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Welcome to the United States
A Guide for New Immigrants

M-618 (rev. 09/07)

Welcome to the United States
A Guide for New Immigrants
Revised Edition

U.S. GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL EDITION NOTICE

This is the Official U.S. Government edition of this publication and is herein identified to certify its authenticity. Use of the ISBN 978-016-078733-1 is for U.S. Government Printing OfficeOfficial Editions only. The Superintendent of Documents of the U.S. Government Printing Office requests that any reprinted edition clearly be labeled as a copy of the authentic work with a new ISBN. The information presented in Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants is considered public information and may be distributed or copied without alteration unless otherwise specified. Thecitation should be: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Office of Citizenship, Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants, Washington, DC, 2007, Revised Edition. USCIS has purchased the right to use many of the images in Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants. USCIS is licensed to use these images on a non-exclusive andnon-transferable basis. All other rights to the images, including without limitation and copyright, are retained by the owner of the images. These images are not in the public domain and may not be used except as they appear as part of this guide. 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/USCISissue, please refer directly to the responsible agency or organization for the most current information. This information is correct at the time of printing; however, it may change in the future.
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ISBN 978-0-16-078733-1

Welcome to the United States
A Guide for New Immigrants
Congratulations on becoming a 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. The United States has a long history of welcoming immigrants from all partsof the world. America values the contributions of immigrants, who continue to enrich this country and preserve its legacy as a land of freedom and opportunity. As a permanent resident of the United States, you have made a decision to call this country your home. As you work to achieve your goals, take some time to get to know this country, its history, and its people. It is now both your right andyour responsibility to shape the future of this country and ensure its continued success. Exciting opportunities await you as you begin your life as a resident of this great country. Welcome to the United States! U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

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GETTING SETTLED IN THE UNITED STATES

Do you need a job? See p. 33.

Do you need healthcare? See p. 44.

Do you know what to do inan emergency? See p. 66.

Do you want to know more about the United States? See p. 74.

Do you know your rights as a permanent resident? See p. 8.

Do you have all the important documents you need? See p. 9.

Do you need a place to live? See p. 20.

Do you have children? See p. 50.

Do you need to learn English? See p. 60. Do you want to become a citizen? See p. 90.

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TABLE OFCONTENTS Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Federal Departments and Agencies . . . . . . . . For More Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . About This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Where to Get Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Getting Involved in Your Community . . . . . . Your Rights...