businesses can help with this too, but they may 

charge a fee. For more information about applying for a job, visit 

www.careeronestop.org. 

TIP While you are looking for a job, you may come across employment scams. 

Although many job placement firms are legitimate and helpful, others may 

misrepresent their services, promote outdated or fake job offerings, or charge high 

up-front fees for services that may not lead to a job. For more information, visit

www.ftc.gov/jobscams.
37

What Are Benefits?

In addition to your pay, some employers provide extra employment benefits. Benefits may include:

● Medical care

● Dental care

● Eye care

● Life insurance

● A retirement plan

Employers may pay some or all of the costs of these benefits. If you are offered a job, ask which benefits the employer 

provides to employees.

The Job Interview

Employers may want to meet with you to talk about the job. They will ask 

about your past work and your skills. To help prepare for the interview, you 

can practice answering questions about your past work and your skills with 

a friend or family member. You can also ask questions to the employer at the 

end of the interview. This is a good chance to learn more about the job.

You may want to ask:

● How would you describe a typical day in this position?

● How would I be trained or introduced to the job?

● Where does the job fit into the organization?

● How would you describe the work environment?

● What do you consider the positive aspects and challenging aspects of this 

position?

During the interview, an employer can ask you many questions, but 

employers are not allowed to ask certain questions. No one should ask you 

questions about your race, color, sex, family status, religion, national origin, 

age, or any disability you may have. For more information about the job 

interview process, visit www.dol.gov. 
38

Know Your Rights: Federal Laws Protect Employees

The United States has several federal laws that forbid employers from discriminating against people looking for a job 

and that protect against retaliation and other forms of discrimination in the workplace. 

● The Civil Rights Act forbids discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, country of origin, sex, or pregnancy.

● The Age Discrimination in Employment Act forbids discrimination on the basis of age.

● The Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act forbids discrimination on the basis of having a 

disability.

● The Equal Pay Act forbids discrimination on the basis of sex.

● The Genetic Nondiscrimination Act forbids discrimination on the basis of genetic information. 

For more information about these protections, visit the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website at 

www.eeoc.gov or call 1-800-669-4000 and 1-800-669-6820 (for hearing impaired). 

Other laws help keep workplaces safe, provide leave in cases of family or medical emergencies, and provide 

temporary funds for unemployed workers. Visit the U.S. Department of Labor website at www.dol.gov for more 

information about workers’ rights.

Additionally, federal laws protect employees from discrimination on the basis of national origin or citizenship 

status. For more information about these protections, call the Department of Justice’s Office of Special Counsel for 

Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices at 1-800-255-7688 or 1-800-237-2515 (for hearing impaired). If 

you do not speak English, interpreters are available to help you. For more information, visit www.justice.gov/crt/osc.

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, Employment Eligibility Verification: By law, employers must 

verify that all newly hired workers are eligible to work in the United States. 

On your first day of work, you will need to fill out Section 1 of Form I-9. 

You should not be asked to fill out Section 1 until you have accepted a job. 

Within three business days, you must give your employer documentation 

that shows your identity and authorization to work. You can choose 

which document(s) to show as proof of your right to work in the United 

States, as long as the document is listed on Form I-9. Your employer will 
39

provide you with the list of acceptable documents. Examples of acceptable 

documents are your Permanent Resident Card or an unrestricted Social 

Security card in combination with a state-issued driver’s license. For more 

information, visit I-9 Central at www.uscis.gov/I-9Central. 

● 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 determine the correct amount to withhold 

so that your tax bill is not due all at once at the end of the year.

● Other Forms: You may need to fill out a tax withholding form for the state 

you live in and other forms so that you can get benefits.

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 employment benefits you pay. Some employers will 

send your pay directly to your bank account; this method is called direct 

deposit.

Confirming Your Eligibility to Work

E-Verify is an Internet-based system that employers use to compare 

information from an employee’s Form I-9, Employment Eligibility 

Verification, to USCIS and Social Security Administration (SSA) records 

to confirm that an employee is authorized to work in the United States. 

Some employers must participate in E-Verify; other employers participate 

voluntarily. To learn more about E-Verify, visit www.uscis.gov/e-verify. 

To Confirm Your Eligibility on Your Own

Self Check is a free, Internet-based application that you can use to check your 

employment eligibility if you are in the United States and over the age of 

16. After you enter the required information, Self Check will compare that 

information with various government databases to determine your work 

eligibility in the United States. For more information, visit www.uscis.gov/

selfcheck or, for Spanish, www.uscis.gov/selfcheck/Espanol.
40

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 68 for more 

information about learning English.

If your employer says you must speak English at work, then 

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, then 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 (for 

hearing impaired) or visit www.eeoc.gov.

Drug Tests and Background Checks

For some jobs, you may be required to take a test to make sure that you are 

not using illegal drugs. Some jobs require a background check, which is an 

investigation into your past activities and present circumstances.

Federal Protection for Immigrant Workers

Many immigrants (including permanent residents) and all U.S. citizens are protected against workplace discrimination. 

Federal law says that employers cannot discriminate against you because of your immigration status. Employers 

cannot:

● Refuse to hire or fire you because of your immigration status or because you are not a U.S. citizen.

● Require you to show a Permanent Resident Card or reject your employment authorization documentation. 

● Hire undocumented workers.

● Discriminate against you because of your national origin or country of origin.

● Retaliate against any employee who complains of the above treatment.

For more information about your rights or to file a complaint, call the Department of Justice’s Office of Special 

Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices at 1-800-255-7688 or 1-800-237-2515 (for hearing 

impaired). If you do not speak English, interpreters are available to help you. For more information, visit 

www.justice.gov/crt/osc.
41

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. For more 

information on laws and guidelines in your state, contact your local child 

protective services agency. 

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.

There are many resources you can use to find 

a good child care provider. Ask other parents, 

friends, and co-workers who they have caring for 

their children. Some states have a child care referral 

agency that can give you a list of state-licensed 

child care programs. Licensed child care programs 

meet specific requirements set by the state for 

the protection of your children. You also can call 

your local school district office to find places where other children in your 

neighborhood receive care.

TIP

If you need help finding good child care in your area, visit www.usa.gov/Topics/

Parents-Care.shtml.
42

Types of Child Care 

You have a number of choices when choosing a child care provider, such as:

● A caregiver comes into your home to watch your children. This type of service can be expensive because your child 

gets more individual attention. The quality of care depends on the person you hire.

● Your child is cared for in somebody else’s home with a small group of other children. This option can be less 

expensive than other types of child care. The quality of care depends on the people who watch your child and the 

number of children they are caring for in their home.

● Child care centers located in schools, churches, faith-based organizations, and other places. These programs 

usually have several caregivers who watch larger groups of children. Child care centers must meet state standards, 

and the staff is usually required to have special training and experience.

● Head Start Programs, called “Early Head Start” and “Head Start,” are programs funded by the federal government 

for low-income families. These programs provide care and educational services to young children to get them ready 

for school. To learn more about these programs, call the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at 1-866-

763-6481 or visit http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc.

Some child care 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 child care 

assistance. Many states offer financial assistance to low-income parents who are working or participating in jobtraining or education programs. For more information about federal or state child care assistance, visit the “Education 

and Child Care” section of www.welcometousa.gov.

