Welcome to the United States

A Guide for New Immigrants

M-618
Welcome to the United States

A Guide for New Immigrants
The information presented inWelcome 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, 2005.

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 image, 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 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.
i

Congratulations on becoming a permanent resident of

the United States of America. On behalf of the President

of the United States and the American people, we

welcome you and wish you every success in the

United States.

The United States has a long history of welcoming

immigrants from all parts of the world. America values

the contributions of immigrants, who continue to

enrich this country and preserve its legacy as a land of

freedom and opportunity.

As a permanent resident of the United States, you have

made a decision to call this country your home. As you

work to achieve your goals, take some 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 this country and ensure its continued success.

Exciting opportunities await you as you begin your life

as a resident of this great country. Welcome to the

United States!

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Welcome to the United States

A Guide for New Immigrants
ii

Do you have all the 

important documents

you need? See p. 9.

Do you know your rights

as a permanent

resident? See p. 8.

Do you need

a place to live?

See p. 20.

Do you

need a job?

See p. 33.

Do you have

children?

See p. 50.

Do you need to

learn English?

See p. 60.

Do you need

healthcare?

See p. 44.

GETTING SETTLED IN THE UNITED STATES

Do you know what to

do in an emergency?

See p. 66. Do you want to know

more about the United

States? See p. 74.

Do you want to

become a citizen?

See p. 90.
iii

Welcome to the United States: A Guide for

New Immigrants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i

Federal Departments and Agencies . . . . . . . . v

For More Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi

About This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Where to Get Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Getting Involved in Your Community . . . . . . 5

Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Permanent

Resident . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Your Rights and Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . 8

Maintaining Your Permanent Resident Status . 10

If You Are a Conditional Resident . . . . . . . . 12

Finding Legal Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Consequences of Criminal Behavior for 

Permanent Residents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Getting Settled in the United States . . . . . . . . . . 19

Finding a Place to Live . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Getting a Social Security Number . . . . . . . . 26

Taking Care of Your Money . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Looking for a Job . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Paying Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Traveling in the United States . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Taking Care of Your Health . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Other Federal Benefits Programs . . . . . . . . . 47

Education and Childcare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Higher Education: Colleges and Universities . . 57

Adult Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Learning English . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Childcare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Emergencies and Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Emergency Help: Call 911 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Keeping Your Home and Family Safe . . . . . . 68

Homeland Security Advisory System for 

Terrorist Attacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Learning About the United States . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

We the People:The Role of the Citizen 

in the United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

How the United States Began . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Creating “A More Perfect Union” . . . . . . . . 78

How the Federal Government Works . . . . . . 81

The Legislative Branch: Congress . . . . . . . . . 82

The Executive Branch:The President . . . . . . 85

The Judicial Branch:The Supreme Court . . . 86

State and Local Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Becoming a U.S. Citizen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Why Become a U.S. Citizen? . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Naturalization: Becoming a Citizen . . . . . . . 91

The United States Today (map) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Federal Holidays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Additional Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

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v

If you are not sure which department to call about a question, start

by calling 1-800-FED-INFO (or 1-800-333-4636) to ask where to

call. People who have difficulty hearing can call 1-800-326-2996.

You can also visit http://www.FirstGov.gov for general information about federal departments and agencies.

Department of Education (ED)

U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue SW

Washington, DC 20202

Phone: 1-800-872-5327

For hearing impaired: 1-800-437-0833

http://www.ed.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

U. S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

1801 L Street NW

Washington, DC 20507

Phone: 1-800-669-4000

For hearing impaired: 1-800-669-6820

http://www.eeoc.gov

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

200 Independence Avenue SW

Washington, DC 20201

Phone: 1-877-696-6775

http://www.hhs.gov

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Washington, DC 20528

http://www.dhs.gov

U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Phone: 1-800-375-5283

For hearing impaired: 1-800-767-1833

http://www.uscis.gov

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Phone: 1-202-354-1000

http://www.cbp.gov

U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

http://www.ice.gov

FEDERAL DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

451 7th Street SW

Washington, DC 20410

Phone: 1-202-708-1112

For hearing impaired: 1-202-708-1455

http://www.hud.gov

Department of Justice (DOJ)

U.S. Department of Justice

950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20530-0001

Phone: 1-202-514-2000

http://www.usdoj.gov

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Phone: 1-800-829-1040

For hearing impaired: 1-800-829-4059

http://www.irs.gov

Selective Service System (SSS)

Registration Information Office

PO Box 94638

Palatine, IL 60094-4638

Phone: 1-847-688-6888

For hearing impaired: 1-847-688-2567

http://www.sss.gov

Social Security Administration (SSA)

Office of Public Inquiries

6401 Security Boulevard

Baltimore, MD 21235

Phone: 1-800-772-1213

For hearing impaired: 1-800-325-0778

http://www.socialsecurity.gov

Department of State (DOS)

U.S. Department of State

2201 C Street NW

Washington, DC 20520

Phone: 1-202-647-4000

http://www.state.gov

TO GET MORE INFORMATION FROM USCIS:

Visit our website at http://www.uscis.gov.

Call our National Customer Service Center:

1-800-375-5283 or 1-800-767-1833 (hearing impaired).

To get USCIS forms, call 1-800-870-3676 or look on 

the USCIS website.

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About This Guide

Adjusting to your new life in the United States of America will take time. This guide contains basic

information that will 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.
As a permanent resident, you should begin to learn about

this country, its people, and its system of government. Use

this guide to find out about your rights and responsibilities

as a new immigrant, to understand how our federal, state,

and local governments work, and to learn how important

historical events have shaped the United States.This guide

also explains the importance of getting involved in your

own community and offers suggestions to help you 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. Most of the information you need can be found on the USCIS website at

http://www.uscis.gov. You can obtain USCIS forms by

calling 1-800-870-3676 and you can get more information by calling the USCIS National Customer Service

Center 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 have about life in the

United States.To find additional information, you may

wish to contact a state, county, or city government

office to learn about services you need or consult with

a local organization that helps new immigrants settle

into life here.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 almost any topic and can give you a library card that

allows you to borrow items, such as books and videotapes, free of charge. Most libraries also have local

newspapers for you to read and computers that you can

use to search the Internet. Ask the library staff to show

you how to use the computer to search the Internet.

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Some libraries give free classes on how to search the

Internet. Some libraries also provide English language

tutoring or classes and other programs for children and

adults.

Your Local 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 individual people; the

yellow pages have phone numbers and addresses for

businesses and organizations; and the blue pages show

local, state, and federal government office phone numbers and addresses.You can also dial 411 on your

phone to get a specific phone number anywhere in the

United States.Your community or city also may have a

separate book with the yellow pages listings or its own

community phone book.

The Internet

The Internet can link you to many sources of information, including the websites of federal, state, and local

government agencies. Most government websites end

with “.gov”. If you don’t have a computer at home, you

can use one in your public library or at an “Internet
café,” which is a business that charges a fee for using a

computer with Internet service.You can use the Internet

to search for jobs, find housing, learn about schools for

your children, and locate community organizations and

resources to help you.You also can discover interesting

information on the Internet about life in America,

United States history and government, and your local

community.

❿ TIP:As an immigrant you should be aware that dishonest people have made websites that look like government websites to confuse you and take advantage

of you. Remember that http://www.uscis.gov is the

official website of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration

Services.

Community- and Faith-Based Organizations That Assist

Immigrants

There are organizations in many communities that provide free or very low-cost assistance to immigrants.

These organizations can help you learn about your

community and the services available to you as an

immigrant.You can look for these organizations by

searching on the Internet, looking in your local phone

book, asking at the public library, and asking your local

government social service agency.

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5

Getting Involved in Your

Community

Getting involved in your community will help you feel

at home here.Your community is also a good source of

information. Here are some ways to get involved:

• Introduce yourself to and get to know your neighbors.

• Talk with or visit community organizations that help

immigrants get settled in the U.S.

• Join groups at your place of worship.

• Join your neighborhood association.This is a group

of people in the neighborhood who meet to work

together on things affecting the neighborhood.

• Volunteer at a community organization, school, or

place of worship.

• Enroll in an English language class.

You can find more ideas about getting involved on the

Department of Housing and Urban Development’s website at http://www.hud.gov. Look in the “Communities”

section for information about communities and suggestions for getting involved.
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Visit our website at http://www.uscis.gov.

Call our National Customer Service Center: 

1-800-375-5283 or 1-800-767-1833 (hearing impaired).

To get USCIS forms, call 1-800-870-3676 

or look on the USCIS website.

TO GET MORE INFORMATION FROM USCIS:
Your Rights and Responsibilities as a

Permanent Resident

As a permanent resident, you are expected to respect and be loyal to the United States and to obey our country’s laws. Being a

permanent resident also means that you have new rights and responsibilities.

Being a permanent resident is a “privilege” and 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 U.S. citizen one day. In this section, you will learn what it means to be a permanent resident and

how you can maintain your permanent resident status.
Your Rights and Responsibilities

What you do now as a permanent resident can affect

your ability to become a U.S. citizen later.The process of

becoming a U.S. citizen is called “naturalization.”

As a permanent resident, you have the right to:

• Live and work permanently anywhere in the U.S.

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

• Request a visa for your husband or wife and unmarried children to live in the U.S.

• Get Social Security, Supplemental Security Income,

and Medicare benefits, if you are eligible.

• Own property in the U.S.

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

• Leave and return to the U.S. under certain conditions.

• Attend public school and college.

• Join certain branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.

• Purchase or own a firearm, as long as there are no state

or local restrictions saying you can’t.

As a permanent resident, it is your responsibility to:

• Obey all federal, state, and local laws.

• Pay federal, state, and local income taxes.

• Register with the Selective Service (U.S. Armed

Forces), if you are a male between ages 18 and 26.

See page 11 for instructions.

• Maintain your immigration status.

• Carry proof of your permanent resident status at all

times.

• Give your new address in writing to the Department

of Homeland Security (DHS) within 10 days of each

time you move. See page 12 for instructions.

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9

Permanent residents are issued a valid Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) as proof of their legal status in

the United States. Some people call this a “Green Card.”

If you are a permanent resident who is 18 years or

older, you must carry proof of your immigration status.

You must show it to an immigration officer if asked for

it.Your card is valid for 10 years and must be renewed

before it expires.You should file Form I-90 to replace or

renew your Permanent Resident Card.You can get this

form at http://www.uscis.gov or by calling the USCIS

Forms Line.There is a fee to file Form I-90.

Your Permanent Resident

Card shows that you are

allowed to live and work in

the United States.You also

can use your Permanent

Resident Card to re-enter

the United States. If you are

outside the U.S. for more than 12 months, you will need

to show additional documentation to re-enter the U.S. as a

permanent resident. See page 10 for more information on

the documents required to re-enter the U.S. if you are out

of the country for more than 12 months.

