Colorado immigrants often encounter these challenges

No two situations are exactly the same when immigrant families cross U.S. borders to begin new lives in Colorado. Whether your entire family arrived at the same time or you and your spouse traveled separately with your children, you likely encountered numerous situations that made you feel nervous or uncomfortable in some way as you adapted to your new lifestyle.

Emigrating from another country is definitely a process, not a momentary event. You are meeting new people, learning new things and trying your best to stay informed and updated on U.S. immigration law, which can be quite challenging as the laws often change. It’s good to connect with an immigration advocate who can help you rectify any problem that arises as you do your best to overcome one challenge at a time.

You might relate to these issues

If you happen to live in a neighborhood that includes other immigrants, you will probably get the opportunity to talk to some of your neighbors and share stories and experiences with one another. Doing so can not only make you feel more at ease, but can serve as a reminder that support is available when you need it. The following list includes issues many immigrants say they struggle with when they first arrive in the United States:

• Language barrier: If you hope to become a U.S. citizen, you’ve likely been studying English since you must prove your ability to read, write and speak the language to become a citizen. Still, it can be frustrating to try to navigate a conversation when those to whom you are speaking are much more fluent in English than you happen to be.
• Discrimination: Many immigrants say they experience unfair treatment based on their ethnic backgrounds when they come to this country to live.
• Longing for home: While Colorado may eventually feel like home to you, it would not be uncommon for you to experience a longing for your country of origin as you adapt to your new lifestyle. Homesickness is a common challenge among immigrants.
• Employment problems: If all your paperwork was in order when you arrived at the border, it might not be as difficult to land a job as if you experience legal status problems. However, even if you came here on an employment-based visa, problematic issues can arise.

Overcoming the challenges

The more time you spend in the Colorado, the more likely you will become comfortable in your new surroundings and begin to function like an average, productive member of your community. The more support networks you weave, the better, especially if you run into legal trouble along the way that threatens your ability to remain in the United States.