How Can You Tell If a Child Care Provider Is Good?

Think about these basic questions when you visit a child care program:

● Are the children happy when around the staff?

● Are toys that are appropriate for the children’s ages available?

● Are children doing an appropriate activity?

● Does the provider talk to your child while you are there?

● Is the space clean and organized?

● What is the curriculum or routine for the children?

Ask for references so that you can talk to other parents about the program.
43

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.

Check with the state office that issues driver’s licenses to find out how 

to get one. These offices have different names in each state. Some common 

names are Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Transportation, 

Motor Vehicle Administration, or Department of Public Safety. You can find 

these offices in the phone book or for more information, visit www.usa.gov/

Topics/Motor_Vehicles.shtml. 

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 your state. Check 

with your state office to see if you can.

TIP Make sure the child care provider or program you are using is licensed or 

accredited. Licensed programs must meet minimum safety and care standards set 

by the state. Accredited programs meet higher standards than those required for a 

state license.
44

TIP

A driver’s license is used for identification in the United States. It is a good idea 

to get one even if you do not own or regularly drive a car.

Should I Buy a Car?

Owning a car can be a convenient way to travel. In the United States, you must also 

pay for car insurance and register your vehicle and license plates. Heavy traffic can 

make driving difficult in some cities. Think of all the costs and benefits before you 

decide to buy a car. For more information on buying a car, visit the “Travel and 

Recreation” section of www.usa.gov. 

10 Tips for Driving Safely in the United States

1. Drive on the right-hand side of the road.

2. Always have your driver’s license, registration, and insurance card with you.

3. Always wear your seat belt.

4. Use proper seat belts and car safety seats for children.

5. Use your car’s signals to show if you are turning left or right.

6. Obey all traffic laws and signals.

7. Pull over to the side of the road if an emergency vehicle—such as police car, fire truck, or ambulance—needs to 

pass you.

8. Do not pass a school bus when its red lights are flashing.

9. Do not drive if you have been drinking or taking drugs.

10. Slow down and be very careful when driving in fog, ice, rain, or snow.
45

If you do not know how to drive, you can take driving lessons. Many public 

school districts have classes in driver education. You can also look under 

“Driving Instruction” in the yellow pages of the phone book.

TIP

Hitchhiking is not common in the United States. In many places, it is illegal. For 

safety reasons, do not hitchhike and do not give rides to hitchhikers.
46
47

Taking Care of Your Money

Taking care of your money can have a big impact on your future in the United States. This section 

discusses personal finances, paying taxes, and ways in which you can protect yourself and your money.
48

Personal Finance

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.

TIP

There are stores that offer check-cashing services and overseas money-wiring 

services, which cost extra. Check to see if your bank or credit union offers these 

services at a lower cost.

Keeping Your Money Safe

It is not safe to carry around large amounts of cash or to leave cash in your home, it could be stolen or lost. If you put 

money in a bank or credit union that is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or is insured 

by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), then your money is protected up to $250,000. When choosing 

a financial institution, make sure it is either a member of the FDIC or that it is insured by the NCUA. For more 

information, visit www.fdic.gov or www.ncua.gov.
49

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.
50

Write down the numbers for all accounts and debit, ATM, and credit 

cards. Also write down the phone numbers of these companies. Keep this 

information in a safe and secure place. If your wallet is lost or stolen, call the 

companies and cancel all of your cards. This will keep someone else from 

using your cards illegally.

To learn more about personal finance, visit www.mymoney.gov.

TIP 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 immediately. 

You usually do not have to pay for charges you did not make if you report it to the 

credit card company immediately.

TIP Manage your account carefully so that you do not incur any overdraft fees. An 

overdraft occurs when you do not have enough money in your account to cover a 

payment or withdrawal. Check with your financial institution to find out about your 

options and the fees.

Credit Cards

Credit cards allow you to make purchases and pay for them later. Banks, credit unions, stores, and gas stations 

are some businesses that can give you a credit card. You get a bill in the mail each month for purchases you have 

made with your credit card. If you pay the entire amount on the bill when you receive it, then you do not have to pay 

interest. If you do not pay the entire amount or if you send your payment late, then you will be charged interest and 

possibly an additional fee. Some credit cards have very high interest rates, so review the different credit card options 

to determine which one is best for you. Credit cards may be called charge cards, but they are different. With a charge 

card you are required to pay the balance in full each month, but credit cards allow you to carry a balance if you do 

not pay in full.

Be careful about giving your credit card number to others, especially over the phone or on the Internet. Be sure you 

know and trust the person or business that asks for your number.
51

Paying Taxes

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, selfemployment, 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.

Your Credit Rating

In the United States, the way you manage your credit is very important. There are organizations that determine your 

credit score or credit rating. Your credit score or rating depends on how you pay bills, how many loans you take out, 

how many credit cards you have, and other factors. Your credit rating is very important when you want to buy a home 

or car, or take out a loan. Here are things you can do to maintain a good credit rating:

● Pay all your bills on time.

● Keep your credit card balances low and pay at least the minimum amount due each month.

Under federal law, you can get one free credit report once a year. If you would like to get a copy of your credit rating 

report, call 1-877-322-8228 or visit www.annualcreditreport.com.
52

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.

Your W-2 Form: Wage and Tax Statement

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. 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 copy of your W-2 form with your federal income tax return to 

the IRS. If you live or work in a state that collects income tax, then you must send a 

copy of your W-2 with your state income tax return.

Getting Help with Your Taxes

As a permanent resident, you are required to file a federal income tax return 

every year. This return covers your earnings from January to December of the 

past year. You must file your return by April 15. You can get free help with 

your tax return at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center.
53

Taxpayer Assistance Centers are located in communities across the United 

States. To find a Taxpayer Assistance Center where you live, visit www.irs.gov/

localcontacts/index.html. To get help by phone, call the IRS at 1-800-829-

1040 or 1-800-829-4059 (for hearing impaired). For a list of current tax 

credits, visit www.benefits.gov.

How Government Works for Us

Taxes pay for the services the federal government provides to the people of the United States. Examples of these 

services are:

● Keeping our country safe and secure;

● Curing and preventing diseases through research;

● Educating children and adults;

● Building and maintaining our roads and highways;

● Providing medical services for low-income residents and the elderly; and

● Giving emergency help when natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, or earthquakes strike.

Protect Yourself and Your Money

Avoid Identity Theft

Identity theft means someone has stolen your personal information, such as 

your Social Security or bank account numbers. They can use it to take money 

from your accounts or open a credit card in your name. Identity theft is a 

serious crime. Protect yourself by:

● Making sure you know and trust the people or businesses you give your 

personal information to, especially on the phone or the Internet.

● Leaving your Social Security card at home in a safe place. Do not carry it 

with you.

● Carrying with you only the identification documents or credit cards you 

need at the time. Leave the rest at home in a safe place.
54

● Tearing up or shredding any paper or forms with your personal 

information on them before throwing them in the trash.

● Selecting unique passwords for each account. Do not use the same 

password, as that could put your personal information at risk.

To protect yourself against identity theft, call the Federal Trade Commission’s 

ID Theft Hotline at 1-877-438-4338 or visit www.consumer.ftc.gov/

features/feature-0014-identity-theft.

