Arriving In The U.S.A.

As the tired Josefa and her two children usher their way from the U.S. Customs area to the revolving door, a bright flash catches their attention…on the other side of the glass door is Richard, waving and taking pictures of them. Richard is Josefa’s U.S. Citizen fiancé of two years. Josefa is a Filipino and so are her two children from a previous marriage. The two long years of waiting have finally paid off. Josefa regains her strength from the tiring trip upon seeing Richard. “What a sight!” sighs Josefa. “I’m finally home!” Tears ran down her cheeks as she rushes into his welcoming arms. She misses him so much.

This is one of the many joyful and emotional scenes happening at the airport everyday. Family and loved ones are reunited. It is a moment of rejoicing…a moment of expressing and sharing one’s happy thoughts and feelings…a moment of displaying affection…a moment of thanking the Lord for the blessing.

Josefa and Richard want to make a life together. They both know that communication and the art of listening are very important ingredients for a sustainable relationship. This goes without saying that love, trust, honesty and respect are the solid foundation of a lasting relationship.

Josefa shares with Richard the ARRIVAL/SETTLEMENT CHECKLIST that she and daughters received from their Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar/Guidance and Counseling Program at the Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO), Manila Philippines. This is a generic checklist for U.S. migrants:

1.Keep your identification documents (such as your passport, permanent residence/alien registration card, social security card, health card, health record, credit/ATM card, bank book(s), birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.) in a secure place.

2.Keep a list of emergency numbers in your area.

3.Avail of free language courses, skills training, job-search workshops, post-arrival seminars and other programs offered to newly-settled migrants

4.Inquire on the policies and services of important local government offices (such as city halls, immigration police/offices, tax authority agencies, social security administration offices, migrant resource centers, etc).

5.Be aware of your rights and responsibilities in your host country.

6.Learn to use public communication facilities and transportation systems in your area.

7.Learn new skills such as driving or using the computer. Continuously practice and improve your language skills.

8.Involve yourself in community activities.

Richard helps Josefa and her daughters with the items in the checklist that are applicable to them. Five days after Josefa’s arrival from the Philippines to the U.S., Richard marries her. It is a simple but momentous wedding for them. The two girls are now in school.

Josefa gets her Permanent Resident card a few months after her wedding. She can now work. She reviews the TIPS FOR JOB HUNTERS that the CFO gave her:

1.Seek the assistance of government agencies which provide job-assistance. Check out the classified ads of local newspapers, internet, and personal networks for job openings in your locality.

2.Prepare the following documents when applying for a job:

Passport

Proof of residency

Social Security Number

Application letter & resume

Professional license (if applicable)

Proof of proficiency in the country’s official language

Other proof of qualifications

Josefa picks up her folder…gets out of the car… and walks to the building for her first job interview.