Welcome
to the United States:
A Guidebook for Refugees
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Welcome
to the United States:
A Guidebook for Refugees
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| CONTENTS | PREFACE | INTRODUCTION | PRE-ARRIVAL PROCESSING | RESETTLEMENT AGENCY ROLE | COMMUNITY SERVICES | HOUSING | TRANSPORTATION | EMPLOYMENT | EDUCATION | HEALTH | MANAGING YOUR MONEY | RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES | CULTURAL ADJUSTMENT | | |||||||
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The other day I was riding the bus... When I looked around, I saw so many different kinds of people. There were white people, and African-American people and Hispanic people. And no one was paying attention to anyone, no one was looking at anyone, staring or pointing. I was also on the bus, and no one was paying the least attention to me or how I looked. |
Transportation Public transportation varies greatly across the United States. Many cities offer extensive public transportation systems (bus, subway, or commuter train) that allow people to lead active lives without a car. Taxis are also available, but are usually expensive. In other areas, public transportation is not easily available. Detailed information about local public transportation will be provided by your resettlement agency soon after your arrival. In areas where public transportation is not available or convenient, newcomers may want to acquire their own car as soon as possible. However, there are many responsibilities in owning and driving a car in the United States. To drive a car legally, a local driver's license is required; an international driver's license is not acceptable as a substitute. The minimum age at which one may obtain a driver's license varies from state to state. A driver's license can be obtained at the local department of motor vehicles after passing a written test, a vision test, and a driving test. Most states require that a car be insured. When considering buying a car you should keep in mind the cost of the following items:
A driver's license is not permanent. It must be renewed regularly, and breaking certain laws may result in losing your license. For example, driving while under the influence of alcohol can result in losing your driver's license, significant fines, and a jail sentence. |
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The Cultural Orientation Project--http://www.culturalorientation.net,
for more information contact sanja@cal.org |
