[Skip Navigation] [Text & Graphics] [Home] [What's New?] [FAQs] [Search & Site Map] [Glossary] [Feedback] [Translate] [Printer Friendly Version]
  • About US and FOIA
    		•
  • Citizenship
    		•
  • Immigration Forms, Fees and Fingerprints
    		•
  • Immigration Services and Benefits Programs
    		•
  • Services Field Office Addresses and Information
  • Immigration Laws, Regulations, and Guides
    		•
  • USCIS Public Affairs
    		•
  • Working for Immigration Programs
    		•
  • Other Government Sites
    		•

    Welcome to the United States:
    A Guide for New Immigrants

     

    Congratulations on becoming a lawful 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.

    cover of Guide About This Guide
    Adjusting to life in the United States 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.
    photo of hanging U.S. flags Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Lawful Permanent Resident
    As a lawful permanent resident (LPR), you are expected to respect and be loyal to the United States and to obey our country's laws. Being an LPR also means you have new rights and responsibilities.

    Being an LPR is a "privilege" and not a "right". The U.S. government can take away your LPR status under certain conditions. You must maintain your LPR 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 an LPR and how you can maintain your LPR status.

    photo of immigrant looking at city 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 health care for you and your family.
    photo of immigrant child 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.
    photo of fire fighter 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.
    picture of U.S. Constitution Learning About the United States
    The United States is a 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.
    photo of hands on hearts Becoming a U.S. Citizen
    Becoming a U.S. citizen gives LPRs 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.

    Please note: Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants is currently available only in this web-based format. It is not available through the USCIS Forms Request Line.

    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 in this guide is correct at the time of publication; however it may change in the future.
    Last Modified 10/20/2004