Building a New Life in America:
Practical Assistance for Asylum Seekers and Newly Arrived Immigrants
Date of Information: 05/28/2025
Please check back soon; we frequently update these materials.
Employment
If you’re a recent immigrant looking for a job, there are many resources available to help you with job searching, resume writing, networking, and understanding the job market. Here are some great places to start:
1. Government Resources
USAJobs – The official job site for the U.S. government, which often has positions available for immigrants with work authorization.
CareerOneStop – Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, this site provides job search assistance, training, and career exploration tools.
American Job Centers (AJC) – Offers free services, including job training, resume help, and job fairs.
Refugee Career Pathways (Office of Refugee Resettlement) — helps refugees secure employment or continue their professional careers in the United States.
2. Nonprofits & Community Organizations
Upwardly Global – Helps skilled immigrants and refugees find jobs in their field.
International Rescue Committee (IRC) – Provides career development support for refugees and immigrants.
World Education Services (WES) Global Talent Bridge – Helps immigrants transfer foreign credentials to the U.S.
3. Online Job Portals
Indeed – A popular job search engine with millions of postings.
LinkedIn – Great for networking and finding job opportunities.
Glassdoor – Offers job listings along with company reviews and salary insights.
4. Local Immigrant Support Centers
Many cities have immigrant support organizations that help with job placement, language training, and legal assistance. Search for:
Local Catholic Charities chapters
State or city workforce agencies (e.g., New York’s Workforce1, Chicago’s WorkNet)
5. Industry-Specific Resources
If you have experience in a specialized field, you may benefit from organizations that help immigrants enter their profession in the U.S.:
Doctors: ECFMG
Engineers: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE-USA)
Teachers: Teach For America
IT Professionals: CompTIA Tech Career Academy
6. Resume & Interview Help
Refugee Career Hub – Helps with resume writing and interview prep.
ESL and Job Readiness Classes – Offers free courses on workplace English and job applications.
Banking
Once you’ve received your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and Social Security Number (SSN), you are eligible to open a bank account in the United States. A checking or savings account is essential for safely storing your money, receiving direct deposits, paying bills, and building your financial history to qualify for credit.
What You’ll Need
Government-Issued Photo ID: Your EAD card (I-766) is acceptable.
Social Security Number (SSN): Bring your Social Security card or an official document with your SSN.
Proof of Address: Recent mail, a lease, or a utility bill with your name and current U.S. address.
Initial Deposit: Some banks may require an initial deposit (often $25 or more).
Where to Open an Account
These banks and credit unions frequently serve immigrants and new arrivals:
Tip: Credit unions often offer lower fees and more flexible requirements than large banks.
Steps to Open an Account
Choose a bank or credit union that suits your needs.
Call ahead or check their website to confirm required documents.
Visit a branch with your documents.
Ask for a “basic checking account” or “non-citizen-friendly account.”
Review any monthly fees or requirements to avoid them.
Make your first deposit and set up online banking.
Things to Keep in Mind
No specific immigration status is required beyond having an EAD and SSN.
You can turn off overdraft features to avoid accidental fees.
Never share your PIN or bank login with anyone you don’t trust.
Bank accounts are safer and often cheaper than check-cashing services.
Housing
Finding safe, stable housing is one of the most urgent needs for newly arrived asylum seekers. Whether you need emergency shelter or longer-term rental support, the organizations below can help connect you with housing assistance in your area.
Emergency and Transitional Housing
HUD Find Shelter Tool – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development directory of emergency shelters, food banks, and health clinics.
Homeless Shelter Directory – Search for free shelters by city and state.
Salvation Army Utility and Rent Assistance – Emergency assistance to keep families who are struggling to pay rent, mortgage, and utility bills in their homes..
Catholic Charities USA – Offers emergency housing, utility assistance, and case management in most major U.S. cities.
Long-Term and Supportive Housing
Airbnb.org – Provides free or discounted stays for displaced people, including asylum seekers, through local nonprofit partners.
Refugee Housing Solutions – Increasing access to dignified, affordable housing for refugees and other newcomers to the United States.
National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) – Connects low-income individuals to affordable housing programs and advocates for tenant rights.
Homes Not Borders – Helps furnish and set up housing for recently arrived asylum seekers and refugees in the D.C. metro area.
Tips for Securing Housing
Ask local community centers or resettlement agencies if they know of hosts or sponsors.
Some local churches and mosques offer free or low-cost rooms — ask respectfully and explain your situation.
