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As a South Asian immigrant, moving to the United States can be challenging. From being away from your family, friends, and familiar surroundings, to adjusting to a new language, culture, and weather, immigrating to a new country is daunting. However, moving to the United States opens doors to more career opportunities, better education and healthcare, and affordable technology. If you are considering moving to the U.S from South Asia, here are four tips to enable you to settle in quickly and enjoy your stay.

1. Familiarize yourself with the city

Be sure to arrange for temporary accommodation for the first few days or weeks upon moving to the new country. This provides you adequate time to study the new city to make informed decisions on essential aspects of your life. Perform in-depth research on your preferred city to determine which areas are safe, the cost of living in different locations, housing,  and areas with the most jobs suitable for your knowledge and skills.  You should also consider essential amenities, including malls, schools, hospitals, and access to roads and public transport. By taking time to know the city you have decided to live in, you will avoid wasting money and time relocating later.

2. Polish your English language skills

The language barrier is one of the most significant challenges for immigrants in the United States. This is because English is often not a newcomer's first language. For this reason, you should consider enrolling in English classes to polish your language skills. This makes it easier to converse with residents in the new country.

Mastering English literacy skills opens doors to high-employment opportunities you could otherwise not qualify for even if you had the relevant skills, knowledge, and experience. Be sure to hire a Burmese Translator to help with your English to Burmese or Burmese to English translation needs before you master the English language to make settling in the United States more straightforward.

3. Understand the US federal laws and local or state government rules

The last thing you want as an immigrant in the United States is to get in trouble with the law. For this reason, you should familiarize yourself with the standard local or state government rules and regulations and federal laws as you settle.

Besides being a socially responsible resident, you should also uphold common laws and regulations that can easily be ignored, including traffic laws. For instance, you should avoid driving under the influence, overspeeding, or driving without using seat belts. Other federal laws you should familiarize yourself with include labor laws, immigration laws, and the tax system. 

4. Apply for Social Security Number (SSN)

If you are moving to the United States to find employment opportunities, you should apply for a social security number. An SSN is a nine-digit number that helps identify and record wages for US residents in their social security accounts. You get a social security account when you agree to work in the US. Applying for an SSN increases your chances of landing a job, getting government services, and collecting Social Security benefits.

Endnote

Moving and settling in the United States does not have to be daunting. Take time to familiarize yourself with the chosen city, polish your English skills, and learn the US federal laws and local and state government rules and regulations to help you settle quickly and achieve your American dream.