“Phishing” and Other Scams

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), “phishing” is when an 

unknown source sends an email or pop-up message to you claiming to be 

from a business or organization with which you are associated, such as a 

bank, an online payment service, or even a government agency. The message 

may include links to websites asking you to update your account or personal 

information. The links in the email connect to a website that looks like a 

legitimate organization’s site, but the website is not real. Scammers created 

the website to steal your identity so that they can charge money or commit 

crimes in your name.

Be aware of phone scams that target individuals, including immigrants. A 

scammer may call you and ask for money or threaten you. They will likely 

have some information about you and their phone number may look like an 

official one. Government agencies will never call you to ask for money or 

threaten you. If you receive a call like this, hang up and call the official 

number for the business or government agency to check if it is a 

scam.

To avoid getting scammed, here are important things to 

remember:

● If you get an email or pop-up message that asks for 

personal or financial information, do not reply.

● Do not give out your account number or password over 

the phone unless you’re making the call to a company you 

know is reputable. If you have questions about a company, 

check with your local consumer protection office or Better 

Business Bureau.

● Review credit card and bank account statements as soon as you receive 

them to check for unauthorized charges.
55

● If you have a computer, use anti-virus and anti-spyware software, as well as 

a firewall. Update them regularly.

● Be careful when opening attachments or downloading files from emails. 

If you do not know who sent the message to you, do not open the 

attachment(s) or download the file(s).

● If you suspect an email or website is fraudulent, report this information to 

the real bank, company, or government agency.

If you believe you have been scammed, you can file a complaint through the 

FTC’s website at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov. To learn more about how to 

avoid online scams and deal with deceptive spam, visit www.onguardonline.

gov.
56
57

Understanding Education and 

Health Care

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.
58

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.
59

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 tHe typical U.S. ScHool iS organized

School Grades Ages

Kindergarten and Grades Elementary or Primary School Children Ages 5 to 11 1 to 5 or 1 to 6

Grades 6 to 8, Junior or Middle School Youths Ages 11 to 14 7 to 8, or 7 to 9

Grades 9 to 12 Young Adults Ages 14 to 18 Secondary or High School or 10 to 12 (and up to age 21 in some cases)

Public and Private Community Colleges, 

Postsecondary or Higher Education Two-Year or Four-Year Colleges or All Eligible Adults May Attend

Universities, Trade Schools
60

Here is a list of answers to questions that parents often ask about public 

schools:

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.

Where do I enroll my child?

Call or visit your local school district’s main office or website to find out 

which school or schools your child may attend.

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 my 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.
61

What if my 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. For more information on how to access services and 

other resources, visit http://idea.ed.gov.

My child was not in school before coming to the United States. How 

long can he or she attend public school for free?

In most states, students can attend public school for free until they graduate 

high school or reach the maximum age, which is usually age 21. If a student 

is under age 22, they may be able to enroll in a high school and pursue a 

regular high school diploma. If a student has not graduated from high school 

by age 22, he or she can enroll in Adult Secondary Education (ASE) classes. 

ASE classes help prepare students to obtain the recognized equivalent of a 

high school diploma (such as a General Educational Development [GED] 

certificate) instead of a regular high school diploma. Call your local school 

district office or state department of education, or research online, to find out 

where GED or other high school equivalency classes are offered.

How will my 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. 

To find out if your child can ride a bus to school or 

receive a public transportation pass, contact your 

local school district office. 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.
62

Federal School Meals Program

To improve learning, the U.S. government provides healthy low-cost or free meals to more than 26 million children 

each school day. Participation in the School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program is based on 

family income and size. The Special Milk Program provides milk to children who do not participate in other federal 

school meals programs. For more information about these U.S. Department of Agriculture programs, visit www.fns.

usda.gov/cnd.

What will my child eat at school?

Children can take lunch to school or buy it at the 

school cafeteria. The U.S. government also provides 

nutritious free or low-cost breakfast and lunch for 

eligible children who cannot afford to buy food 

at school. Call or visit your child’s school to find 

out if it participates in the federal school meals 

program. Talk with school staff to find out if your 

children are eligible to participate. 

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 

cannot 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 child to participate in some of these programs.

What will my child learn?

Each state sets academic standards for schools. These standards outline what 

all students should know and at what level they are expected to perform. Local 

school districts decide how this information should be taught. Most schools 

teach English, math, social studies, science, and physical education. Art, music, 

and foreign languages are sometimes offered, too.
63

How is my child’s work assessed?

Teachers assign scores (also called grades) based on the work children do 

during the school year. Grades are usually based on homework, classwork, 

tests, attendance, and class behavior. Your child will receive a report card 

several times a year. Some schools will send your child’s report card directly to 

you. A report card tells you how your child is doing in each subject. Schools 

have different ways of grading students. Some schools use letter grades, with 

A or A+ for excellent work and D or F for poor or failing work. Others use 

number grades or words like “excellent,” “good,” or “needs improvement” 

to summarize your child’s performance. In many grades, students also take 

standardized tests, which schools administer to assess students. Ask school 

staff how students in your child’s school are graded and assessed.

How can I talk to my child’s teacher?

Most schools have regular parent conferences for you to meet with 

your child’s teacher. You can also schedule meetings to talk with 

teachers or school administrators about how your child is doing 

in school. If you do not speak or understand English, the school 

district will provide a qualified interpreter for such meetings. The 

school district is also required to provide you with information on 

other school matters in a language you understand.

What if my child misses school?

Being in school is very important. Parents must send a written 

letter to the teacher or call the school to explain why their child 

was not in school. If your child will be out of school, tell the 

teacher in advance. Students must usually make up any work they 

missed. Ask your child’s school what type of information you need to provide 

if your child misses school.
64

What You Can Do

Most public and private schools have a Parent Teacher Association (PTA) or Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) that 

you may join. These groups help parents learn about what is going on in their child’s school and how to get involved 

in school events. At most schools, anyone can join, even grandparents. The PTA/PTOs also support schools by 

sponsoring special activities and by providing volunteers to help in the classroom. 

You can get involved even if you do not speak or understand English. Many schools have information specifically 

for parents with limited English skills. Let the school know that you will need interpreter services so that you can 

participate. Call or visit your child’s school office to find out when the PTA/PTO meets and how you can join. You can 

also talk to your child’s teacher and ask if there are ways that you can volunteer or get involved.

What if my child gets into trouble?

Many schools have a list of rules or a discipline policy that students must 

obey, often called a code of conduct. Ask your child’s school about its 

discipline policy or code of conduct. The school may discipline students who 

break school rules by requiring them to stay after the school day is over or by 

banning them from participating in sports or other school activities. Physical 

punishment is not permitted in U.S. schools in most states.

Children may be suspended or expelled from school if they behave very 

badly and break school rules often. If your child is expelled, he or she will no 

longer be able to go to the same school. You will need to meet with school 

staff to find out how to get your child back into a school.

Is my child safe in school?

Most American public schools are safe places to learn. If you are worried 

about your child’s safety, talk to a teacher, school counselor, principal, or other 

administrator.

How to Stop Bullying

Bullying is unwanted, aggressive verbal or physical behavior among schoolaged children. Bullying can occur during or after school hours. While most 

reported bullying happens in the school building, bullying also happens in 

places like the playground, bus, or on the Internet. To learn more about how 

to prevent bullying or respond to it, visit www.stopbullying.gov.
65

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.

