Challenges Immigrants Face Upon Arrival in the U.S.

by Maria Guerrero

Everyday, thousands of people enter the United States, some legally and others illegally, all with a common purpose to escape economic difficulties, social challenges, political persecution and insecurity in their home countries. Upon reaching the U.S., immigrants face numerous barriers, including misinformation, language barriers, and the search for employment. The desperation to work immediately makes some immigrants vulnerable to fraud.

Consider the story of Frank, who, just weeks after arriving in Texas, began working as a painter for a Hispanic employer. However, after two weeks this employer simply refused to pay him. Many immigrants believe they have no rights and wish to avoid legal issues, so they choose not to take any action to claim what is rightfully theirs.

Lenin's case is another example: He spent an entire year working to save money and initiate his migration process with a paralegal, and he paid $3,000 for a paralegal to assemble his political asylum case to submit to United States Customs and Immigrations Services (USCIS). However, lacking information about the process or the required timelines, he waited for a response for two years but received nothing. Upon calling USCIS for direct information, he was surprised to find out that his case had never been submitted, resulting in not only financial loss but also the loss of valuable time in his immigration process.

Cases of scams victimizing immigrants are widespread, and sometimes these scams can appear legitimate. Take as an example the case of Nayerlin, who arrived in Memphis just a few months ago. She is here legally, and has filed for her work authorization, but she has had to find a way to support herself while waiting to be able to get a job. To earn money, she has had to pay someone with legal documents that allows her to work as a food delivery driver. This person illegally profits from her desperation by charging her a user fee for his credentials. 

The desperation to find employment, secure suitable housing, and adapt to a completely new country with a different language, coupled with a lack of information, make immigrant families an easy target for unscrupulous individuals preying on the needs of others. In addressing these challenges, it is crucial to raise awareness, provide accurate information, and empower immigrants to assert their rights, fostering a supportive environment for their successful integration into the United States.