HOME / VOCABULARY EXERCISES / LIFE SKILLS: AT THE BANK 1
LIFE-SKILLS ENGLISH FOR NEW IMMIGRANTS: AT THE BANK 1
VOCABULARY BUILDER:
Credit score = A score, based on someone's credit history, that is used to determine how "credit-worthy" that person is
Teller = Bank employee who deals with customers' transactions
Window = The area in the bank where a teller serves customers
To wire = To transfer (usually money)
Statement = A record of all transactions in an account (often by month)
Balance = The amount of money in an account
EXERCISE/VOCABULARY PRACTICE TEST:
THINGS TO LISTEN FOR:
You have to activate this card before you can use it. = You have to verify some information about yourself (usually online) before you can use this card.
We need to see picture ID. = We need some form of identification with your photo on it.
Your credit card is maxed out. = You have reached the spending limit on your credit card.
We'll wave the fee. = You won't have to pay the fee.
Your loan application was not approved. = The bank decided not to loan you money (give you a loan).
RESOURCES FOR NEWCOMERS: PORTLAND, OR, USA
(Check our other exercises below for resources in other places.)
Here are useful resources for new immigrants in Portland, Oregon — including organizations that provide legal help, social services, language support, employment assistance, and community connections:
COMMUNITY & INTEGRATION SUPPORT
Non-profits and community organizations
• Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) - One of the largest immigrant/refugee support organizations in Oregon with culturally specific services like employment assistance, ESL, youth programs, housing help, advocacy, and more.
• IRCO Pacific Islander & Asian Family Center - IRCO's specialized center supporting Asian and Pacific Islander immigrant families.
• PRSG | Pacific Refugee Support Group - Supports refugees with community, services, and settlement support.
• Immigrant Connection PDX - Local immigrant & naturalization support services in NE Portland.
• Voz Workers Rights' Education Project - Helps immigrant workers understand rights, employment support, and education.
• CAIRO Oregon - Organization offering community resources and support.
• Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice - Faith- based support and advocacy.
• Lutheran Community Services Northwest - Offers immigration and refugee support services including citizenship classes.
LEGAL & IMMIGRATION HELP
Legal advice and case support
• SOAR Immigration Legal Services - Free or low- cost legal assistance for immigration cases.
• Immigration Counseling Service - Immigration legal services from experienced attorneys.
• Immigrant Law Group & Oregon Immigration Group, PC - Additional immigration law firms in Portland.
• USCIS Portland Field Office - U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services field office for formal immigration processing.
• City of Portland maintains a resource list with free legal advice and citizenship classes through partner organizations and online classes.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT & CITY RESOURCES
Portland's government offers official newcomer support:
• City of Portland Immigrant & Refugee Resources — A regularly updated Welcome Guide in many languages with info on health care, education, social services, and "Know Your Rights."
• Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition (PIRC)" — While not a business entity in our list, PIRC runs a statewide hotline (1- 888- 622- 1510) for reporting enforcement actions and accessing legal & social support.
OTHER HELPFUL SUPPORT NETWORKS
These might also be useful depending on your circumstances:
• Pacific Refugee Support Group (PRSG) - Community support for refugees.
• City programs like Oregon Worker Relief help with economic stability and navigating systems for people ineligible for traditional benefits due to immigration status.
TIPS FOR NEWCOMERS
• 311 City Assistance (Portland): Call 3-1-1 (or 503-823-4000) for general city information and referrals in multiple languages.
• Know Your Rights Resources: Available through City of Portland sites and immigrant coalitions to help you understand local protections and how to interact with authorities.
• 211info.org: Dialing 211 or texting your ZIP code to 898211 can connect you to social services including food, housing, and legal referrals.