Degree Type

HigHer edUcation

Type of School Years of Schooling

Certificate Community College/Trade School Six Months to Two Years

Associate’s Community College Two Years

Bachelor’s Four-Year College or University Four Years

Master’s University Two Years

Doctorate University Two to Eight Years

Professional Specialized School Two to Five Years
66

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. The U.S. government also provides financial 

aid for students. To learn more about financial aid, see below or visit www.

StudentAid.gov.

Federal Financial Aid for College Students

The U.S. government provides financial aid to help students pay for their 

education expenses at an eligible college, technical school, vocational school, 

or graduate school. Federal financial aid covers expenses such as tuition, fees, 

room and board, book supplies, and transportation. Students generally qualify 

for this aid based on their financial need, not their grades. There are three 

types of federal aid:

● Grants: money that you do not have to repay.

● Work study: money that you earn by working while you are in school.

● Loans: money that you borrow now but 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 at www.StudentAid.

ed.gov/resources. Information is also available in Spanish.

Beware of Financial Aid Fraud

Be careful when you are searching for information about 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 more information, call the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-

382-4357 or 1-866-653-4261 (for hearing impaired). You can also visit their website 

at www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0082-scholarship-and-financial-aid-scams.
67

Adult Education

Learning does not have to end when you become an adult. In the United 

States, people are encouraged to become lifelong learners. If you are 16 

years of age or older and have not completed high school, you can enroll 

in Adult Secondary Education (ASE) classes. These classes prepare you to 

earn the recognized equivalent of a high school diploma (such as a General 

Educational Development [GED] certificate).

A GED certificate is the most well-known equivalent to a high school 

diploma, although some states may require that you take another test that 

is similar to the GED or meet other requirements in order to obtain a high 

school equivalency diploma or certificate. A high school equivalency diploma 

or certificate (such as a GED) shows that you have learned high school-level 

academic knowledge and skills. To earn a GED, you must pass tests in four 

different areas: reasoning through language arts (reading and writing), social 

studies, science, and mathematical reasoning. Most U.S. employers consider a 

GED credential to be equal to a regular high school diploma. In many areas, 

GED preparation classes are free or low cost. Search the Internet for GED and 

other adult education courses, or call your local 

school district office for information.

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 

a wide range of adult education classes. Typically, 

these classes have low fees and anyone can enroll. 

Check with your local school system or community 

college to find out what classes are available, how 

much they cost, and how you can enroll.
68

Learn 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. ESL classes help people who do not know English 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.

Adults who do not understand English can enroll in an ESL class offered in a 

public adult and community education program or a private language school. 

Your child’s school may offer family literacy services, parent outreach, and 

training for parents of non-English speakers. Contact your child’s school to 

find out if it offers these programs.

School districts and community colleges often offer public adult and 

community education programs in local communities. These programs may 

provide ESL classes along with tutoring from local volunteers. These programs 

are often free or may charge a small fee. Classes may meet during day or 

evening hours. Call your local community college or school district office to 

learn about ESL classes they offer.

Most large cities also have private language schools that offer day or evening 

ESL classes. The cost for private language classes is often based on the number 

of hours of instruction, and they are generally more expensive than public 

classes. You can search the Internet for private language schools in your area.

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 may tell 

you about ESL programs and show you where to find ESL books, tapes, CDs, 

and computer software at the library.

To find the nearest ESL program, visit www.literacydirectory.org. You can 

also study online by visiting www.usalearns.org.
69

Call 211 for Information on Social Services

You can call 211 in many states to get help finding the services you need. Call 211 to find out where you can 

enroll in ESL classes in your neighborhood. You can also call 211 if you need help finding food, housing, or other 

social services. Some states and counties do not yet offer 211 services. To see if 211 is available in your area, visit 

www.211.org.

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 you 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 copayment.

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.
70

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.

When making decisions about your health, it is important to know where 

to get the latest, most reliable information. For a wide range of resources on 

health-related topics, visit www.healthfinder.gov.

Health Insurance Marketplace

The Health Insurance Marketplace (or health insurance exchange) is a way 

to find quality health insurance that fits your budget and meets your needs. 

It can help if you do not have affordable insurance from your employer or 

if you do not qualify for coverage under Medicare, Medicaid, or Children’s 

Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The Marketplace will allow you to compare 

certain types of private health insurance plans, get answers to questions, 

find out if you are eligible for financial support to help pay for the cost of 

coverage, and enroll in a health care plan that meets your needs. Permanent 

residents and certain other people with lawful immigration status may qualify 

for Marketplace insurance. For the most up to date information, visit www.

HealthCare.gov.

Finding a Low-Cost Health Care Facility

Most communities have at least one health care facility that provides free or low-cost services. These are sometimes 

called clinics or community health centers. To find this type of resource near you, search the Internet or ask an 

immigrant-serving organization if they know of a low-cost or free health care facility in your area.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services funds health care facilities in many locations across the country 

that provide basic health care to immigrants. To find a doctor near you, visit http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.
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Federal and State Health Programs

Medicare: Medicare is a health insurance program for people who are 65 

years old or older, under age 65 with certain disabilities, or have end-stage 

renal disease. Medicare pays for primary care and certain services if you are 

sick or injured. For more information about how to enroll in Medicare, visit 

www.medicare.gov/MedicareEligibility/home.asp.

Medicare has several parts, including Part A, Part B, and Part D.

● Part A is hospital insurance that helps cover inpatient care in MEDICARE

1-800-MEDICA

NAME OF BENEFICIARY

JOHN DOE

MEDICARE CLAIM NUMBER

000-00-0000-A

ENTITLED T

SAO IS 

AL (PAR HOSPIT

 (PA MEDICAL

SIGN

HERE

RE (1-800-633-4227) 

T A) 01-01-2007

RT B) 01-01-2007

JOHN DOE

MALE

SEX

MPLE EFFECTIVE DATE

HEALTH INSURANCE

hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, hospice, and home health 

care. Most people do not pay a Part A premium because they 

paid Medicare taxes while working. If you are not eligible for 

premium-free Part A, you may be able to buy Part A if you 

meet certain conditions.

● Part B is medical insurance that helps cover services, such as 

doctors’ services, outpatient care, durable medical equipment, 

home health services, and other medical services as well as some 

preventive services. For Part B, you pay a monthly premium.

● Part D is prescription drug coverage that helps cover the costs of certain 

medications doctors prescribe for treatment. Enrolling in a Medicare Part 

D plan is voluntary, and you pay an additional monthly premium for this 

coverage.

Permanent residents can get Medicare Part A, Part B, and Part D if they meet 

certain conditions. Permanent residents who are 65 years old or older are 

automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A when they start getting Social 

Security retirement benefits. If you are not 65 but are eligible for other 

reasons, call the Social Security office near you for information about 

enrolling. Generally, you must have worked in the United States for 10 years 

(or 40 quarters) over the course of your life to receive these Part A Medicare 

benefits without paying a premium. For more information about Medicare 

and to download Medicare & You—the official U.S. government Medicare 

handbook—visit www.medicare.gov. Information is also available in Spanish.

Medicaid: Medicaid is a joint federal-state program for low-income residents. 

Each state has its own Medicaid guidelines. Medicaid pays for certain medical 

services, such as visits to the doctor, prescription drugs, and hospitalization. 