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

documents include your passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce certificate,

diplomas showing that you have graduated from high school or college, and certificates

that show you have special training or skills. 

OTHER IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
Maintaining Your Permanent

Resident Status

There are some things you must

do to maintain your permanent

resident status.These are also

important to remember if you

plan to apply for U.S. citizenship in

the future.

• Don’t leave the United States for

an extended period of time or

move to another country to live

there permanently.

• File federal and state 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 DHS.

Keep Your Immigration Status

Permanent residents who leave the United States for

extended periods, or who cannot show their intent to

live permanently in the U.S., may lose their permanent

resident status. If you think you will be out of the U.S.

for more than 12 months, you should apply for a re-entry

permit before leaving the country. You should file Form

I-131, Application for a Travel Document. A re-entry

permit is valid for up to 2 years and shows that you are

returning from a temporary visit abroad.You may show

the re-entry permit at a port of entry.

You can get this form at http://www.uscis.gov or by calling

the USCIS Forms Line.You must pay a fee to file Form I-131.

If you are not able to return to the U.S. before your re-entry

permit expires or you did not apply for a re-entry permit

before leaving the U.S. and have been outside the U.S. for

more than 12 months, you may be able to get a special immigrant Returning Resident (SB-1) visa overseas from the

Department of State.There are special requirements for this

visa.Visit http://www.state.gov or your nearest Department

of State Consular Office overseas for more information.

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11

File Tax Returns

As a permanent resident, you must file income tax

returns and report your income to the Internal Revenue

Service (IRS) and your state, city, or local tax department,

if required. If you do not file income tax returns while

living outside of the U.S. 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

If you are a man and you are 18 to 26 years old, you

must register with the Selective Service. 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. Permanent residents and

citizens do not have

to serve in the Armed Forces unless they want to.

You can register at a United States post office or on the

Internet.To register for Selective Service on the Internet,

visit the Selective Service website: http://www.sss.gov.

To speak with someone from the Selective Service, call

1-847-688-6888.This is not a free call.

You can also find information on the USCIS website

http://www.uscis.gov.
Give Your New Address to DHS

Every time you move, you need to tell DHS your new

address.You must file Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of

Address Card.You must file this form within 10 days of

your move.There is no fee to file this form.

Send Form AR-11 to:

Department of Homeland Security

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Change of Address

P.O. Box 7134

London, KY 40742-7134

For more information, call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 or

visit http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/

forms/ar-11.htm.

If You Are a Conditional Resident 

You may be in the U.S. as a conditional resident (CR).

You are a CR if you were married for less than 2 years

to your U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse on

the day your permanent resident status was granted. If

you have children, they also may be CRs. Some immigrant investors are also conditional residents.

A CR has the same rights and responsibilities as a permanent resident. Conditional residents must file either Form

I-751, Petition to Remove the Conditions on Residence,

or Form I-829, Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove

Conditions, within 2 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 90 days of the 2-year

anniversary of when you got your conditional resident

status. If you do not do this, you can lose your immigration status.

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13

Filing Form I-751 With Your Husband or Wife

If you are a CR and you are married, 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 has abused you, you can file Form

I-751 by yourself. If you are not applying with your spouse,

you can file Form I-751 at any time after you are a CR.

Who: Conditional residents 

Why: Conditional resident status expires 2 years after the date you become a CR. 

When: Conditional residents filing together with their 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 residence

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

Where to get the form: You can call the USCIS Forms Line at 1-800-870-3676. You also can get the form

at http://www.uscis.gov. 

Where to send the form: Send it to a USCIS Service Center. The addresses of the Service Centers are in

the instructions for the form.

What it costs: You must pay a fee to file Form I-751 or Form I-829. These fees can change, so check with

USCIS for the current fees before you send the form. 

If you file Form I-751 or Form I-829 on time, USCIS will usually send you a notice extending your CR 

status for up to 12 months. During this time, USCIS will review your application.

HOW TO FILE USCIS FORMS I-751 AND I-829
❿ TIP: Keep copies of all forms you send to USCIS

and other government offices. When sending documents, do not send originals. Send copies. Sometimes forms get lost. Keeping copies can help avoid

problems.

Finding Legal Assistance 

If you need help with an immigration issue, you can use

the services of a licensed and competent immigration

lawyer.You can check with your local bar association for

help finding a qualified lawyer.

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.You can ask for help

from:

• A Recognized Organization. These are 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, and can

charge or accept only very small fees for those 

services. For a list of these BIA-recognized organizations, see http://www.usdoj.gov/eoir/statspub/

recognitionaccreditationroster.pdf.

• An Accredited Representative. These are people who

are connected to BIA “recognized organizations.”

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These representatives can charge or accept only very

small fees for their services. For a list of these BIAaccredited representatives, see http://www.usdoj.gov/

eoir/statspub/accreditedreproster.pdf.

• A Qualified Representative. These are people who

will provide free services.These representatives must

know about immigration law and the rules of practice

in court. Examples of qualified representatives include

law school students and graduates and people with

good moral character who have a personal or professional affiliation with you (relative, neighbor, clergy,

co-worker, friend).

• Free Legal Service Providers. The Office of the Chief

Immigration Judge has a list of recognized free legal

service providers for people who are in immigration

proceedings (see http://www.usdoj.gov/eoir/probono/

states.htm).This is a list of attorneys and organizations

that may be willing to represent immigrants in proceedings before the Immigration Courts.The attorneys

and organizations on this list have agreed to help

immigrants pro bono (free of charge) only in immigration proceedings, so some of them may not be able to

help you with non-court-related matters (that is, visa

petitions, naturalization, etc.).

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 http://uscis.gov/

graphics/howdoi/battered.htm or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline for more information.

IF YOU ARE A VICTIM OF DOMESTIC ABUSE
• Pro Bono Program. Local

lists of recognized pro

bono (free of charge)

organizations and their

representatives are usually available at each local

USCIS office.

Beware of Immigration Consultant Fraud!

Many immigration practitioners are well qualified and

honest and can provide good services to immigrants.

However, there are some people who take advantage of

immigrants.

Before you decide to get help with immigration matters, and before you pay any money, you should do

some research so you can make the right decision about

what kind of legal help you need. Protect yourself from

becoming a victim of immigration fraud.

Here are some things to remember:

• No private organization or person offering help with

immigration issues has a special connection with

USCIS. Ask questions of people who make promises

that sound too good to be true or who claim to have a

special relationship with USCIS. Do not trust people

who guarantee results or faster processing. If you are

not eligible for an immigration benefit, using an

immigration lawyer or consultant will not change that.

• Some consultants, travel agencies, real estate offices, and

people called “notaries public” offer immigration 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 cause serious problems for you.

• If you use an immigration consultant or lawyer, get a

written contract. The contract should be in English

and in your own language, if English is not your

native language. The contract should list all services

that will be provided to you and how much they

cost. Ask for references before you sign the contract.

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17

• 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.

Get help if an immigration consultant has cheated you.

Call your state or local district attorney, consumer affairs

department, or local police department.

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 U.S., you could have serious problems.You

could be removed from the country, not allowed back into

the U.S. if you leave the country, 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 

1-year prison term.

• Murder.

• Terrorist activities.

• Rape.

• Sexual assault on a child.

• Trafficking in drugs, firearms, or people.
• A crime of “moral turpitude,” which in general is a

crime with an intent to steal or defraud; a crime

where physical harm is done or threatened; a crime

where serious physical harm is caused by reckless

behavior; or a crime of sexual misconduct.

There are also serious consequences for you as a 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 local election open

only to U.S. citizens.

• Are a “habitual drunkard”—someone who is drunk

or someone who uses illegal drugs most of the time.

• Are married to more than 1 person at the same time.

• Fail to support your family or to pay child or spousal

support as ordered.

• Are arrested for assaulting or harassing a family member, including violating a protection order.This is called

domestic violence.

• Lie to get public benefits.

• 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.

If you have committed

or have been convicted

of a crime, before you

apply for another immigration benefit you

should consult with a

reputable immigration

lawyer or a communitybased organization that provides legal service to immigrants. See page 14 for information on how to find legal

assistance.

18
Getting Settled in the United States

This section provides information that can help you adjust to life in the United States.You’ll learn about finding

housing and a job, getting a Social Security number and a driver’s license, taking care of your money, and getting

healthcare for you and your family.
Finding a Place to Live 

You can choose where you want to live in the United

States. Many people stay with friends or family members when they first arrive. After they find jobs, they

move into their own housing. Sometimes religious or

community organizations also help with temporary

housing.

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

housing choices:

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.

• Look in the newspaper in the section called “Classified

Advertisements” or “Classifieds.” Find the pages listing “Apartments for Rent” and “Homes for Rent.”

These will have information about homes, such as

where they are located, the number of rooms, and the

cost of rent.

• Look in the phone book yellow pages under

“Property Management.”These are companies that

rent homes.These companies may charge you a fee to

help you find a home.

• Ask friends and relatives or people at your job if they

know of places to rent.

• Check bulletin boards in libraries, grocery stores, and

community centers for “For Rent” notices.

• Check for rentals on

the Internet. If you

don’t have a computer at home, you can

go to your local public library or an

Internet café.

• Call a local real estate

agent.

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21

What to Expect When You Rent a Home

Applying to Rent. People who rent out apartments or

homes are called “landlords.” A landlord may ask you to

fill out a rental application form.This is so the landlord

can check to see if you have the money to pay the rent.

The application form may ask for a Social Security

number and proof that you are working.You can use

your Permanent Resident Card if you do not yet have a

Social Security number. You can also 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

will have to pay the rent for you.

Signing a Lease.You sign a rental agreement or “lease”

if the landlord agrees to rent to you. When you sign a

lease, you agree to pay your rent on time and stay for a

specific length of time. Most leases are for 1 year.You

can also find housing for shorter periods of time, such

as 1 month.You may have to pay more money for a

short lease than for a longer one.

When you sign a lease, you agree to keep the home clean

and in good shape.You may be charged extra if you damage the place you are renting.The lease may also list the

number of people who can live in the home.

A lease is a legal document.You must keep up your part

of the agreement. Landlords must also do their part.They

must keep the property safe and in good condition.
Paying a Security Deposit. Renters usually pay a security

deposit when they move in.This deposit is usually equal

to one month’s rent.You will get this deposit back if the

home is clean and in good condition when you move

out. If not, the landlord may keep some or all of your

deposit to pay for cleaning or repairs.

Inspect the house or apartment before you move in.Tell

the landlord about any problems you find.Talk to your

landlord before you move out to find out what you

need to fix to get all of your security deposit back.

