Foreign nationals in the United States often encounter hardships as they integrate into American society. There are four challenges that foreigners face which include: language barriers, prejudice and discrimination, access to healthcare and social services, and acquiring employment. With the right assistance, overcoming these challenges becomes a positive experience.
Language Barrier
Immigrants face an ongoing language barrier when adapting to American culture. Hundreds of thousands come from Latin American countries, where the Spanish language is their mother tongue. Others come from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and even Europe.
Regardless of what your native language is, you might find it hard to get accustomed to a country that predominantly speaks English.
English, in particular, has a lot of quirks that can be confusing to beginners in the language.
Whether it is learning how to use the public transportation system, scheduling doctor’s appointments, or even purchasing something at the supermarket, the language barrier can complicate almost every area of life. Such challenges can lead to feelings of isolation, social exclusion, and loneliness, which may have an impact on your mental health.
Discrimination
One of the biggest obstacles foreigners encounter when entering the U.S. is discrimination. There are people who, unfortunately, are biased and prejudiced towards foreigners. Discrimination can manifest in many ways, including being excluded from employment opportunities.
Many times, discrimination can come in the form of abuse and harassment. Verbal abuse from strangers is common as well as physical abuse. Sometimes, discrimination is harder to spot but it is felt, nonetheless. For instance, people may stare at others who emigrated from another country due to their skin tone, facial features, or accent.
At other times, foreigners may be treated with suspicion for no reason. For example, an employee following or watching a foreigner at a store to ensure that they do not shoplift, with no cause for suspicion other than their appearance, is a form of discrimination.
Employment and Economic Setbacks
Gaining employment is another hurdle foreigners experience when they recently enter the U.S. Many immigrants are forced to work illegally which frequently leads to exploitation and poor working conditions. This generally involves working for menial jobs that are underpaid and do not come with benefits such as overtime, paid time off, and health insurance.
However, certain individuals might be eligible to apply for a work permit which authorizes them to work in the U.S. For example, immigrants who apply for asylum can file for employment authorization after 150 days. If you do have a work permit, it is key to file for an extension (if not eligible for an automatic extension) to avoid working unlawfully once it expires.
Even if you hold the correct documents, some employers may discriminate against foreigners, despite laws to the contrary. Federal law prohibits employers from discriminating against people based on their:
- Ethnicity
- National origin
- Citizenship or
- Immigration status
But this does not mean that discrimination does not happen.
Difficulties in getting employed may result in other economic challenges. Many foreign nationals send money to their relatives in their home countries which means there is not enough money left over for them, forcing them to take on another job or two.
Accessibility to Healthcare and Social Services
Having access to healthcare and social services is another challenge faced by immigrants. Health insurance, while available, can be expensive for people who are trying to establish themselves and gain solid financial stability.
Additionally, the application process can be quite confusing, especially if a language barrier is involved. Several individuals are unaware of the various health insurance options accessible to them or do not even know where to start.
The same applies to other social services and federal programs designated to help those facing harsh economic conditions. Consider this example, the Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants & Children (SFPFWIC) is a federally funded program that offers food benefits in the form of a card that can be redeemed for food items such as milk and eggs.
How Can an Immigration Lawyer Best Assist You
If you have recently moved to the U.S. and you have been struggling and you need legal support you can contact your nearest immigration law firm. No matter what type of situation you are in, you have a right to fight for your immigrant case in court. Feel free to call The Gambacorta Law Office at 1-847-786-2599, today.