Permanent residents who entered the United States before August 22, 1996, 

may be able to receive Medicaid if they meet certain conditions. Most 
72

permanent residents who entered the United States on or after August 22, 1996, 

may be able to get Medicaid benefits if they have lived in the United States for 

five years or longer and meet certain conditions. For more information about 

Medicaid services in your state, visit www.medicaid.gov.

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP): Your children 

may be able to get free or low-cost health care through a state 

CHIP if they meet certain conditions. If your income is too high 

to qualify for Medicaid, some states have a health insurance 

program for infants, children, and teenagers. This insurance 

pays for doctor visits, prescription medicines, hospital care, 

and other health care services. In most states, children ages 

18 and younger without health insurance and whose families 

meet certain income limits are eligible. Children can receive 

free or low-cost health care without affecting their parents’ 

immigration status.

More Information about Medicaid and CHIP

Each state has its own Medicaid and CHIP rules, so it is important to find out about the program in your state. For 

information, call 1-877-543-7669 or visit www.insurekidsnow.gov.

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 United States, 

and income level. To learn more about what services might be available to 

you, visit www.benefits.gov.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program 

(SNAP)

Some immigrants, including children, may be eligible for the Supplemental 

Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP provides you with funds to help 

you buy food at grocery stores. Some states have their own state-funded 

food assistance programs with different rules for immigrant eligibility that 

may vary from state to state. For information about SNAP and the eligibility 

requirements, visit www.fns.usda.gov/snap. Information about SNAP 

is available in 36 different languages at www.fns.usda.gov/documentsavailable-other-languages.
73

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 housing at battered women’s 

shelters or SNAP. For more information about these services, visit 

www.womenshealth.gov/violence-against-women.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is a federal program that provides 

assistance and work opportunities for qualified low-income families. 

Programs differ by state, and some states have their own state-funded 

assistance program. For more information and eligibility requirements, 

visit www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofa/programs/tanf.

Assistance for Disabled Immigrants

Immigrants with disabilities may be eligible for Medicaid, SNAP, and 

Supplemental Security Income. For information about Supplemental Security 

Income, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi.

One-Stop Career Centers

The federal government funds career centers that 

offer training referrals, career counseling, job 

listings, and other employment-related services. 

ESL classes and job skills training are also offered to 

immigrants at some of these centers. 

To find a One-Stop Career Center near you, visit 

www.careeronestop.org or www.doleta.gov.
74
75

Keeping Your Home and Family Safe

Emergencies are unexpected events that can cause harm to people and property. Emergencies can happen 

to anyone at any time. This section tells you how you can prepare for emergencies and how to get help 

when they happen.
76

Be Prepared

Prepare for emergencies before they happen. For information on how to 

prepare for an emergency, visit www.ready.gov. This comprehensive website 

provides information on how to get ready for an emergency so that you can 

keep your home and family safe.

Here are some things you can do to prepare:

● Be sure your doors have good locks and keep them locked at all times. Do 

not give your house keys to strangers. If a stranger knocks on your door, 

ask who they are and what they want before opening the door.

● Smoke alarms make a loud noise when there is smoke in your house or 

apartment. Make sure you have smoke alarms on the ceiling near bedrooms 

and on each level of your house. Check the alarm each month to make sure 

it works. Replace the batteries in your smoke alarms at least once a year.

● Find out where the nearest hospital and police and fire stations are located. 

Keep all important phone numbers near your phone where you can easily 

find them in the event of an emergency.

● Find out where the main valves for gas, electricity, and water are in your 

home. Be sure you know how to turn them off by hand. If you do not 

know how to find them, ask your landlord, local utility company, or 

neighbors.

● Prepare a disaster kit that includes a flashlight, 

portable radio, extra batteries, blankets, first-aid 

supplies, and enough canned or packaged food 

and bottled water to last for at least three days. 

Be sure to include trash bags, toilet paper, and 

pet food, if needed. Keep all of these things in 

one place where it is easy to find them.

● Practice with your family how to get out of 

your house in case of a fire or other emergency. 

Make sure your children know what the smoke alarm sounds like and what 

to do if they hear it. Plan a place to meet your family if you have to leave 

your home. Choose one spot outside of your home to meet and another 

spot outside of your neighborhood, in case you cannot return home. Ask a 

friend or family member living in another 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.
77

● Ask about emergency plans at your child’s school. Make sure your child 

knows what to do in the event of an emergency and where you can meet 

him or her. Your child should know your phone number and address.

What You Can Do

To help keep your neighborhood safe, get to know your neighbors. Talk with them about 

how to handle an emergency in your area. If you have neighbors with disabilities, see if 

they will need special help in the event of an emergency.

Many neighborhoods have a Neighborhood Watch, which teaches residents 

how to help themselves by identifying and reporting suspicious activity in their 

neighborhoods. If there is a Neighborhood Watch in your area, you can volunteer to 

participate. If you want to start a Neighborhood Watch, call your local police department. For more information, visit 

www.nnw.org.

You help your community and nation when you help others stay safe. You can get more involved in your community 

through your local Citizen Corps Council. For more information, visit www.citizencorps.gov.

First Aid

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 the National Safety Council to ask about classes in your area. For more 

information, visit www.redcross.org or www.nsc.org/learn/SafetyTraining/Pages/first-aid-training.aspx.

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, 

medicine, instant ice packs, and gloves. You can buy a first aid kit at your local 

drugstore.

Poison Control

Many things in your home can be poisonous if they are ingested. These can 

include cleaning products, medicine, paint, alcohol, cosmetics, and even some 

plants. Keep these things away from young children.

If someone swallows a poisonous substance, call the Poison Control Center 

immediately at 1-800-222-1222. You can get help 24 hours a day, seven days 

a week. Have the poisonous substance with you when you call so you can tell 

the operator what it is. If you do not speak English, tell the operator so an 

interpreter can help you. Calls to the Poison Control Center are confidential 

and free.
78

Stay Informed

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recognizes that everyone 

shares a responsibility for the nation’s security and should be aware of the 

heightened risk of a terrorist attack in the United States. DHS has a system to 

help people understand the risk of a terrorist attack or any other threat to the 

nation’s security. This system is called The National Terrorism Advisory System 

(NTAS).

NTAS alerts are issued when there is credible information that there is a threat 

to the nation’s security. The two types of alerts are:

● Imminent Threat Alert: This alert warns of a credible, specific, and 

impending terrorist threat against the United States.

● Elevated Threat Alert: This alert warns of a credible terrorist threat against 

the United States.

For more information, visit www.dhs.gov/alerts.

If you would like to receive mobile updates, visit www.twitter.com/

NTASAlerts.

The U.S. government can use the NTAS to provide information to the public 

in the event of an emergency. The Secretary of Homeland Security can use 

this system to provide immediate information to the public when a terrorist 

attack occurs. State and local governments may also use the NTAS to provide 

emergency information to the public.

TIP If a terrorist attack, natural disaster, or other emergency occurs, 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.
79

What You Can Do

DHS helps the nation learn about possible dangers so that residents 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. Call 

1-800-BE-READY or visit www.ready.gov.