Paying Other Rental Costs. For some houses or apartments, the rent payment includes the cost of utilities

(gas, electricity, heat, water, and trash removal). For

other rentals, you must pay separately for these

expenses. Ask the landlord if utilities are included

when you are looking for housing. If they are, make

sure this is in your rental agreement before you sign

it. If utilities are not included, you should find out

how much they will cost. The cost of some utilities

will be more in the summer (for air conditioning) or

winter (for heat).

22

Landlords must keep the home or apartment you rent safe and in good condition. If you have a problem:

• First, talk to your landlord. Tell him or her what is wrong and that you want it fixed. 

• Next, write a letter to your landlord telling him or her what is wrong. Keep a copy for yourself. 

• Finally, call your local Housing Office. Most city or local governments have people who inspect houses for

problems. Ask the inspector to visit and show him or her all the problems. 

If your landlord does not fix the problems, you may be able to make a legal charge against him or her. 

GETTING THINGS FIXED
23

Ending a Lease. Ending a rental agreement is called

“terminating your lease.”Your landlord may agree to

terminate your lease early if he or she can find someone else to rent your home. If not, you may have to

pay monthly rent until the end of the lease, even if

you are not living there.You also may lose your security deposit if you leave before the end of the lease.

Give your landlord a written notice that you want to

move out. Most landlords require notice at least 30

days before you want to leave.

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

you because of:

• your race or color.

• the country you came from. 

• your religion.

• your sex.

• a physical disability. 

• your family status, such as whether or not you are married.

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

of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by phone at 1-800-669-9777. Information is given in English

and Spanish.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: DISCRIMINATION IN HOUSING IS NOT ALLOWED 
❿ TIP: If you move, you should tell the U.S. Postal

Service so it can forward your mail to your new

address.You can change your address online at

http://www.usps.com or visit your local post

office and request a “Moving Guide.” Don’t forget

to also file Form AR-11 with DHS. See page 12

for instructions.

Buying a Home

For many people owning a home is part of the “American

Dream.” Owning a home has many benefits and brings

many responsibilities.

Real estate agents can help you find a home to buy. Ask

friends or co-workers or call a local real estate agency

for the name of an agent. Ask for an agent who knows

the area where you want to buy your house.You can

look in the newspaper “Classifieds” under “Homes for

Sale.”You can also look for “For Sale” signs in the

neighborhoods you like.

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. Getting a

mortgage means you are borrowing money at a specific

rate of interest for a specific period of time.

Interest you pay on your mortgage can be deducted

from your federal income tax.

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25

❿ TIP: Beware of lenders charging very high interest

rates on mortgages. Some lenders may try to charge

you more because you are new to this country.

There are laws to protect you from fraud, unnecessary expenses, and discrimination in buying a

home. Find out more by visiting the “Homes”

section at http://www.hud.gov.

You also need to buy homeowner’s insurance to help pay

for any possible future damage to your home. Insurance

usually covers damage due to bad weather, fire, or 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 also help

you fill out the forms to buy your home. A real estate

agent should not charge you a fee to buy a home. But

you may have to pay a fee to a real estate lawyer to help

you fill out the forms.You will also have to pay fees to

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.

Visit the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development website at http://www.hud.gov or call 

1-800-569-4287 for information in English and Spanish. For information about buying a home and getting

a mortgage, visit the Federal Citizen Information Center at http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov. See also the “For

Homeowners and Home Buyers” section of http://www.fanniemae.com.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BUYING OR RENTING A HOME
Getting a Social Security Number

As a permanent resident, you can get a Social Security

number (SSN). A Social Security number is a number

assigned to you by the United States government. It helps

the government keep track of your earnings and the benefits you can get. It is also used by banks and other agencies,

such as schools, to identify you.You may be asked for your

SSN when you rent an apartment or buy a home.

The government department in charge of Social

Security is called the Social Security Administration.

Find the Social Security office closest to you by:

• Asking friends or neighbors where to find the nearest

Social Security office.

• Calling 1-800-772-1213 between 7 AM and 7 PM.

Information is given in English and Spanish. Free

interpreter services are available.

• Looking for the address in the blue pages of the

phone book.

• Looking on the Social Security Administration website

at http://www.socialsecurity.gov.

26

The Social Security office can provide an interpreter free of charge to help you apply for a Social Security number.

Tell the person who answers the phone at 1-800-772-1213 that you don’t speak English. They will find an interpreter to help on the phone. You can also get help 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. A

section of the website has information about Social Security in 14 languages. Visit http://www.socialsecurity.gov.

IF YOU DO NOT SPEAK ENGLISH
27

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

Social Security office to get a Social Security number if:

• You asked for a Social Security number or card when

you applied for an immigrant visa AND

• You applied for an immigrant visa in October 2002

or later AND

• You were age 18 or older when you came to the

United States.

“Identity theft” means someone has stolen your personal information, such as your Social Security or

bank account number. They can use it to take money from your bank account or get 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 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. 

• Tearing up or shredding any paper or forms with your personal information on them before throwing them

in the trash.

If you have a problem with identity theft, you can get help by calling the Federal Trade Commission’s

ID Theft Hotline at 1-877-438-4338. You also can get information at http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft.

AVOID IDENTITY THEFT
In this situation, the

information needed to

assign you an SSN was

sent by the Departments of State and

Homeland Security to

the Social Security

Administration.The Social Security Administration will

assign you an SSN and mail your SSN card to the same

U.S. mailing address where USCIS sends your Permanent

Resident Card.You should get your SSN card within 3

weeks after you arrive in the U.S. Contact the Social

Security Administration if you do not get your card

within 3 weeks after coming to the U.S. or if you change

your mailing address after you come to the U.S. but

before you receive your SSN card.

You must go to a Social Security office to get an SSN if:

• You did not ask for a Social Security number or card

when you applied for an immigrant visa OR

• You applied for your immigrant visa before October

2002 OR

• You were under age 18 when you came to the U.S.

A Social Security representative will help you apply for

an SSN. Bring these documents with you when you go

to the office to apply:

• A birth certificate or other document such as your

passport showing when and where you were born

AND

• A document showing your immigration status,

including your permission to work in the U.S.This

can be your Permanent Resident Card or passport

with an immigration stamp or visa label.

Your Social Security number will be sent to you in the mail.

You should get your Social Security card about 2 weeks

after the Social Security Administration has all documents

needed for your application. If they need to verify any of

your documents, it may take longer to get your SSN.

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29

Taking Care of Your Money

Getting a Bank Account

A bank account is a safe place to keep your money. Banks

have different kinds of accounts. Checking accounts (for

paying bills) and savings accounts (for earning interest

on your money) 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.

Credit unions and savings and loan associations are

other choices for banking.Your employer may have a

credit union that you can join. Credit unions provide

most of the same services as banks, but many offer

extra services. Compare the services, fees, hours, and

locations of banks before you open an account, so you

can choose one that best meets your needs.

❿ TIP: Many stores offer check-cashing services and

overseas money-wiring services, but these cost

money. Check to see if your bank offers these services

at a lower cost.

It is not safe to leave large amounts of money in your house. It is also not safe to carry around large

amounts of cash. It could be stolen or lost. Your money is protected if you put it in a bank that is a

member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). The FDIC provides banks with insurance

to protect your money. If your bank closes, the FDIC will pay you the amount of the money in your

account up to $100,000. Make sure the bank you choose has FDIC insurance. 

KEEPING YOUR MONEY SAFE
When you open a bank account, you will be asked to

prove your identity.You can use your Permanent

Resident Card or driver’s license.You will also need to

give the bank some money—called a “deposit”—to put

into your new account. After a few days, you can take

money out of your account.This is called “withdrawing” money.You can withdraw money by writing a

check, going to an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM), or

filling out a withdrawal form in the bank.

Using Your Bank Account

You can get money from your bank account using a

personal check or ATM card. Be sure that only you and,

if you have one, your joint account holder have access

to your account.

Personal checks.You will 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 bank to pay the person

or business you have written on the check. Keep these

checks in a safe place.

ATM cards.You can ask your bank for an

ATM card.This is a small plastic card

linked to your bank account. Use this

card to get cash or deposit money in

your account at an ATM machine. Usually you do not

pay a fee for using your own bank’s ATM.You may pay a

fee if you use an ATM at another bank.

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31

The bank staff will show you how to use an ATM card

and give you a special number, called a PIN (“personal

identification number”) to use at the ATM. Be careful

when using ATMs. Never give anyone your PIN number

or ATM card.They could use it to take money out of

your account.

Debit cards.Your bank may give you a debit card to use

for your checking account. Sometimes your ATM card

can also be used as a debit card. Debit cards allow you

to pay for something without writing a check by having

your bank send the money directly to the business you

are buying from.

Bank checks. Bank checks are checks that the bank

makes out at your request.You give the bank money

and they make out a bank check for that amount of

money to the person or business you want to send it to.

Banks may charge a fee for bank checks.

Credit cards—also called “charge cards”—allow you to make purchases and pay for them later.

Banks, 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 get it, you do not have to pay interest. If you do not pay the entire

amount or if you send your payment late, you will be charged interest and possibly an additional fee.

Some credit cards have very high interest rates.

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. 

CREDIT CARDS
❿ 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 tell the credit card company right

away.

Write down the numbers for all bank accounts and

debit, ATM, and credit cards. Also write down the

phone numbers of these companies. Keep this information in a safe place. If your wallet is lost or stolen, you

can call the companies and cancel all your cards.This

will keep someone else from using your cards illegally.

32

In the U.S., the way you handle your credit is very important. There are organizations that create a

“credit score” or “credit rating” for you depending on how you pay bills, how many loans you take out,

and other factors. This credit rating is very important when you want to buy a home or car or take out

a loan. Here are some things you can do to get a good credit rating:

• Pay all your bills on time.

• Keep your credit card balances low. Pay at least the minimum amount due each month.

• Don’t apply for a lot of loans or credit cards. 

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, you can call 1-877-322-8228 or go to http://www.annualcreditreport.com.

Depending on what state you live in, you may not be able to get the free report until September 1,

2005. This is when people all over the U.S. can get a free credit report.

YOUR CREDIT RATING
33

Looking for a Job

There are many ways to look for a job in the United

States.To increase your chances of finding a job, you can:

• Ask friends, neighbors, family, or others in your community about job openings or good places to work.

• Look in the newspaper “Classifieds” section under

“Employment.”

• Look for “Help Wanted” signs in the windows of

local businesses.

• Go to the Employment or Human Resources offices

of businesses in your area to ask about job openings.

• Visit community agencies that help immigrants find

jobs or job training programs.

• Check bulletin boards in local libraries, grocery

stores, and community centers for notices of job

openings.

• Check with the department of employment services

for your state.

