The United States is a country built by immigrants. Whether the Irish came over in the 1800s or the Vietnamese who fled their home country in the 1970s, America has always been a land of opportunity for those seeking a better life.
Today, America is still a welcoming place for immigrants. Despite heated debates over immigration policy, the country remains open to people from all corners. As a result, about 40 million immigrants are in the country, and that number is growing fast.
Immigrants can also save the country from many problems. For example, the country is currently experiencing a labor shortage. By hiring immigrants, businesses can fill those vacant positions and keep the economy humming.
In addition, immigrants are typically young and bring new ideas and perspectives to the country. This can help spur economic growth and create new jobs. Immigrants also tend to be more entrepreneurial than native-born Americans.
So, what can you do to make your community more friendly to immigrants? Here are four suggestions:
Teach Them Immigration Laws
Immigration is essential if you want to keep them in the country legally. There are a lot of different laws, and it can be confusing for immigrants to navigate them all. Offer to help them understand the process and what they need to do to stay in the United States. Here are some essential parts of immigration laws you have to teach them about:
Immigration Bonds
Many immigrants are pretty skeptical about immigration bodies. However, it’s still essential to teach them how an immigration bond works. An immigration bond is a surety bond posted by an immigrant’s family or friends to ensure their appearance at all immigration proceedings.
This is usually required when the authorities detain an immigrant. Immigrants will use the money from the bond to pay for their return trip if they’re ordered to leave the country. You can help them post the bond and ensure they have the money they need to stay in the United States.
The Process of Adjustment of Status
Adjustment of status is changing your immigration status from one category to another. For example, you might change your status from a student visa to a work visa.
This can be a complicated process, but knowing how to do it is essential if you want to stay in the United States legally is necessary. You can help them by explaining the process and what they need to do to adjust their status.
File Their Taxes
Immigrants need to file their taxes every year. This can be confusing, mainly if they’re not used to it. You can help them by filing their taxes for them or at least explaining how the process works.
It’s important because immigrants who don’t file their taxes can be deported. In addition, they may also owe money to the government if they don’t file their taxes correctly. Also, teach them about these basic forms:
- Form 1040 — This is most people’s primary form to file their taxes.
- Form W-2 — This form is used to report your wages and salary.
- Form 1099 — This form is used to report other types of income, such as interest or dividends.
These forms are crucial for immigrants because they’ll need to use them when they file their taxes.
Help Them Find a Job
Many immigrants come to the United States in search of a better life. One of the best ways to help them is to find a job. This can be difficult, but many resources are available to help you find a job for an immigrant.
You can start by looking for jobs online or in newspapers. You can also visit local businesses and ask if they’re hiring. In addition, you can also contact local organizations that help immigrants find jobs.
Have a Community Area Dedicated to Them
It’s a great way to show your support for immigrants. A community area dedicated to immigrants can help them feel welcome and included in the community. It can also be an excellent place for them to meet other immigrants and make friends.
It can be anything from a community center to a park or even a library. It’s a great way to show that you support immigrants and want them to feel like they belong in the community.
Additionally, feel free to add certain plants that are native to their land in your community garden. It will help immigrants get free ingredients for their dishes in your garden.
These are just a few ways to make your community more friendly to immigrants. There are many more, so get creative and find what works best for your community. Immigrants are an essential part of the United States, and making them feel welcome is important. You can make a big difference in their lives with a little effort.