You can get a guide entitled Are You Ready? An In-Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness, which contains tips on 

how to make your family, your home, and your community safer. You can get this guide from the Federal Emergency 

Management Agency by visiting www.ready.gov/are-you-ready-guide. You also can get materials from the DHS 

website at www.ready.gov/publications.

Respond to an Emergency

Emergency Help by Phone

In the United States, 911 is a number you can call on any telephone to get 

emergency help. 911 should only be used in the event of an emergency. Teach 

your family about when it is and is not appropriate to call 911. Examples are 

listed below.

Call 911 to:

● Report a fire;

● Report a crime in progress;

● Request emergency medical help;

● Report a gas leak; and

● Report suspicious activities, such as screams, 

calls for help, or gunshots.

Do Not Call 911 to:

● 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; or

● Talk to a police officer.
80

Call 911 for serious, life-threatening emergencies only. Calling 911 for the 

wrong reason may keep someone else from getting the help he or she needs. 

If you have a question for the police, call the non-emergency number for the 

police department listed in your phone book.

What Happens When I Call 911?

● Calls to 911 are usually answered within 12 

seconds. You may be put on hold. When the 

operator answers, there will be silence on the 

phone for several seconds. Do not hang up. Wait 

for the operator to speak.

● If you do not speak English, tell the operator 

what language you speak. An interpreter should 

come on the line.

● 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.

Law Enforcement in the United States

In the United States, 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:

● Do not be afraid.

● Be polite and cooperative.

● Tell the officer if you do not speak English.

● If you are in a car, do not get out of the car until the officer tells you to do so.

● Keep your hands where the officer can see them. Do not reach into your pockets or into other areas of the car.
81

Natural Disaster Assistance

Natural disasters can strike anytime and anywhere. 

Natural disasters come in many forms, such as 

tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, or earthquakes. In 

the event you are affected by a natural disaster, 

access disaster help and resources at www.

disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-

FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (for hearing 

impaired).

If You See Something, Say 

SomethingTM

Federal and state officials ask all people living in the United States to help 

fight terrorism. Be aware of your surroundings, especially when you travel on 

public buses, trains, and airplanes. If you see a suspicious 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. For more information, visit www.dhs.gov.
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83

Learning About the United States

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.
84

We the People: The Role of the 

Citizen in the United States

In the United States, the government gets its power to govern from the 

people. We have 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.

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 other people.

Of, By, and For the People: What Is Democracy?

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 a representative democracy. This means that the people choose officials 

to represent their views and concerns in the government.
85

How the United States Began

The early colonists and settlers who came to the 

United States were often fleeing unfair treatment, 

especially religious persecution, in their home 

countries. They were seeking freedom and new 

opportunities. Today, many people come to the 

United States for these same reasons.

Before it became a separate and independent 

nation, the United States was made up of 13 

colonies that were ruled by Great Britain. People 

living in the colonies had no say in which 

laws were passed or how they were governed. 

They especially objected to taxation without 

representation. This means that people had to pay 

taxes, but they had no say in how their government 

operated.

By 1776, many people believed that this policy 

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, independent, and no longer ruled by Great Britain. 

Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. He later became the 

third president of the United States.

The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776. Americans 

celebrate July 4 every year as Independence Day because 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 Continental Army in 

the American Revolution. He is known as the “Father of Our Country.” Later, 

he became the first president of the United States.
86

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 

government, 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.

The United States and the Original Thirteen Colonies

The thirteen colonies were founded in the following order: Virginia, Massachusetts, Maryland, Connecticut, Rhode 

Island, Delaware, New Hampshire, North Carolina, South Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Georgia.
87

“All Men Are Created Equal”

Many Americans have memorized these words from the Declaration of Independence:

“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.

Creating “A More Perfect Union”

For several years after the American Revolution, the states tried different 

ways to join together in a central government, but this government was too 

weak. In 1787, the representatives from each state gathered in Philadelphia, 

Pennsylvania, to develop a new, stronger central government. This meeting 

was called the Constitutional Convention. After much debate, leaders from 

the states drafted a document describing the new government. This document 

was called the United States Constitution. The Constitution described how 

the new government would be organized, how government officials would 

be chosen, and what rights the new central government would guarantee 

to citizens. Today, the Constitution remains one of the most important 

documents in American history.

The United States Flag

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, called “The Star-Spangled Banner,” was written about the flag. The flag 

is also called “Old Glory” or “Stars and Stripes.”
88

The members of the 

Constitutional Convention 

signed the Constitution on 

September 17, 1787, and then 

all 13 states had to approve 

it. Some people believed that 

the Constitution did not do 

enough to protect the rights of 

individuals. The states agreed 

to approve the Constitution if 

a list of individual rights were 

added to it. The states approved 

the Constitution in 1788 and 

it went into effect in 1789. 

Changes to the Constitution are 

called amendments. The first 10 

amendments to the Constitution 

were added in 1791. These first 

10 amendments list individual rights. They are called the Bill of Rights.

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.

“We the People”

“We the People” are the first three words of the United States Constitution. The Constitution begins by explaining 

why it was written and what it intended to accomplish. This section is called the preamble. The preamble to the 

Constitution reads:

“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.”
89

The Bill of Rights: The First 10 Amendments

The first changes to the Constitution were made to protect individual citizens 

and to limit the power of government. The Bill of Rights lists important 

individual freedoms that are promised to the American people. Some of these 

rights include:

● Freedom of Speech: You are free to think and speak as you want.

● Freedom of Religion: You are free to practice any religion or not 

practice a religion.

● Freedom of the Press: The government cannot decide what is printed 

or reported in the media.

● Freedom to Gather or Assemble in Public Places: You are free to 

meet with other people in a peaceful way.

● Freedom to Protest Government Actions and Demand Change:

You are free to challenge government actions with which you do not 

agree.

In most cases, the Bill of Rights protects your right to bear arms. The Bill 

of Rights also guarantees due process. Due process is a set of specific legal 

procedures that must be followed if you are accused of a crime. Police officers 

and soldiers cannot stop and search you without a valid reason, and they 

cannot search your home without permission from a court. If you are accused 

of a crime, you are guaranteed a speedy trial by a jury made up of people like 

you. You are guaranteed legal representation and can call witnesses to speak 

for you. You are also protected from cruel and unusual punishment.

Changing the Constitution

The United States 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 amend the Constitution, and it has only been amended 27 times. Besides the Bill of Rights, some 

important amendments are the Thirteenth, which forbids slavery; the Fourteenth, which guarantees all citizens equal 

protection under the law; and the Nineteenth, which gives women the right to vote.
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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 separate responsibilities. We call 

this the system of checks and balances. This means that no single branch of 

government can become too powerful because it is balanced by the other two 

branches.

The Federal Government

The three branches of the federal government are:

The Legislative Branch The Executive Branch The Judicial Branch 

the United States Congress and the president, vice president, the Supreme Court of the United 

related offices and departments of the federal States and federal courts across the 

government country
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The Legislative Branch: Congress

Citizens of the United States vote in free elections to choose people to 

represent them in the United States 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 United States House of Representatives

People in each state vote to choose members of the House of Representatives. 

There are 435 voting 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 district vote for someone to represent their 

district in the House. Each representative serves for two years, and then people 

have another chance to vote for their representative to remain in office or for 

a different person to represent them. Representatives can serve in Congress for 

an unlimited period of time.