• Search for jobs on the

Internet. If you are using

a computer at your

library, the library staff

can help you get started.

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.These

are called “references,” and the employer may want to

call them to ask questions about you.

You may need to create a “resumé” with a list of your

work experience. A resumé tells your employer about

your past jobs, your education or training, and your job

skills.Take your resumé when you apply for work.
A good resumé:

• Has your name, address,

and phone number.

• Lists your past jobs and

includes dates you worked.

• Shows your level of education.

• Shows any special skills you have.

• Is easy to read and has no mistakes.

Check with local community service agencies to see if

they can help you write a resumé. Private businesses can

help with this, too, but they charge a fee.

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.

You can practice answering questions about your past

work and your skills with a friend or family member so

you will be ready. You can also ask questions of the employer. This is a good chance to find out about the job.

34

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

• Medical care.

• Dental care.

• Eye care.

• Life insurance. 

• Retirement plan.

Employers may pay some or all of the costs of these benefits. Ask about the benefits your employer will provide. 

WHAT ARE BENEFITS?
35

You may want to ask:

• What are the hours of work?

• How much does the job pay? (U.S. law requires most

employers to pay a “minimum wage,” which is the

lowest wage permitted.)

• How many vacation days are there?

• How many sick days are there?

• What benefits come with the job?

During the interview, an employer can ask you many

questions. But employers are not allowed to ask some

questions. No one should ask you about your race,

Several federal laws forbid employers from discriminating against people looking for a job. The United

States has laws forbidding discrimination because of:

• Race, color, religion, country of origin, and sex (Civil Rights Act).

• Age (Age Discrimination in Employment Act).

• Disabilities (Americans with Disabilities Act).

• Sex (Equal Pay Act).

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

website at http://www.eeoc.gov or call 1-800-669-4000 and 1-800-669-6820 (for hearing impaired).

Other laws help keep work places safe, provide for leave in cases of family or medical emergencies,

and provide temporary funds for unemployed workers. Visit the U.S. Department of Labor website at

http://www.dol.gov for more information about workers’ rights.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: FEDERAL LAWS PROTECT EMPLOYEES
color, sex, marriage, religion, country of origin, age, or

any disability you may have.

What to Expect When You Are Hired

When you go to your new job for the first time, you

will be asked to fill out some forms.These include:

• Form I-9, the Employment Eligibility Verification

Form. By law, your employer must check to see that

all newly hired workers are eligible to work in the

U.S. On your first day of work, you will need to fill in

the I-9 form. Within 3 business days, you must show

your employer your identity documents and work

authorization documents.You can choose what documents to show as proof of your right to work in the

U.S., as long as the document is listed on the I-9

form.The list of acceptable documents is on the back

of the I-9 form. Examples of acceptable documents

are your Permanent Resident Card or an unrestricted

Social Security number card in combination with a

state-issued driver’s license.

• Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Allowance

Certificate.Your employer should take federal taxes

from your paycheck to send to the government.This

is called “withholding tax.” Form W-4 tells your

employer to withhold taxes and helps you figure out

the right amount to withhold.

• Other Forms.You may also need to fill out a tax withholding form for the state you live in and forms so

that you can get benefits.

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37

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; this is called “direct deposit.”

Speaking English at Work

If you do not speak English, try to learn it as soon as

possible.You can find free or low-cost English language

classes in your community, often through the local public

schools or community college. Knowing English will help

you in your job, your community, and your daily life. See

page 60 for more information on learning English.

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

status. Employers cannot:

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

citizen.

• Require you to show a Permanent Resident Card, or reject your lawful work papers.

• Prefer hiring undocumented workers.

• Discriminate against you because of your national origin (or country of origin). 

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

For more information about your rights, or to file a complaint, call the Office of Special Counsel 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. You also can visit http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/osc for more information.

FEDERAL PROTECTION FOR IMMIGRANT WORKERS
If your employer says you must speak English at work, he

or she must show that speaking English is required for

you to do your job correctly. Your employer must also

tell you that English is required before you are hired.

If your employer cannot show that speaking English is

required for your job, he or she may be breaking a

federal law. If you need assistance or more information,

you can contact the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity

Commission (EEOC). Call 1-800-669-4000 or 1-800-669-

6820 (hearing impaired) or go to http://www.eeoc.gov.

Drug Tests and Background Checks

For some jobs, you may be required to take a test to

make sure you are not using illegal drugs. Some jobs

require that you have a background check, an investigation into your past activities and present circumstances.

Paying Taxes

Taxes are money paid by U.S. citizens and residents to 

federal, state, and local governments.Taxes pay for services

provided by the government.There are different types of

taxes, such as income tax, sales tax, and property tax.

Income tax. Income tax is paid to federal, most state, and

some local governments. “Taxable income” is money that

you get from wages, self-employment, tips, and the sale

of property. Most people pay income taxes by having

money withheld from their paycheck.The amount of

income tax you must pay depends on how much 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 any taxes they owe.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the federal agency

that collects income tax.Taxpayers file a federal “income

tax return” Form 1040 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

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39

you had too much taken out of your paycheck, you will

get a refund. If you did not have enough taken out of

your paycheck, you must send a payment to the IRS.

Social Security and Medicare taxes. These federal taxes

are withheld from your paycheck. Social Security provides benefits for certain retired workers and their families; certain disabled workers and their families; and

certain family members of deceased workers. Medicare

taxes pay for medical services for most people over age

65. In most cases, you must work a total of 10 years (or

40 quarters) over the course of your life to get Social

Security retirement benefits and Medicare benefits.You

may need fewer than 10 years of work to get 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. Sales taxes help pay for

services provided by state and local government, such as

roads, police, and firemen.

Property taxes. These are state and local taxes on your

house and land. In most places, property taxes help support local public schools and other services.

A W-2 is a federal form that lists your earnings and the taxes you paid for the last tax year. A tax

year is from January 1 to December 31 of each year. By law, your employer must send you a W-2

form by January 31 each year. You will receive a W-2 form for each job you have. You must send a

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, you must send a copy of your W-2 with your state income tax return. 

YOUR W-2 FORM: WAGE AND TAX STATEMENT
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 for 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. You don’t need to call ahead.

Taxpayer Assistance Centers are located in communities

across the United States. To find the Taxpayer Assistance

Center where you live, visit http://www.irs.gov/

localcontacts/index.html. To get help by phone, call the

IRS at 1-800-829-1040.

40

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

examples of these services are:

• Keeping our country safe and secure.

• Curing and preventing diseases through research.

• Protecting our money in banks by insuring it.

• Educating children and adults.

• Building and maintaining our roads and highways.

• Providing medical services for the poor and elderly.

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

HOW GOVERNMENT WORKS FOR US
41

Traveling in the United States

There are many ways to travel in

the United States. Many cities have

buses, trains (also called “subways”), trolleys, or streetcars.

Anyone can ride these vehicles for

a small fee. In some places, you can

buy a card good for several trips

on subways or buses.You can also pay for each trip separately.Taxicabs, or “taxis,” are cars that take you where

you want to go for a fee.Taxis are more expensive than

other types of 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 from 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 blue pages of the phone book or get more

Owning a car can be a convenient way to get around. In the U.S., you must also pay for car insurance,

registering your vehicle, and licenses. Heavy traffic can make driving difficult in some cities. Think of all

the costs and benefits before you decide to buy a car.

SHOULD I BUY A CAR?
information at http://www.firstgov.gov/Topics/

Motor_Vehicles.shtml.

Some permanent residents already have a driver’s license

from another country.You may be able to trade this for

a license in your state. Check with your state office to

see if you can do this.

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

• Always have your driver’s license and insurance card with you.

• Always wear your seat belt.

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

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

• Obey all traffic laws and signals.

• Pull over to the side of the road if an emergency vehicle—police car, fire truck, or ambulance—

needs to pass you.

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

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

• Be very careful when driving in fog, ice, rain, or snow.

10 TIPS FOR DRIVING SAFELY IN THE U.S.
43

❿ TIP: A driver’s license is used for identification in

the United States. It’s a good idea to get one even if

you don’t own a car.

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.

❿ 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.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

For bus travel: 

Greyhound 1-800-229-9424 or

http://www.greyhound.com.

For train travel: 

Amtrak 1-800-872-7245 or

http://www.amtrak.com.

For air travel: There are many

airlines in the U.S. Look in

your phone book yellow 

pages under “Airlines.” 
Taking Care of Your Health 

People in the U.S. pay for their own medical care.

Medical care is expensive, so many people buy health

insurance.You should get health insurance for yourself

and your family as soon as possible.

Employers may offer health insurance as a benefit to

their employees. Some employers pay all of your

monthly health insurance fee, and some pay only part

of the fee.This monthly fee is called a “premium.”You

may need to pay part of the premium. Usually, employers will deduct the employee’s part of the premium

from their paycheck.

Doctors send their bills to your health insurance company. The health insurance company will pay for some

or all of your medical services. Often you must pay a

portion of your medical bills. This is sometimes called

a “co-payment.”

If you do not have health insurance, you may be able to

get federal or state healthcare assistance. In general,

most states provide some type of assistance to children

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Clinics are medical offices that provide free or low-cost services. Most communities have at least one clinic.

Community organizations that work with immigrants may know of a low-cost or free clinic in your area.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services also provides basic healthcare to immigrants. They

have a website that lists clinics and other healthcare choices. To find a clinic or doctor near you, visit

http://ask.hrsa.gov/pc/ . Type in your state or zip code to get the information. You can also look in the 

yellow pages under “Social Services.” 

FINDING A CLINIC OR OTHER LOW-COST HEALTHCARE
45

and pregnant women. Check with the public health

department of your state or town.

If you need urgent medical care, you can go to the

emergency room of the nearest hospital. Most hospitals

are required by federal law to treat patients with a medical emergency even if the person cannot pay.

Federal and State Health Programs

Medicaid is a joint federal/state program for low-income

people. Each state has its own Medicaid guidelines.

Medicaid pays for medical services, such as visits to the

doctor and hospitalization. Permanent residents who

entered the U.S. before August 22, 1996 may be able to

get Medicaid if they meet certain conditions. Permanent

residents who entered the U.S. on or after August 22,

1996 may be able to get Medicaid if they have lived in the

U.S. for 5 years or longer and meet certain conditions.

Medicare is a health insurance program for people 65

years of age or older or who have specific disabilities.

Medicare pays for services if you are sick or injured, but

does not pay for routine care (such as check-ups with

your doctor), dental care, or eye care. Medicare allows the

use of discount drug cards for people enrolled in

Medicare.These cards may help you save money when

you buy prescription drugs. If you are eligible for Medicare, you may be able to get one of these discount cards.

Contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or the Centers for Medicare and

Medicaid Service website at http://www.cms.hhs.gov. 

