The US is a nation of immigrants, and new immigrants are traveling to this country to start a new life every day. Unfortunately, what they find isn’t always very welcoming.
Settling into a new country can be scary, and it can be even scarier if the neighborhood doesn’t welcome newcomers with open arms. If you see immigrants in your neighborhood, reach out and help them with these four ideas.
Make Friends
According to Remitly, “The more that we know about the different immigrant communities who call this country home, the better we can understand their unique roles,” and the best way to can get to know the different immigrant communities in our neighborhoods is to reach and make friends!
Try organizing a block party to welcome new families to the neighborhood, swing by with a casserole that includes a recipe, or offer to keep an eye on the kids when they get home from school. Having a friend is the best way for immigrants to settle in and feel at home.
Offer Transportation
One of the biggest barriers immigrants face when they arrive in the United States is transportation. Getting a license isn’t an easy feat, which makes completing even the simplest errands extremely difficult.
Offer transportation to a neighbor from another country. You can offer to drive them yourself, or you can help them learn about transportation options in the area like:
- Teach them how Uber works, and help them download the app
- Pick up a local bus schedule, and highlight relevant stops
- Give them a list of numbers to local cab companies
- Get them in touch with area programs that offer rides to those in need
Tutor Them in English
Although it’s easy to get frustrated with immigrants who don’t speak English, it’s more worth your time to think about how difficult life must be for them. Offer to tutor them in English to make things easier.
There are lots of creative ways to tutor someone who doesn’t know English, and you don’t have to know their language either! Use pictures, take short field trips, do plenty of pointing, and you can teach them vital words and phrases that will make it easier for them to get around.
Support a Local Organization
If you don’t have a lot of time to spend face-to-face with new neighbor, you can at least donate your money to organizations that support immigrant rights. Many of them operate on a local level, so you’ll have to look into which organizations are available near you.
Many organizations would love to have new volunteers! Volunteering for an organization is also a great way to meet immigrants that live in your area.
Many immigrants come to this country to start a better life. It’s our responsibility to show them that the United States really is the best country in the world by making them feel at home when they move in next door. These tips will help you and your family do just that!