There are five additional delegates in the House; these are the representatives 

of the District of Columbia, the 

Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands, and 

the territories of Guam, American Samoa, 

and the U.S. Virgin Islands. A resident 

commissioner represents Puerto Rico.

The House of Representatives makes laws, 

and 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.
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The United States Senate

There are 100 senators in the 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 re-elect those senators or to vote 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.

Only the Senate can:

● Say yes or no to any agreements the president makes with other countries 

or organizations of countries. These are called treaties.

● Approve or not approve individuals the president chooses for high-level 

jobs, such as Supreme Court justices or officials to run 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.

Government Officials Serve the People

In the United States, everyone can contact their elected representative and senators. Visit www.house.gov or 

www.senate.gov to identify your representative or senator. You can call 202-224-3121 and ask for your 

representative’s or senators’ offices. This is not a free call. You can write to your representative or senators to ask 

questions or to 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 Representatives United States Senate 

Washington, DC 20515 Washington, 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 www.house.gov.

● For the Senate, visit www.senate.gov.
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What You Can Do

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 their websites. All senators and representatives 

have local offices in their home communities. You can find these listed in the phone book or by searching for them by 

name on the Internet. If you visit Washington, DC, you can take a free tour of the U.S. Capitol, where Congress works.

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 responsibilities, such as setting national policies, proposing laws to 

Congress, and choosing high-level officials and members of the Supreme 

Court. The president also is the leader of the United States military and is 

called the commander in chief.

People vote in elections for the president and vice president every four years. 

The president can only serve in office for two four-year terms. The vice 

president becomes president if the president dies, resigns, or can no longer 

work.

You can learn about the president by visiting the website for the White House, 

the president’s home and office, at www.whitehouse.gov.

The Judicial Branch: The Supreme 

Court

The Constitution created the Supreme Court, the highest court in the United 

States. There are nine judges on the Supreme Court. They are called justices. 

The president chooses the justices 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 also other federal courts, 

such as the U.S. District Courts and the U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals.

To learn more about the Supreme Court of the United States, visit 

www.supremecourt.gov.
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State and Local Government

In addition to the federal government, each state has its own constitution 

and government. Each state government also has three branches: legislative, 

executive, 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 go against the U.S. Constitution. Each state judicial 

branch upholds the laws of that state.

Each state also has local governments. There are city 

or county governments, or sometimes both. They 

provide and oversee many services in your local 

community, such as public schools, 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; others have city 

or county councils. Local communities also have 

school boards, a group of citizens who are elected or 

appointed to oversee the public schools.

What You Can Do

Many local government meetings are open to the public and are held at night so that anyone can attend. For 

example, you can go to a city council meeting or a school board meeting to learn more about what is going on in your 

community. The meeting times and locations are usually listed in the local newspaper or on the local government’s 

website. Some local government meetings are broadcast on the local cable television channel.
95

Experience the United States

You can learn more about the United States by visiting our national parks, 

which include some of our nation’s most majestic and historic sites. You can 

experience your America in national parks such as:

● Yellowstone National Park, with the 

world’s largest collection of geysers, 

including Old Faithful.

● Independence National Historical Park, 

home to Independence Hall and the 

Liberty Bell.

● Mammoth Cave National Park, which 

contains the longest cave system in the 

world.

● Denali National Park and Preserve, home 

to North America’s tallest mountain, 

Mount McKinley.

The National Park System includes more than 400 national monuments, 

battlefields, historic sites, seashores, and more. National parks are located in 

every state, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories.

To learn more about our national parks, visit the National Park Service website 

at www.nps.gov.
96
97

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 discusses reasons to consider U.S. citizenship and describes what you 

need to do to become a citizen.
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Why Become a U.S. Citizen?

To become a citizen, you must be willing to:

● Swear your loyalty to the United States;

● Give up your allegiance to any other country; and

● Support and defend the United States and its Constitution.

When you become a citizen, you accept all of the responsibilities of being an 

American. In return, you get certain rights and privileges. Permanent residents 

have most of the rights of U.S. citizens, but there are many important reasons to 

consider becoming a U.S. citizen, such as:

● Voting: Only citizens can vote in federal 

elections. In most states, only U.S. citizens are 

allowed to vote in elections.

● Serving on a Jury: Only U.S. citizens can serve 

on a federal jury. In most states, only U.S. 

citizens are allowed to serve on a jury. Serving 

on a jury is an important responsibility for U.S. 

citizens.

● Traveling with a U.S. Passport: A U.S. passport 

enables U.S. citizens to get assistance from the 

U.S. government when overseas, if necessary.

● Bringing Family Members to the United States: Generally, U.S. citizens 

get priority when petitioning to bring family members permanently to this 

country.

● Obtaining Citizenship for Children Born Abroad: In most cases, a child 

born abroad to a U.S. citizen is automatically a U.S. citizen.
99

● 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 and for most state and local 

offices.

● Keeping Your Residency: A U.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 scholarships 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.

Getting Naturalization Information

People 18 years old or older who want to become citizens should get Form M-476, A Guide to Naturalization. This 

guide has important information on the requirements for naturalization. It also describes the forms you will need to 

begin the naturalization process.

To see if you are eligible to apply for naturalization, visit the Citizenship Resource Center at www.uscis.gov/

citizenship. Use Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, to apply for naturalization. There is a fee to file Form 

N-400. To check the fee for filing Form N-400 or any USCIS form, visit www.uscis.gov/fees.

To get Forms M-476 and N-400, call the USCIS Forms Line at 1-800-870-3676 or get them from www.uscis.gov.

For more specific information about USCIS policies and naturalization eligibility requirements, review the USCIS Policy 

Manual at www.uscis.gov/policymanual. The Policy Manual is USCIS’ centralized online repository for immigration 

policies.
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Naturalization: Becoming a U.S. 

Citizen

The process of becoming a U.S. citizen is called naturalization. In general, you 

can apply for naturalization once you meet the following requirements:

Requirements for Naturalization

1. Continuous residence: Live in the United States as a permanent resident for 

a specific amount of time.

2. Physical presence: Show that you have been physically present in the 

United States for specific time periods.

3. Time in state or USCIS district: Show that you have lived in your state or 

USCIS district for a specific amount of time.

4. Good moral character: Show that you have behaved in a legal and 

acceptable manner.

5. English and civics: Know basic English and information about U.S. history 

and government.

6. Attachment to the Constitution: Understand and accept the principles of 

the U.S. Constitution.

You may qualify for certain exceptions and modifications if:

● You are a U.S. national;

● You are employed abroad in a qualifying category;

● You have qualifying military service; or

● You are the spouse, child, or parent of certain U.S. citizens.

Consult Form M-476, A Guide to Naturalization, for more information at 

www.uscis.gov/natzguide. You may also wish to consult an immigration 

attorney or BIA-accredited representative. See page 21 for more 

information.
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1. Continuous Residence 

Continuous residence means that you must live in the United States 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.

The date you became a permanent resident (usually 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 leave the United States for one year or longer, you may be able to 

return if you have a re-entry permit. You should apply for this re-entry permit 

before you depart the United States. See page 17 for information on how 

to apply for a re-entry permit. In most cases, none of the time you were in 

the United States before you left the country will count toward your time in 

continuous residence. This means that you will need to begin your continuous 

residence again after you return to the United States, and you may have to 

wait up to four years and one day before you can apply for naturalization.