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MEDICAID AND MEDICARE
Medicare has two parts, Part A and Part B. Part A is free

and pays for hospital care and nursing homes certified

by Medicare. Part B pays for visits to the doctor, ambulances, tests, and outpatient hospital care. For Part B,

you pay a monthly fee.

Permanent residents can get Medicare Part A and Part B

if they meet certain conditions.Those who are 65 and

older are automatically in Medicare 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 U.S. for 10 years (or 40

quarters) over the course of your life to get these

Medicare benefits.

State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)

Your children may be able to get free or low-cost

healthcare if you meet certain conditions. Every state

has a health insurance program for infants, children,

and teenagers. The insurance pays for doctor visits,

prescription medicines, hospital care, and other

healthcare services. In most states, children 18 and

younger without health insurance whose families

meet certain income limits are eligible. Children can

get free or low-cost healthcare without affecting their

parents’ immigration status.

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Each state has its own SCHIP rules. You need to find out about the program in your state. For information

about SCHIP in your state, call 1-877-543-7669 or visit http://www.insurekidsnow.gov and enter the name

of your state.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SCHIP
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Other Federal Benefits Programs

You or members of your family may be eligible for

other federal benefits, depending on your immigration

status, length of time in the U.S., and income.

The Food Stamp Program

Some low-income immigrants and immigrant 

children may be eligible for food stamp assistance,

depending on their immigration status, length of time

in the U.S., and income.

Food stamps allow you to

obtain some foods free at

grocery stores. Some states

may have their own state-funded food stamp programs

with different rules for eligibility. For information on

federal food stamp eligibility from the U.S. Food and

Nutrition Service in 34 different languages, visit

http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/outreach/translations.htm.

Services for Survivors of Domestic Violence

Immigrants and their children who are survivors of

domestic violence may be eligible for federal benefits 

and services, such as battered women’s shelters or food

stamps. For more information on these services from the

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, visit

http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/immigration/bifsltr.html.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is a federal program that gives money to states to provide assistance and

work opportunities for low-income

families. Immigrants may be eligible,

depending on their immigration status, length of time in the U.S., and

income. Programs differ by state and

some states have their own statefunded assistance program. For 

links and information on TANF, visit

http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ofa/.
Assistance for Disabled Immigrants

Immigrants with disabilities may be eligible for

Medicaid, food stamps, and Supplemental Security

Income, depending upon their immigration status,

length of time in the U.S., and income. For more 

information on food stamps, see page 47. For information about Supplemental Security Income, see

http://www.ssa.gov/notices/supplemental-securityincome/spotlights/spot-non-citizens.htm.

One-Stop Career Centers

The federal government funds career centers that offer

training referrals, career counseling, job listings, and

other employment-related services. English as a Second

Language (ESL) classes and job skills training are also

offered to immigrants, depending on their immigration

status and income, at some of these centers. For information on One-Stop Career Centers throughout the U.S.,

visit http://www.doleta.gov/usworkforce/onestop/

onestopmap.cfm.

❿ TIP:You can visit http://www.govbenefits.gov to find

out about services that might be available to you.

48
Education and Childcare

Education can help connect you and your family to your community. This section describes schools in the

United States for children, youth, and adults and answers questions you may have about them. It also offers

suggestions for finding good childcare, if you have young children at home and need to work.
Education

To make sure all children are prepared to succeed, the U.S.

provides free public education.This section tells you how

to sign your children up for school.You will learn how

U.S. schools work and how to help your children learn.

Enrolling Your Child in School

Most public schools in the United States are co-educational. Co-educational means that girls and boys attend

classes together.The United States has compulsory

school attendance laws.This means that state laws

require all children ages 5 to 16 to attend school in

most states. Check with your 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.

In most states, parents may also teach their children at

home.This is called “home schooling.” Public schools

are free and do not offer religious instruction. What

your children learn in public school is set by the state.

However, local teachers and parents decide how it is

taught.Your federal and state income taxes and your

local property taxes pay for these schools.

Students must pay a fee (called “tuition”) to attend private schools. Religious groups run many private schools.

Some are co-educational. Some are only for boys or only

for girls. Some offer financial help for students who cannot pay the tuition.

Most American children are in school for 12 years.Your

children will be placed in a class (called a “grade”) based

on their age and how much previous education they

have. Sometimes a school may give your child a test to

decide what grade he or she should be in.

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One of the first things you should do is enroll your

child in school. Some questions that parents often ask

about public schools include:

Q: How long is the school year?

A: The school year usually begins in August or

September and ends in May or June. In some

places, children attend school all year. Children are

in school Monday through Friday. Some schools

offer programs before or after regular school hours

for children whose parents work.You may be

charged a fee for these programs.

Q: Where do I enroll my child?

A: Call or visit your local school district’s main office

to find out which school your child should attend.

Tell the school staff your child’s age and the address

where you live.

HOW MOST U.S. SCHOOLS ARE ORGANIZED

Elementary or Primary School

Kindergarten and Grades 1 to 5

Children Ages 5 to 10

Junior or Middle School

Grades 6 to 8

Youth Ages 11 to 13

Secondary or High School

Grades 9 to 12

Young Adults Ages 14 to 18

Postsecondary or 

Higher Education,

Public and Private 

Community Colleges,

2-year or 4-year Colleges or

Universities, Trade Schools

All Adults May Attend
Q: What documents do I need to enroll my child?

A: You need your child’s medical records and proof that

they have certain immunizations (also called “shots”)

to protect them from disease.You also may need

proof that you live in the same community as the

school. If you have lost these documents, ask school

staff how to get new documents.To avoid delays, do

this before you try to enroll your child.

Q: What if my child does not

speak English?

A: The school is responsible for

testing and placing your

child in the right program.

Schools receive state and federal funds for programs and services like English as a

Second Language (ESL) and bilingual education.You

can call your child’s school to ask about testing,

placement, and services. Even if your child does not

speak English, he or she needs to learn the academic

material for his or her grade level.This can happen

through ESL or bilingual education.

Q: What if my child is disabled?

A: Students with a physical or mental disability can

get a free public education, just like a child who

does not have a disability. Your child will be

placed in a regular school classroom, if possible.

If your child’s disability is severe, he or she may

be given special education services outside the

regular classroom.

Q: My child was not in school before coming to the

United States. How long can he or she attend

public school for free?

A: Your child can attend school for free until they

reach age 21 in most states. If your child has not

graduated from high school by then, he or she

can enroll in adult education classes to obtain a

General Educational Development (GED) certificate instead of a high school diploma. Call your

local school district office or your state department of education to find out where GED classes

are offered.

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Q: How will my child get to school?

A: Children can sometimes walk to school in the

United States. If the school is too far away, they will

ride a bus. Public schools have buses, which are

free. Students are picked up and dropped off at a

school-bus stop near your home.To find out if

your child can ride the bus, contact your local

school system. 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.

Q: What will my child eat at school?

A: 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

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.

Children learn better when they are well fed. To improve learning, the United States 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 programs, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture website at

http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/.

FEDERAL SCHOOL MEALS PROGRAM
Q: Who pays for books and school activities?

A: 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 children to participate in some of these 

programs.

Q: What will my child learn?

A: Each state sets academic standards for schools.

These standards state what all students should

know and be able to do. 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.

Q: How is my child’s work judged?

A: Teachers assign grades based on the work your child

does during the school year. Grades are usually based

on homework, tests, attendance, and class behavior.

You will receive a “report card” several times a year.

This report card tells you how your child is doing in

each subject. Schools have different ways of grading

students. Some use letter grades, with A or A+ for

excellent work and D or F for poor or failing work.

Others use number grades. Others summarize your

child’s performance with words like “excellent,”

“good,” or “needs improvement.” Ask school staff

how students in your child’s school are graded.

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Q: How can I talk to my child’s teacher?

A: 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 English, ask if there is

someone at the school who speaks your language

and can help interpret.

Q: What if my child misses school?

A: 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. Let the teacher know in advance if your

child will be out of school. Students must usually

make up any work they missed.

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

Teacher Organization (PTO). These groups help parents learn about what is going on

in their child’s school and how to get involved in school events. Anyone can join,

even grandparents. The PTA/PTOs also support schools by sponsoring special activities and by providing volunteers to help out in the classroom. You can get involved

even if you do not speak much English. Many schools have information specifically

for parents with limited English-speaking skills. Call or visit your school office to

find out when the PTA/PTO for your child’s school meets and how you can join. 

WHAT YOU CAN DO
Q: What if my child gets into trouble?

A: Many schools have a list of rules that students

must obey. These are called “codes of conduct.”

Ask your child’s school about its code of conduct.

Students who break school rules may be punished by being required to stay after the school

day is over. Or they may not be allowed to participate in sports or other school activities. Physical

punishment is NOT permitted in most U.S.

schools.

Children may be suspended or expelled from

school if they behave very badly and break school

rules often.Your child will no longer be able to

go to school if he or she is expelled.You will

need to meet with school staff to find out how to

get your child back in school.

Q: Is my child safe in school?

A: Most American public schools are safe places to

learn. But some schools—mainly high schools—

have problems with violence, street gangs, or drugs

and alcohol.Talk to a teacher, school counselor, or

administrator if you are worried about your child’s

safety.

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Higher Education: Colleges and

Universities

Young adults can continue their education in a 2-year

community or technical college or a 4-year college or

university after high school.These are called “postsecondary institutions” or “institutions of higher education.”

There are public and private institutions of higher education. Public colleges and universities cost less than private

ones, especially for residents of the state where the college

or university is located. Young adults can also choose to

attend schools to learn specific jobs, such as repairing

computers or being a healthcare assistant.

Students in higher education choose a specific subject

to study in depth (this subject is called their “major”).

Choosing a major helps prepare them for employment

or further education in that field.

Degree Type Type of School Years of Schooling

Certificate Community College/ 6 months to 2 years

Trade School

Associate’s Community College 2 years

Bachelor’s 4-year College or University 4 years

Master’s University 2 years

Doctorate University 2–8 years

Professional Specialized School 2–5 years

A college or university education can be expensive.

Some schools provide financial help called “scholarships.”The U.S. government also provides financial aid

for students. Most students take out a loan or apply for

financial aid or scholarships to help pay for their

schooling.
Federal Financial Aid for College Students

The U.S. government provides financial help to students

attending certain institutions of higher education.This

aid covers many school expenses, including tuition, fees,

books, room and board, supplies, and transportation.

Students qualify for this aid by their financial need, not

their grades.There are three types of federal aid:

• Grants—money that you don’t have to repay.

• Work Study—money that you earn while you are in

school.

• Loans—money that you borrow that you must repay

later with interest.

