In a nutshell, the “American dream” means that anyone can come to the United States and prosper, regardless of their nationality or background. For millions of people, this has been the case.
Nonetheless, that isn’t to say that moving to the United States and thriving is easy. Media portrayals of immigrants and the lived realities of immigrants tell quite a different story, and immigrants face numerous challenges.
Outlined below are a few things to consider.
Family challenges
For many, the key to success is ensuring that their family is safe and secure. Thus, many immigrants come to the United States as a family unit. When children are involved, this means having to find the right school for them and setting them up for success. For elderly relatives, this could mean finding suitable accommodation and gaining access to public benefits and healthcare.
Succeeding on your own as an immigrant can be difficult as it is, but adding family members makes things more complex.
Housing and employment
Unfortunately, discrimination does still exist, particularly in the fields of housing and employment. Immigrants may find themselves consistently denied on both job and housing applications. Sometimes, this may be legitimate, but rejections can stem from discrimination.
The cultural shift
Cultures differ from country to country. In fact, there are distinct cultural differences between U.S. states. An immigrant may have to adjust to different laws, religious practices within the community as well as different traditions, foods and pastimes. Settling into a new community is certainly possible, but it can take some time.
Moving to the United States is a big decision that can be rewarding. Nonetheless, you need to make sure that you obtain the appropriate visas and legal documentation. Having legal guidance behind you will help with this process.