Here is a summary of essential English terms and practical knowledge for new immigrants to the United States, compiled from reliable sources in the search results:
1. Immigration Terminology
Immigrant: A person who moves permanently to another country (e.g., "first-generation Korean immigrant mothers" in the U.S. face sociocultural challenges) .
Green Card (Permanent Resident Card): Proof of legal permanent residency .
EB-5 Visa: An employment-based immigrant visa for investors (requires $800k–$1.05M investment and job creation) .
Regional Center: USCIS-approved entities managing EB-5 projects .
ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement): Federal agency handling immigration enforcement and data reporting .
2. Daily Life Essentials
Housing
Lease Agreement: A contract for renting property (may require a security deposit and proof of income) .
Short-Term Housing: Options like Airbnb, hostels, or extended-stay hotels for temporary stays .
Credit Check: Often required for long-term rentals; newcomers without U.S. credit history might need a co-signer .
Banking & Finance
Checking Account vs. Savings Account: Basic bank accounts for daily transactions and saving .
FDIC/NCUA Insured: Ensures deposits up to $250,000 are protected (verify this when choosing a bank) .
Debit/Credit Cards: Use a debit card for direct account access; credit cards require timely repayment to build credit .
Healthcare
Health Insurance Plan: Mandatory; options include employer-sponsored plans or Medicaid for low-income individuals .
Primary Care Physician (PCP): Register with a local doctor for routine care .
Communication
Prepaid vs. Postpaid Phone Plans: Prepaid plans (no credit check) are ideal for newcomers; major carriers include Verizon and T-Mobile .
eSIM: Digital SIM cards for instant activation (supported by providers like Mint Mobile) .
3. Taxes & Employment
Federal Tax vs. State Tax: Federal taxes apply nationwide; state taxes vary (e.g., no state income tax in Florida or Texas) .
W-2 Form: Reports annual wages and taxes withheld by employers .
Social Security Tax: Funds retirement and disability benefits (requires 40 work quarters for eligibility) .
1099 Form: For freelance or contract work income .
4. Cultural Adaptation
Culture Shock: A four-phase process: honeymoon, crisis, recovery, and adjustment (common among international students and immigrants) .
Direct Communication: Americans often value straightforwardness in social and professional interactions .
Community Resources: Local immigrant organizations offer housing assistance, language classes, and legal aid .
5. Key Phrases for Newcomers
"I need help setting up a bank account."
"Where can I find ESL (English as a Second Language) classes?"
"What documents do I need to apply for a driver’s license?"
"How do I report my income for tax purposes?"
Recommended Resources
USCIS Guide: Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants (covers rights, healthcare, education, and citizenship) .
Local Libraries: Offer free workshops on financial literacy and cultural integration.
Nonprofits: Organizations like Catholic Charities provide immigration support and job training .
For detailed guidance, refer to official sources like the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website or community workshops.