For more information on federal financial aid programs,

call 1-800-433-3243 or visit the U.S. Department of

Education website http://www.studentaid.ed.gov/

students/publications/student_guide/index.html.

Information is also available in Spanish.

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Be careful when you are searching for information on student financial assistance. Avoid offers that seem

too good to be true or that promise you results in exchange for money. Every year, families lose millions of

dollars to “scholarship fraud.” If you are the victim of fraud, or for free information, call 1-877-382-4357 or

1-866-653-4261 for hearing impaired, or visit the Federal Trade Commission website at http://www.ftc.gov/

scholarshipscams.

BEWARE OF FINANCIAL AID FRAUD
Adult Education 

Learning does not have to end when you become an

adult. In the U.S., people are encouraged to become

“lifelong learners.” If you are 16 years of age or older

and have not completed high school, you can enroll in

Adult Secondary Education (ASE) classes.These classes

prepare you to earn a General Educational Development

(GED) certificate.

A GED certificate is an alternative high school diploma.

It shows that you have learned high-school-level academic knowledge and skills.To earn a GED, you must

take and pass tests in 5 different areas: reading, writing,

social studies, science, and mathematics. 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. Look in the phone

book under “Adult Education” or call your local school

district office for information.

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Many adults take classes to learn more about a subject

that interests them or to learn new skills that can help

them in their jobs. Many public school systems and

local community colleges offer classes in a wide range

of subjects for adults. Anyone can enroll in these classes,

which generally have low fees. Check with your local

school system or community college to find out what

classes are available, how much they cost, and how to

enroll.
Learning English 

There are many places where you can learn how to

speak, read, and write in English. Many children and

adults enroll in English as a Second Language (ESL)

classes.These classes help people who do not know

English to learn the language.These classes are also

called English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

or English Literacy classes.

Children who do not know English will learn it in

school. America’s public schools provide help and

instruction for all students who need to learn English.

Students who need extra help are often called Limited

English Proficient (LEP) students.

Students just beginning to learn English may take an ESL

class in place of a regular English class. Students with

more English language skills may be placed in a regular

classroom and given extra help. Some schools also offer

after-school programs and tutoring to help students

learn English. Your child’s school will tell you what kind

of help they give students who need to learn English.

Adults who do not understand English can enroll in an

ESL class offered in a public adult and community education program or private language school.

Public adult and community education programs are

often offered in local communities by school districts

and community colleges.These programs may provide

ESL classes along with tutoring from local volunteers.

These programs are often free, or you may pay a small

fee. Classes may meet during day or evening hours. Call

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your local community college or school district office

to find the nearest ESL program. Look in the blue pages

of your phone book under the heading “Schools—

Public.”

Most large cities also have private language schools that

offer day or evening ESL classes.The cost for these classes

is often based on the number of hours of instruction.

Private language classes are generally more expensive

than public classes.To find a private language school,

look in the yellow pages of your telephone book under

the heading “Language Schools.”

Some community organizations, libraries, and religious

groups also offer free or low-cost ESL classes. Check

with your local public library, social service agency, or

place of worship.The reference librarian at the local

library can also tell you about ESL programs and show

you where to find ESL books, tapes, CDs, and computer

software at the library.

You can now 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, a drug treatment program, or other social services.

Some states and counties do not yet offer 211 services. If you call and get no answer, this 211

service is not yet available in your community.

CALL 211 FOR INFORMATION ON SOCIAL SERVICES
Childcare

If you work and your children are too young to go to

school, you may need to find someone to watch them

while you are at work. Sometimes children in school

need someone to watch them when school is over, if

their parents cannot be at home. If you or other family

members are not able to watch your children, you need

to find someone to take care of them. Do not leave

young children at home alone.

Finding Childcare

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

childcare provider. Ask other parents, friends, and coworkers who cares for their children. Some states have

a childcare referral agency that can give you a list of

state-licensed childcare programs. Licensed childcare

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 are cared for.

❿ TIP: If you need help finding good childcare in your

area, the U.S. Department of Health and Human

Services has a National Child Care Information

Center. Call 1-800-616-2242 for information.You

can also find information and answers to questions

about how to choose a good program for your child

at http://www.childcareaware.org.

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You have a number of choices when choosing a childcare provider.

In-Home Care. 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.

Family Childcare. Your child is cared for in somebody else’s home with a small group of other children.

This can be less expensive than other types of childcare. The quality of care depends on the people who

watch your child and the number of children they are caring for in their home.

Daycare Centers: Daycare centers are programs located in schools, churches or other faith-based

organizations, and other places. Centers usually have several caregivers who watch larger groups of children. Centers must meet state standards and their staff usually have special training and experience. 

Head Start Programs: The federal government provides funding for “Early Head Start” and “Head Start”

programs 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 Department of Health

and Human Services at 1-866-763-6481 or visit the website http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/hsb/ .

Some childcare providers will take care of children for a full day or only part of the day, depending on

the parents’ needs. Cost is also a factor in choosing a caregiver. Check to see if you are eligible for federal or state childcare assistance. Many states offer financial assistance to low-income parents who are

working or participating in job training or education programs. 

TYPES OF CHILDCARE
❿ TIP: Make sure the childcare provider or program

you are using is licensed or accredited. “Licensed”

means that the program meets minimum safety and

care standards set by the state. “Accredited” programs meet higher standards than those required

for a state license.

How Can You Tell if a Childcare Provider Is Good?

Think about these basic questions when you visit a

childcare program.

• Are the children happy when around the staff?

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

• Were children doing an appropriate activity?

• Did the provider talk to your child while you were

there?

• Is the space clean and organized?

• Is there a curriculum or routine for the children?

Be sure to ask for references so that you can talk to

other parents about the program.

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Emergencies and Safety

Emergencies are unexpected events that can cause harm to people and property. They can happen to anyone at any time.

Plan ahead to keep yourself and your family safe.This section tells you how you can prepare for emergencies and how to

get help when they happen.
Emergency Help: Call 911

In the United States, you can call 911 on any telephone

to get emergency help. Call 911 to:

• Report a fire.

• Report a crime in progress.

• Call an ambulance for emergency medical help.

• Report suspicious activities, such as screams, calls for

help, or gunshots.

What Happens When I Call 911?

• Calls to 911 are usually answered within 12 seconds.You may be put on hold. Do not hang up!

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.

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When Not to Call 911

Call 911 for serious, life-threatening emergencies only.

Calling 911 for the wrong reason may keep someone

else from getting the help they need. 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.

• Talk to a police officer about something that is not 

an emergency.

If you have a question for the police, call the nonemergency number for the police department listed 

in the blue pages of your phone book.

In the U.S., there are federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies that protect the public. In your community,

law enforcement officers are the police or sheriff. Find out the phone number of the police station nearest you and

keep it next to your telephone. Remember that police officers are there to protect you and your family from harm.

Do not be afraid to report a crime, especially if you are the victim. Some criminals take advantage of immigrants

because they think you will not report the crime to the police. If you are stopped by a police officer:

• Don’t be afraid. Be polite and cooperative.

• Tell the officer if you do not speak English.

• If you are in a car, don’t get out of the car until the officer tells you to.

• Keep your hands where the officer can see them. Don’t reach into your pockets or into other areas of the car.

LAW ENFORCEMENT IN THE UNITED STATES
Keeping Your Home and 

Family Safe

Get ready before emergencies happen. Here are some

things you can do to be safe:

• Be sure your doors have good locks and keep them

locked at all times. Don’t give your door keys to

strangers. Be careful about opening your door to

strangers. Ask who they are and what they want

before you open 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 floor of your house. Replace the batteries in

your smoke alarm twice a year. Check the alarm once

each month to make sure it works.

• Find out where the nearest hospital and police and

fire stations are located. Keep these important phone

numbers (police station, fire department, and doctor)

near your phone, where you can easily find them.

• Find the main valves for gas, electricity, and water in

your home. Be sure you know how to turn them off

by hand.

• Prepare a disaster kit that includes a flashlight,

portable radio, extra batteries, blankets, a first-aid kit,

and enough canned or packaged food and bottled

water to last for 3 days. Also include trash bags, toilet

paper, and pet food, if needed. Keep all these things

in one place that is easy to find.

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• 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 your home and another spot

outside your neighborhood, in case you can’t 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.

• Ask about emergency plans at your children’s school.

Be sure your child knows what to do. Ask where you

can go to meet your child in an emergency.

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 need special help.

Many neighborhoods have a Neighborhood Watch. The Neighborhood Watch is a group of people from the

neighborhood. They take turns walking the streets at night to discourage criminal activity. If there is a

Neighborhood Watch in your area, you can volunteer to participate. If you want to get a Neighborhood Watch

started, call your local police department for help. Visit http://www.usaonwatch.org for more information. 

When you help others to be safe, you help your community and nation. You can get more involved in your

community through your local Citizen Corps Council. Visit http://www.citizencorps.gov for more information.

WHAT YOU CAN DO
Poison Control

Many things in your home can be poisonous if they are

swallowed.These can include cleaning products, 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 right away at 1-800-222-

1222.You can get help 24 hours

a day, 7 days a week. Have the

poisonous substance with you

when you call.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.

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. Find more information at http://www.redcross.org

or http://www.nsc.org.

Keep a first aid kit at home, at

work, and in your car. A first aid

kit has items you can use for

small injuries or for pain, such as

bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain

medicine, instant ice packs, and gloves.You can buy a

good first aid kit at your local drugstore.

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POISON 

CONTROL

CENTER

1-800-222-1222
71

Homeland Security Advisory

System for Terrorist Attacks

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has a

system to help people understand the risk of a possible

terrorist attack. The system uses different colors to

show different levels of danger. These are:

■Red. Severe condition.There is a severe risk of terrorist attacks. An attack has already happened or is about

to happen.

■Orange. High condition. There is a high risk of terrorist attacks. No specific targets are known.

■Yellow. Elevated condition.There is a significant risk of

terrorist attacks. No specific targets are known.

■Blue. Guarded condition.There is a general risk of terrorist attacks. No specific threats or targets are known.

■Green. Low condition.There is a low risk of terrorist

attacks.

If a Terrorist Attack Happens

The U.S. government can use the Emergency Alert

System (EAS) to provide information to the country in

an emergency. The President of the

United States can use this system 

to provide immediate information

to the public when an emergency

happens. State and local governments may also use the EAS to 

provide emergency information 

to the public in their area. If an

emergency happens, listen to the

radio or television for information

about how to protect yourself and

your family.

❿ TIP: If a terrorist attack happens, listen to what

local authorities tell you to do. Listen to the radio

or television for instructions. Have a television or

radio in your home that works on batteries in case

electricity in your area is temporarily lost.

