|
New to America
What do I need to know?
Explore ILW.COM, an immigration law and information portal that provides general knowledge and information about... |
Adapting to a New Homeland
A new homeland can offer opportunities and frustrations due to cultural differences. Prevent the feeling of isolation by incorporating new cultural values without giving up your heritage. This process is called acculturation or a blending of cultures. |
Why are cultural values so important?
Cultural values make up the foundation of who we are, so it is unhealthy to abandon one culture for another. |
What is culture shock?
Feeling the impact of cultural differences is known as “culture shock.” This feeling occurs when a person is confused by the new cultural patterns, which can result in frustration, loss of self-esteem, anger, depression or withdrawal. |
How can I adapt?
Acculturation. This means to adapt effectively to new values and the mainstream of a second culture, while integrating and enjoying your heritage. |
What are some these new values?
American values include an emphasis on education and graduation from high school, learning English as a second language, family planning, a commitment to freedom and the fundamental beliefs that America is founded upon. |
How can I accomplish this?
First, use the educational resources provided in your local community to empower yourself as a respected, responsible member of the community. Second, pursue relations and involvement with other immigrants within and outside of your ethnic group, sharing and celebrating together the richness of your heritage. |
The Acculturation Process
The 4 Phases of the Acculturation Process:
|
Phase I - "The Honeymoon Phase"
Adventure and sense of excitement
|
|
Phase II - "Culture Fatigue Phase"
Feeling of newness wear off and challenges of acculturation begin
|
|
Phase III - "Adjusting to the New Culture Phase"
Communication becomes easier as new knowledge about the culture is gained
|
|
Phase IV - "Acceptance of New Culture Phase"
Approving of new culture and acceptance of culture
|
|
U.S. Facts
Independence Day
The Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson to the King of England on July 4, 1776, declaring the United States to be an independent nation. The original document can be seen at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C., our nation's capitol.
Every year Americans celebrate this important event on the Fourth of July, Independence Day.
... “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” ... |
National Bird
 In 1782 the United States Congress chose the bald eagle as America's national bird, representing courage, strength, and freedom. The official symbol of the bald eagle has the eagle holding an olive branch, a symbol of peace, in one claw and an arrow in its other claw, representing the nation's strength in time of war.
|
National Flag
 The United States flag has thirteen red and white stripes representing the thirteen original colonies. Its fifty white stars on a field of blue represent the fifty American States. The color red stands for courage or strength, the color white stands for liberty, and blue stands for justice and loyalty.
Americans show respect for their flag by saying the
Pledge of Allegiance. The flag should be raised up a flagpole quickly and lowered slowly. If it is flown after dark, it should be lit. It should not be allowed to touch the ground, floor, or water. It should be brought indoors during rainy weather unless it is made of waterproof material. It should always be held or flown to the right of any other flags, and should be the center and highest of a group. |
The National Song
Star Spangled Banner is our national anthem. An anthem is a special song sung to show honor and loyalty.
|
President of the United States
President George W. Bush
President George W. Bush is the 43rd President of the United States and formerly the 46th Governor of the State of Texas.
|
Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is an American symbol of freedom. She stands proudly on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. The Statue of Liberty was given to the United States by France in 1884 to celebrate 100 years of American independence.
The Statue of Liberty stands 151 feet tall. Her right arm holds a torch that represents Liberty shedding her light for all to see and in her left arm she holds a tablet with the date of the Declaration of Independence. The seven spikes of the crown stand for liberty shining across the seven continents. On the pedestal is a plaque on which is printed the following poem by Emma Lazarus:
"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore,
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me.
I lift my lamp beside the golden door." |
|