If you're staying with someone informally, ask for a signed letter confirming your residence for address verification.
Housing programs often vary by state and city. If you're working with a legal aid organization or case manager, ask them to help connect you to local options.
Food Assistance
If you are an asylum seeker struggling to afford groceries or meals, there are many local and national programs that can help. These services provide food at no cost and are open to all people in need, regardless of immigration status.
Nationwide Food Assistance Programs
Feeding America Food Bank Locator – Find food pantries and meal programs in your area through the largest hunger-relief network in the U.S.
AmpleHarvest.org – Connects you with local food pantries that accept and distribute fresh produce.
Salvation Army Food Programs – Free meals and groceries are available through local chapters across the country.
Catholic Charities USA – Offers food assistance, mobile pantries, and meal delivery in many cities.
Specialized Resources for Immigrants
Refugee Welcome Collective – Helps recently arrived refugees and asylum seekers access culturally appropriate food support.
International Rescue Committee (IRC) – Many IRC offices provide or coordinate food assistance for clients and local immigrant communities.
Tips for Getting Help
Call ahead to confirm hours and whether ID is required (many do not ask).
Bring a reusable bag or box if you plan to pick up groceries from a pantry.
If you live in shared housing, ask if the entire household can be registered for assistance.
Food pantries may also offer hygiene supplies, diapers, and household essentials—ask what's available.
You don’t need to go hungry. These programs exist to support your basic dignity and help you stay healthy while you focus on your legal case and rebuilding your life.
Physical Healthcare
Getting healthcare as a recent immigrant in the U.S. depends on your immigration status, income, and state of residence. Here’s a general guide to help you navigate your options:
1. Government Healthcare Programs
Some immigrants qualify for public healthcare programs, but eligibility varies:
Medicaid: Low-income immigrants may qualify, but many must wait five years after receiving lawful status. Some states, like California and New York, offer Medicaid to certain immigrants without a waiting period.
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP): Provides low-cost healthcare for children in low-income families, often with fewer restrictions than Medicaid.
Medicare: Available to lawful permanent residents (green card holders) after working for 10 years in the U.S.
State-Specific Programs: Some states offer health coverage to recent immigrants regardless of status. Check with your state’s Medicaid office.
2. Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace ("Obamacare")
Lawfully present immigrants can buy health insurance through the ACA Marketplace and may qualify for subsidies based on income.
No waiting period for legal immigrants to apply.
3. Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance
If you have a job, check if your employer offers health insurance. Many companies provide affordable group plans, which may be cheaper than buying insurance on your own.
4. Community Health Centers
Federally funded Community Health Centers provide low-cost or free medical services, including check-ups, vaccinations, and urgent care, regardless of immigration status.
Find a center near you: FindaHealthCenter.hrsa.gov
5. Short-Term or Private Health Insurance
If you don’t qualify for government programs or employer coverage, you can buy private insurance through companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, or Oscar Health.
Short-term health insurance plans are available but often don’t cover pre-existing conditions.
6. Charity-Provided Healthcare
Several charitable organizations offer healthcare assistance to immigrants:
Doctors Without Borders (MSF USA) – Provides medical care to vulnerable populations, including undocumented immigrants.
Catholic Charities USA – Offers free or low-cost healthcare clinics in various states.
Migrant Clinicians Network – Provides health services and support for migrant workers and their families.
The Children’s Health Fund – Offers mobile medical units that provide healthcare to underserved communities, including immigrant children.
Local Free Clinics – Many cities have free or sliding-scale clinics for immigrants. Check the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC).
7. Emergency Care
Under federal law (EMTALA), hospitals must provide emergency care regardless of immigration status or ability to pay.
Mental Health Support
Seeking asylum is not just a legal journey — it’s an emotional one. Many asylum seekers face trauma, anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Accessing mental health services is a critical part of staying strong and navigating the challenges ahead.
Where to Get Help
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 988 — free, 24/7, confidential support in multiple languages.
SAMHSA National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free, confidential treatment referrals and information.
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs): Provide low-cost or free mental health care regardless of immigration status.
Nonprofit Providers: Many organizations offer trauma-informed counseling for asylum seekers and refugees:
Why It Matters
Talking to a counselor or therapist can help you process trauma and regain a sense of stability.
A licensed mental health professional can provide a report that strengthens your asylum case.
Mental health care is part of your healing — it is not a luxury. It’s a right.
If you are working with an attorney, ask them for a referral to a trauma-informed therapist in your area. Many services are free or sliding-scale for people in your situation.