Additionally, if you must leave the United States for certain employment 

purposes, you may need to file Form N-470, Application to Preserve 

Residence for Naturalization Purposes, in order to preserve your status as a 

permanent resident in order to pursue naturalization.

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.

Maintaining Continuous ResidenCe as a PeRManent Resident

If you leave the 

United States for: Your residence status is: To keep your status you must:

More than 

six months Possibly broken Prove that you continued to live, work, and/or have ties to the United States (for example, paid taxes) while you were away.

In most cases, you must begin your continuous residence over. 

Apply for a re-entry permit before you leave if you plan to return 

More than one year Broken to the United States as a permanent resident. You may also 

need to file Form N-470, Application to Preserve Residence for 

Naturalization Purposes. 
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Preserving Your Residence for Naturalization Purposes: Exemptions for OneYear Absences

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 United States 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 United States for one year. There is a fee to file Form N-470. To check the filing fee for Form N-470 or any 

USCIS form, visit www.uscis.gov/fees.

For more information, contact the USCIS Forms Line at 1-800-870-3676 and ask for Form N-470. You can also get 

the form on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov.

Exemptions for Military Personnel

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 Form M-599, Naturalization 

Information for Military Personnel. Every military base should have a point-of-contact to handle your naturalization 

application and certify a Form N-426, Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service. You must submit Form 

N-426 with your application forms. To get the forms you need, call the USCIS Military Help Line at 1-877-CIS-4MIL 

(1-877-247-4645). You can find more information at www.uscis.gov/military or by calling Customer Service at 

1-800-375-5283.

TIP A re-entry permit (Form I-131, Application for Travel Document) and Form N-470, 

Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes, 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 months) when you want to re-enter the United States after 

a temporary absence. However, if you wish to apply for naturalization and have 

been absent for more than 12 months, you may need to also file Form N-470 in 

order to preserve your residence for naturalization purposes.
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2. Physical Presence

Physical presence means that you actually have been present in the United 

States. If you are a permanent resident, 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.

The Difference between Physical Presence and Continuous Residence

Physical presence is the total days you were inside the United States and does not include the time you spend 

outside the United States. Each day you spend outside the United States takes away from your physical presence 

total. If you are away from the United States for long periods of time or if you take many short trips outside the 

country, you may not meet your physical presence requirement. To count your physical presence time, you should add 

together all the time you have been in the United States. Then subtract all trips you have taken outside the United 

States. This even includes short trips to Canada and Mexico. For example, if you go to Mexico for a weekend, 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.

3. Time 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 he 

or she commits certain crimes during the five years before applying for 

naturalization, or if he or she does not tell the truth during the naturalization 

interview.
104

Behaviors That Might Show a Lack of Good Moral Character

● Drunk driving or being drunk on a regular basis

● Illegal gambling

● Prostitution

● Lying to gain immigration benefits

● Failing to pay court-ordered child support or alimony

● Persecuting someone because of race, religion, national origin, political opinion, or social group

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 naturalization. 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 examples of permanent bars to naturalization. In most cases, 

immigrants who were exempted or discharged from serving in the U.S. armed 

forces because they were immigrants 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. These include:

● Any crime against a person with intent to harm;

● Any crime against property or the government involving fraud;

● Two or more crimes with combined sentences of five years or more;

● Violating controlled substance laws (for example, using or selling illegal 

drugs); and

● 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.
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5. English and Civics

In general, you must show that you can understand, read, 

write, and speak basic English. You must also have a basic 

knowledge of U.S. history and government (also known 

as civics). You are required to pass an English and a civics 

test to prove your knowledge.

Many schools and community organizations help people 

prepare for their citizenship tests. You can find test 

questions at www.uscis.gov/citizenship and www.

uscis.gov/teststudymaterials. USCIS offers a variety 

of free study materials, such as booklets, flash cards, 

practice tests, and videos. You can get information about 

citizenship and English classes at www.uscis.gov/citizenship.

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 Allegiance. You become a U.S. citizen 

when you take the Oath of Allegiance.

In certain circumstances, there can be a modification of the Oath of Allegiance. If 

you show that you have a physical or developmental disability that makes you 

unable to understand the meaning of the Oath, it can be waived.

If you have a pending naturalization application and you move, you must 

notify USCIS of your new address. File Form AR-11, Change of Address, within 

10 days of your relocation. For more information or to change your address 

online, visit www.uscis.gov/addresschange or call Customer Service at 

1-800-375-5283. You must notify USCIS each time you change your address.

Exemptions, Exceptions, and Accommodations

English Language and Civics Exemptions

Some people who apply for naturalization have different test requirements 

because of their age and the length of time they have lived in the United 

States.
106

exeMPtions to the english and CiviCs RequiReMents

Lived as permanent 

If you are: resident in the You do not take the: You must take the:

United States for:

Age 50 or older 20 years English test Civics test in your language

Age 55 or older 15 years English test Civics test in your language

Age 65 or older 20 years English test Simplified civics test in your language

If you do not have to take the English test, you must bring your own 

translator for the civics test.

Medical Exceptions

If you have a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment(s), 

you can seek an exception for the English and/or civics requirements. To get 

more information, contact the USCIS Forms Line at 1-800-870-3676 and ask 

for Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, or get a copy 

from the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/n-648.

Disability Accommodations

USCIS makes every reasonable effort to help applicants with disabilities 

complete the naturalization process. For example, if you use a wheelchair, 

USCIS will make sure that you can be fingerprinted, interviewed, and 

naturalized at a location that is wheelchair accessible. If you are deaf or 

hearing impaired and need a sign language interpreter, USCIS will make 

arrangements with you to have one at your interview. If you need an 

accommodation due to a disability, please call Customer Service at 1-800-

375-5283 or 1-800-767-1833 (for hearing impaired) to request an 

accommodation.

Naturalization Ceremonies

If USCIS approves your application for naturalization, you must attend a 

ceremony and take the Oath of Allegiance. USCIS will send you Form N-445, 

Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony, to tell you the time and date of your 

ceremony. You must complete this form and bring it to your ceremony.
107

If you cannot go to your ceremony, you can reschedule your ceremony. To 

reschedule, you must return Form N-445 to your local USCIS office along 

with a letter explaining why you cannot attend the ceremony.

You will return your Permanent Resident Card to USCIS when you check in 

at the ceremony. You will no longer need your card because you will get a 

Certificate of Naturalization at the ceremony.

You are not a citizen until you have taken the Oath of Allegiance. An official 

will read each part of the Oath slowly and ask you to repeat the words. After 

you take the Oath, you will receive your Certificate of Naturalization. This 

certificate proves that you are a U.S. citizen.

The Oath of Allegiance ceremony is a public event. Many communities hold 

special ceremonies on Independence Day, July 4, of each year. Check to see 

if your community holds a special July 4 citizenship ceremony and how 

you can participate. Many people bring their families and celebrate after the 

ceremony.

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 and to 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. Visit the USCIS website at www.

uscis.gov to learn more. You will find other helpful 

materials at www.welcometousa.gov.

Now that you are here, you have a chance to experience 

everything that life can be in this country. We welcome 

you as a permanent resident, and we wish you a 

successful life in the United States.


www.uscis.gov

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