SEVERE RISK OF

TERRORIST ATTACKS

HIGH RISK OF

TERRORIST ATTACKS

SIGNIFICANT RISK OF

TERRORIST ATTACKS

GENERAL RISK OF

TERRORIST ATTACKS

LOW RISK OF

TERRORIST ATTACKS
Don’t Be Afraid, Be Ready

DHS is helping Americans learn about possible dangers,

so they can be ready to react during a terrorist attack or

natural disaster. DHS provides information to help you

make your family, your home, and your community

safer from the dangers of crime, terrorism, and disasters

of all kinds. Call 1-800-BE-READY for printed information or visit the DHS website at http://www.ready.gov.

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You can get a Citizen’s Guide with tips on how to make your

family, your home, and your community safer.You can 

get this guide from the Federal Emergency Management

Agency (FEMA) by calling 1-800-480-2520.You also 

can get materials from the Citizen Corps website at

http://www.citizencorps.gov/ready/cc_pubs.shtm.

Federal and state officials are asking all people living in the U.S. to help fight terrorism. Be aware of

your surroundings, especially when you travel on public buses, trains, and airplanes. If you see a 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! 

WHAT YOU CAN DO
Learning About the United States

The United States is a representative democracy, and citizens here play a very important role in governing the

country. In this section, you will learn about how citizens help shape the U.S. government, how the United States

began and developed, and how our government operates.
We the People:The Role of the

Citizen in the United States

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. Citizens vote in free elections to choose important government officials, such as

the President,Vice President, Senators, and Representatives.

All citizens 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 most other people.

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The word “democracy” means “government by the people.” Democracy can have different forms

in different countries. In the United States, we have what is called “representative democracy.”

This means that the people choose officials to represent their views and concerns in government.

OF, BY, AND FOR THE PEOPLE: WHAT IS DEMOCRACY?
75

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 felt that this was unfair and that

they should govern themselves. Representatives from

the colonies issued a Declaration of Independence. This

important document declared that the colonies were

free and independent and no longer tied to Great

Britain. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of

Independence. He later became the third president of

the United States.

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 the American way of life and our history and government. You can do this by taking adult

education classes and reading the local newspaper. 

WHAT YOU CAN DO
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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.
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The Declaration of Independence

was signed on July 4, 1776.This is

the reason that Americans celebrate

July 4th every year as Independence

Day: it is our nation’s birthday.

The United States had to fight for its freedom from Great

Britain in the Revolutionary War. General George

Washington led the military forces of the American

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

Later he became the first president of the United States.

After the colonies won the war, they became states. Each

state had its own government.The people in these states

wanted to create a new form of government to unite the

states into a single nation.Today, this central 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.

Many Americans know these words from the Declaration of Independence by heart:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their

Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

This means that all people are born with the same basic rights. Government does not create these rights,

and no government can take these rights away.

“ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL”
Creating “A More Perfect Union”

For several years after the American Revolution, the

states tried different ways to join together in a central

government, but this government was too weak. So

representatives from each of the states gathered in

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1787 to develop a new,

stronger central government. This meeting was the

Constitutional Convention. After much debate, leaders

from the states drafted a document describing this new

government.This document is the U.S. Constitution,

one of the most important documents in American

history. 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.

The members of the Constitutional Convention

approved the Constitution on September 17, 1787.

Next, all 13 states had to approve it. Some people felt

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The United States flag has changed over our history. Now it has 13 stripes to represent

the original 13 American colonies. It has 50 stars, one for each state. The American

national anthem was written about the flag and is called “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

The flag is also called the “Stars and Stripes,” and a favorite American song is called

“Stars and Stripes Forever.”

“OLD GLORY”—THE UNITED STATES FLAG
79

that the Constitution did not do enough to protect

the rights of individual people. The states agreed to

approve the Constitution if a list of individual rights

were added to it. The states approved the Constitution

in 1789. This list of individual rights, called the Bill

of Rights, was added to the Constitution in 1791.

Changes to the Constitution are called “amendments.”

The first 10 amendments to the Constitution 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 law that is created must uphold the principles

of the Constitution. Laws apply equally to everyone.The

federal government has limited powers. Powers not given

directly to the federal government by the Constitution are

held by the states.

“We the People” are the first three words of the U.S. Constitution. The Constitution begins by

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

“preamble.” Here is the preamble to the Constitution:

“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice,

insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and

secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this

Constitution for the United States of America.”

“WE THE PEOPLE”
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 freedoms

that are promised to the American people. In most

instances, these rights limit what government can do to

individual people.These rights include:

• Freedom of speech.The government cannot tell people what to say or not say. People can say what they

want about public issues without fear of punishment.

• Freedom of religion.The government cannot tell people

what place of worship to attend. People can choose to

worship—or not worship—as they please.

• Freedom of the press. The government cannot decide

what is printed in newspapers or heard on radio and

TV.

• Freedom to gather in public places.The government

cannot stop people from holding lawful public gatherings for many different purposes.

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The U.S. Constitution is called a “living document” because the American people, acting through

their state and national representatives, can change it when necessary. These changes are

called “amendments.” It is a long and difficult process to change the Constitution, so it has

been changed only 27 times over the course of our history. Besides the Bill of Rights, some

important amendments are the Thirteenth, which forbids slavery, and the Fourteenth, which

guarantees all citizens equal protection under the law. The Nineteenth Amendment gives

women the right to vote.

CHANGING THE CONSTITUTION
81

• Freedom to own firearms.The government cannot

prevent people from owning guns.

• Freedom to protest government actions and demand

change.The government cannot silence or punish

people who challenge government actions they don’t

agree with.

The Bill of Rights also guarantees “due process.” Due

process is a set of specific legal procedures that must

be followed when someone is accused of a crime.

Police officers and soldiers cannot stop and search a

person without good reason, and they cannot search

people’s homes without permission from a court.

Persons accused of a crime are guaranteed a speedy

trial by a jury made up of people like themselves.

They are guaranteed legal representation and can call

witnesses to speak for them. Cruel and unusual punishment is also forbidden.

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.” No single branch of government can

become too powerful because it is balanced by the other

two branches.
The Legislative Branch: Congress

Citizens of the United States vote in free elections to

choose people to represent them in the U.S. Congress.

Congress has the responsibility of making the laws for

our nation. Congress is made up of the House of

Representatives and the Senate.

The U.S. House of Representatives

People in each state vote to choose members of the

House of Representatives. There are 435 members of

the House of Representatives, which is often called

“the House.”The number of representatives from each

state depends on how many people live in that state.

States are divided into districts. People living in each district vote for someone to represent their district in the

House. Each representative serves for two years, and then

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THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

The Legislative branch:

the U.S. Congress and

related offices

The three branches of the federal government are:

The Executive branch:

the President, Vice President, and

departments of the federal government

The Judicial branch:

the Supreme Court of the United States

and federal courts across the country
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people have another chance to vote for them or for a different person to represent them. Representatives can serve

in Congress for an unlimited period of time.

There are five additional members in the House.These

are the representatives of the District of Columbia and the

territories of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and

the U.S.Virgin Islands.They may participate in debates,

In the United States, everyone can call their elected Representative and Senators. You can call

202-224-3121 and ask for your Representative’s or Senators’ offices. You can write to your

Representative or Senators to ask questions or give your opinion about legislation and the federal

government, or if you have a problem and need help with federal benefits. 

To write to your Representative: To write to your Senator:

The Honorable (add Representative’s full name) The Honorable (add Senator’s full name)

U.S. House of 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 http://www.house.gov/.

• For the Senate, visit http://www.senate.gov/. 

GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS SERVE THE PEOPLE
but they cannot participate in the formal votes of the

entire House.

The House of Representatives makes laws, but it has

some special responsibilities. Only the House of

Representatives can:

• Propose laws about taxes.

• Decide if a government official accused of committing

a crime against the country should be put on trial in

the Senate.This is called “impeachment.”

The U.S. Senate

There are 100 Senators in the U.S. Senate. People in

each state vote to choose two Senators to represent

them in Congress. Senators serve for six years, and

then people have another chance to vote for them 

or for a different person to represent them. Senators

can serve in Congress for an unlimited period of

time. Senators make laws, but they also have special

responsibilities.

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Learn about your Representative and Senators and what they are doing to represent you in Congress.

You can do this by looking for stories about them in your local newspaper and visiting the websites for

Congress. All Senators and Representatives have local offices in their home communities; you can find

these listed in the blue pages of the phone book. If you visit Washington, DC, you can take a free tour of

the U.S. Capitol, where Congress works. 

You can learn about the President by visiting the website for the White House, the President’s home. 

Visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/. 

WHAT YOU CAN DO
85

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.”

• Say “yes” or “no” to any person the President chooses

for high-level jobs, such as Supreme Court judges or

officials to run the federal departments, such as the

Department of Education or the Department of Health

and Human Services.

• Hold a trial for a government official who commits a

crime against the United States.

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, too, 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 U.S. military and may be

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 2 four-year terms. The Vice

President becomes President if the President becomes

disabled or dies.
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 members of the Supreme Court,

and they serve as long as they are able.The Supreme

Court can overrule both state and federal laws if they

conflict with the Constitution.There are other federal

courts, such as the U.S. District Courts and the U.S.

Circuit Courts of Appeals.

To learn more about the U.S. Supreme Court, visit

http://www.supremecourtus.gov.

State and Local Government

In addition to the federal government, each state has its

own constitution and its own government. Each state

government also has three branches: legislative, 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

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apply in each state.These

laws cannot conflict with

the U.S. Constitution, and

each state judicial branch

upholds the laws of that

state.

Each state also has local

governments. There are city or county governments or

sometimes both. They provide and oversee many services in your local community, such as public schools

and libraries, police and fire departments, and water,

gas, and electric services. People in local communities

usually vote for local government officials, but some

local officials are appointed. Local governments have

different forms. Some have mayors as their leaders;

some have city councils or county councils. Local

communities also have school boards, citizens who

are elected or appointed to oversee the public schools.

Many local government meetings are open to the public. Many 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. These meetings and their times and locations

are usually listed in the local newspaper. The meetings may be listed on the local government’s

website. Some local government meetings also are on television on local cable stations.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Becoming a U.S. Citizen

Becoming a U.S. citizen gives permanent residents new rights and privileges. Citizenship also brings with it new

responsibilities. This section offers some reasons to consider becoming a U.S. citizen and describes what you

need to do to become a citizen.
To become a citizen, you must be willing to swear your

loyalty to the United States. You must give up your allegiance to any other country. You must agree to support

and defend the U.S. Constitution. When you become a

citizen, you accept all of the responsibilities of being an

American. In return, you get certain rights and privileges of citizenship.

Why Become a U.S. Citizen?

