As a permanent resident of the United States, you have decided to call this country your home. As you work to achieve your goals, you should take time to get to know about this country, its history and its people. It is now your right and responsibility to shape the future of the United States and to ensure its continued success. America values the contributions of the immigrants who continue to enrich the country and preserve its legacy as a land of freedom and opportunity.
Most of the federal offices are closed on official holidays. If a holiday falls on a Saturday, it is observed on the preceding Friday. If a holiday falls on a Sunday, it is observed on the following Monday. Many private employers also give their employees a holiday on these days.
As a permanent resident, you should begin to learn about the country, its people and its system of government. Find out about your rights and responsibilities as an immigrant and understand how federal, state and local governments work. You should learn about important historical events that have shaped the United States, as well as the importance of getting involved in your community .
You can contact a state, county or city government office to learn about the available services or consult with the local organizations that will help new immigrants. There are organizations in many communities that provides free or very low cost assistance to immigrants. These organizations can help you to learn about your community and the services available to you as an immigrant.
You can find these organizations by searching the Internet, looking in your local phone book, asking the staff at the public library or by contacting your local government social service agency.
As a permanent resident, you are expected to consider the United States as your home and to respect and obey the country’s laws. Being a permanent resident means that you have new rights and responsibilities. Being a permanent resident is a privilege, not a right. The U.S. government can take away your permanent resident status under certain conditions. You must maintain your permanent resident status, if you want to live and work in the United States and become a citizen one day.
Know more about the rights, responsibilities and privileges
By Premji
