If you were to take a survey asking immigrants in Texas about their journeys to the United States and their daily lives since settling in, you’d no doubt find each participant’s story unique from your own. However, you’d also likely be able to relate to some of their experiences, especially regarding adapting to a new lifestyle in a community that might be quite different from your country of origin.
It’s helpful to talk to others who have already navigated the immigration process when you’re first laying the groundwork for a new life in Texas. In fact, doing so might lead you to information that helps you avoid legal problems at some point, especially if your circumstances are more complex than the average new resident’s.
Many immigrants say these issues are most challenging
Did you arrived in Texas as a newlywed who recently married a U.S. citizen, or did you emigrate from another country to launch a business in the U.S.? Was your arrival here a bit more sudden and unplanned? The issues included on the following list might be challenges you encounter as you try to settle into your new surroundings:
- Can you speak, understand, read and write English without trouble? It’s not uncommon for immigrants to say that learning a new language is one of the greatest challenges of coming to live or work in the United States.
- Do you have children who will be attending schools in the U.S., be it elementary or high school or college? Sadly, bullying is problematic in many U.S. schools, and new students or students who may be in a minority group often say they felt like they were targeted by bullies when they first arrived.
- Finding work in the U.S. can be difficult, especially if you have not already connected with a prospective employer before your arrival in Texas.
- If you came to the United States without having any family members here or without knowing anyone, you may encounter more challenges than others who might have had connections in this country before their immigration process began.
Other issues, such as not having your paperwork in order or having errors on a visa application, etc., can also cause complications as you make plans for or adapt to life in the United States.
U.S. immigration law is complex
In addition to all the personal challenges you might face as a newly arrived immigrant in America, any number of legal issues might arise that can delay your progress in accomplishing your goals or even place you at risk for deportation.
This is why it’s always a good idea to learn as much as you can about U.S. immigration law and to know how to protect your rights if a problem arises.