Permanent residents have most of the rights of U.S. citizens. But there are many important reasons to consider

becoming a U.S. citizen. Here are some good reasons:

• Showing your patriotism. Becoming a citizen is a way

to demonstrate your commitment to your new country.

• Voting. Only citizens can vote in federal elections.

• Serving on a jury. Only U.S. citizens can serve on a

jury. Serving on a jury is an important responsibility

for U.S. citizens.

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• Traveling with a U.S. passport. A U.S. passport enables

you to get assistance from the U.S. government when

overseas, if necessary.

• Bringing family members to the U.S. U.S. citizens

generally 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.

• Becoming eligible for federal jobs. Certain jobs with

government agencies require U.S. citizenship.

• Becoming an elected official. Many elected offices in

this country require U.S. citizenship.

• Meeting tax requirements. Tax requirements may be

different for U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

• 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.

Naturalization: Becoming a Citizen

The process of becoming a U.S. citizen is called “naturalization.”You can apply for naturalization once you

meet the following requirements:

Live in the U.S. for at least 5 years

as a permanent resident (or 3 years

if married to and living with a U.S.

citizen).

Be present in the U.S. for at least 30

months out of the past 5 years (or

18 months out of the past 3 years if

married to and living with a U.S.

citizen).

Live within a state or district for at

least 3 months before you apply.
You may have to follow different rules if:

• You, or your deceased parent, spouse, or child, have

served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

• You are a U.S. national.

• You obtained permanent residence through the 1986

amnesty law.

• You are a refugee or asylee.

• You have a U.S. citizen spouse who is regularly stationed

abroad.

• You lost U.S. citizenship under prior law because of

marriage to a non-citizen.

• You are an employee of certain types of companies or

nonprofit organizations.

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People 18 years 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, see Form M-480, Naturalization

Eligibility Worksheet, at the end of A Guide to Naturalization. Use Form N-400 to apply for

naturalization. There is a fee to file Form N-400.

To get Forms M-476, M-480, and N-400, call the USCIS Forms Line at 1-800-870-3676 or get

them from http://www.uscis.gov.

GETTING NATURALIZATION INFORMATION
93

Consult A Guide to Naturalization for more information.

You may also wish to consult an immigration attorney

or other qualified professional.

Requirements for Naturalization

The general requirements for naturalization are:

1. Live in the U.S. as a permanent resident for a specific

amount of time (Continuous Residence).

2. Be present in the U.S. for specific time periods

(Physical Presence).

3. Spend specific amounts of time in your state or district (Time in District or State).

4. Behave in a legal and acceptable manner (Good

Moral Character).

5. Know English and information about U.S. history

and government (English and Civics).

6. Understand and accept the principles of the U.S.

Constitution (Attachment to the Constitution).

If you leave the U.S. for: Your CR status is: To keep your status you must:

More than 6 months Possibly broken Prove that you continued to live, work, and/or have 

ties to the U.S. (e.g., paid taxes) while you were away.

More than 1 year Broken In most cases, you must begin your continuous 

residence over. Apply for a re-entry permit before 

you leave if you plan to return to the U.S. as a

permanent resident.

MAINTAINING CONTINUOUS RESIDENCE (CR) AS A PERMANENT RESIDENT
1. Continuous Residence

“Continuous residence” means that you must live in the

U.S. as a permanent resident for a certain period of

time. Most people must be permanent residents in continuous residence for 5 years (or 3 years if married to a

U.S. citizen) before they can begin the naturalization

process. For refugees, this means 5 years from the date

you arrived in the U.S., which is usually the date you

obtained permanent resident status. For those granted

asylum status in the U.S., this period begins 1 year

before you got permanent resident status.The date on

your Permanent Resident Card is the date your 5 years

begins. If you leave the United States for a long period

of time, usually 6 months or more, you may “break”

your continuous residence.

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If you work for the U.S. government, a recognized U.S. research institution, or certain U.S. corporations, or if you are

a member of the clergy serving abroad, you may be able to preserve your continuous residence if you: 

1. Have been physically present and living in the U.S. without leaving for at least one year after becoming a permanent resident.

2. Submit Form N-470, Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes, before you have been outside the U.S. for one year. There is a fee to file Form N-470.

For more information, contact the USCIS Forms Line at: 1-800-870-3676 and ask for Form N-470, Application to

Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes. You can also get the form on the USCIS website at

http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/n-470.htm.

PRESERVING YOUR RESIDENCE FOR NATURALIZATION PURPOSES: EXEMPTIONS FOR 1-YEAR ABSENCES
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If you leave the United States for 1 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 10 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 4 years

and 1 day before you can apply for naturalization.

❿ TIP: A re-entry permit (Form I-131) and the 

Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes (Form N-470) are not the same. A

re-entry permit lets you re-enter the U.S. as a permanent resident if you have been outside of the

U.S. for more than 12 months. Form N-470 lets

certain people maintain their continuous residence for naturalization purposes if they will be

outside the U.S. for more than 12 months.

If you are on active-duty status or were recently discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces, the continuous residence and physical presence requirements may not apply to you. You can find more information in the M-599

Naturalization Information for Military Personnel brochure. Every military base should have a point-of-contact to

handle your naturalization application and certify a Form N-426, Request for Certification of Military or Naval

Service. You must submit Form N-426 with your application forms. To get the forms you need, call the USCIS

Forms Line at: 1-800-870-3676 and ask for the Military Packet. You can find the M-599 and Form N-426 at

http://www.uscis.gov . 

EXEMPTIONS FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL
Be aware that absences from the United States while

your naturalization application is pending could cause

problems with your eligibility, especially if you accept

employment abroad.

2. Physical Presence in the United States

“Physical presence” means that you actually have been

present in the United States. If you are a permanent resident at least 18 years old, you must

be physically present in the United

States for at least 30 months during

the last 5 years (or 18 months during the last 3 years, if married to a

U.S. citizen) before you apply for naturalization.

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Q: What is the difference between “physical presence” and “continuous residence”? 

A: “Physical presence” is the total days you were inside the United States and does not include the time you

spend outside the U.S. Each day you spend outside the U.S. takes away from your "physical presence" total.

If you are away from the U.S. for long periods of time or if you take many short trips outside the U.S., 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 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.”

“PHYSICAL PRESENCE”
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3.Time as a Resident in District or State 

Most people must live in the district or state where they apply for

naturalization for at least 3

months. Students can apply for

naturalization either where they go

to school or where their family lives (if they depend on

their parents for support).

4. Good Moral Character

To be eligible for naturalization,

you must be a person of good

moral character. A person is not

considered to be of “good moral

character” if they commit certain

crimes during the 5 years before they apply for naturalization or if they lie during their naturalization interview.

• Drunk driving or being drunk most of the time.

• Illegal gambling.

• Prostitution.

• Lying to gain immigration benefits.

• Failing to pay court-ordered child support.

• Committing terrorist acts.

• Persecuting someone because of race, religion, national origin, political opinion, or social group.

BEHAVIORS THAT MIGHT SHOW A LACK OF GOOD MORAL CHARACTER
If you commit some specific crimes, you can never

become a U.S. citizen and will probably be removed from

the country.These crimes are called “bars” to 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 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 5 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.

• 2 or more crimes with combined sentences of 5 years

or more.

• Violating controlled substance laws (e.g., using or

selling illegal drugs).

• Spending 180 days or more during the past 5 years in

jail or prison.

Report any crimes that you committed when you apply

for naturalization.This includes crimes removed from

your record or committed before your 18th birthday. If

you do not tell USCIS about them, you may be denied

citizenship and you could be prosecuted.

5. English and Civics

In general, you must show that you

can read, write, and speak basic

English.You also must have a basic

knowledge of U.S. history and government (also known as “civics”).

You will be required to pass a test of

English and a test of civics to prove

your knowledge.

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Many schools and community organizations help 

people prepare for their citizenship tests.You can find

examples of test questions in A Guide to Naturalization.

You can get materials to help you study for these tests

and practice tests on the USCIS website at http://

uscis.gov/graphics/services/natz/require.htm.

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

Some people who apply for naturalization have different test requirements because of their age and the length of

time they have lived in the U.S. 

If you Lived as permanent You do not You must 

are resident in the U.S. for take the take the

Over age 50 20 years English test civics test in your language

Over age 55 15 years English test civics test in your language

Over age 65 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. If you have a physical

or mental disability, you may not have to take either test if you file Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability

Exceptions, with your application. To get more information, contact the USCIS Forms Line at 1-800-870-3676 and ask

for Form N-648 or get a copy from the USCIS website at http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/n-648.html.

EXEMPTIONS TO THE ENGLISH AND CIVICS REQUIREMENTS
when you take the Oath of Allegiance.You become a

U.S. citizen when you take the Oath of Allegiance.

People who show they have a physical or developmental

disability that makes them unable to understand the

meaning of the oath do not have to take the Oath of

Allegiance.

If you have a pending naturalization application and

you move, you must notify USCIS of your new address.

You can call 1-800-375-5283 to report your new

address.You must also file Form AR-11 with DHS.

See page 12 for instructions.

Naturalization Ceremonies

If USCIS approves your application for

naturalization, you must attend a ceremony and take the Oath of Allegiance.

USCIS will send you a Form N-445,

Notice of Naturalization Oath

Ceremony, to tell you the time and

date of your ceremony.You must complete this form and bring it to your ceremony.

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 Oath 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 4th, of each year. Check to see

if your community holds a special July 4th citizenship

ceremony and how you can participate. Many people

bring their families and celebrate after the ceremony.

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Maryland

Oregon

Washington

Massachusetts

Rhode Island

Connecticut

New Jersey

Delaware

Maine

New Hampshire New

York

Vermont

Pennsylvania

Ohio

Alaska

Hawaii

Texas

New

Mexico

Arizona

Utah

Nevada

California

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,

and the U.S. Virgin Islands,

and the commonwealths

of the Northern Mariana

Islands and Puerto Rico,

which do not appear on

this map.
The federal government observes the following official holidays. Most federal offices are closed on these days. If a holiday

falls on a Saturday, it is observed on the preceding Friday. If a

holiday falls on a Sunday, it is observed on the following

Monday. Many employers also give their employees a holiday

on these days.

New Year’s Day January 1st

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 4th

Labor Day 1st Monday in September 

Columbus Day 2nd Monday in October 

Veterans Day November 11th

Thanksgiving Day 4th Thursday in November

Christmas Day December 25th

Page 11, right photograph courtesy of http://www.goarmy.com.

Page 40, text box, top photograph by Gerald L. Nino.

Page 85, top right, Oval Office photograph by Paul Morse.

Pages 1, 14, 29, 66, 68, and 70 (left column), photographs

by John Vavricka.

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FEDERAL HOLIDAYS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR THIS GUIDE
Civics/Citizenship/Immigration

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services • www.uscis.gov