HOME / VOCABULARY EXERCISES / LIFE SKILLS: TALKING TO IMMIGRATION 2
LIFE-SKILLS ENGLISH FOR NEW IMMIGRANTS: TALKING TO IMMIGRATION 2
VOCABULARY BUILDER:
Deadline = The last day that you can do something (like extend a visa, etc.)
Paperwork = Forms, documents, etc. that have to be completed as part of an application
Naturalization = A process in which a foreigner receives citizenship of a country
Adjustment of status = A change in someone's immigration status
Pending = (Still) under review
EXERCISE/VOCABULARY PRACTICE TEST
Remember to choose the most natural-sounding answer.
THINGS TO LISTEN FOR:
You missed the deadline. = You applied too late.
This is a good option for you. = This is something that would be good/beneficial for you.
A new card will be issued to you. = You will receive a new card.
Only immediate relatives can sponsor you. = Only close relatives can sponsor you.
The wait time is six months. = You'll have to wait for six months.
RESOURCES FOR NEW IMMIGRANTS: NEW YORK, NY, USA
(Check our other exercises below for resources in other places.)
Here's a comprehensive guide to resources for new immigrants in New York — including legal help, language support, public benefits, community programs, and more:
LEGAL AND IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE
ActionNYC (Free Immigration Legal Help)
City-funded network offering free, safe immigration legal screenings and consultations on things like green cards, citizenship, DACA, TPS, and more.
Available in many languages.
Call 1-800-354-0365 or 311 and say "ActionNYC" for appointments and referrals.
Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) Legal Support
Free legal support centers across NYC (community sites, libraries, clinics).
Help with applications, legal questions, and connections to nonprofit providers.
MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline: 800-354-0365 (Mon-Fri).
Rapid Response Legal Services
Assistance for individuals at risk of detention or deportation, provided through city-funded legal collaborative programs.
NYS Office for New Americans (ONA)
Statewide services offering free immigration assistance including legal advice, citizenship support, civics test prep, and community workshops — available in many languages.
New Americans Hotline: 800-566-7636.
CUNY Citizenship Now!
Free citizenship application assistance and advice at select public library branches and CUNY locations.
Asylum Seeker Legal Assistance Network
NYC network expanding legal help for newly arrived asylum seekers through community partners like Catholic Charities, African Services Committee, NYLAG, and others.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS & LEGAL EDUCATION
Immigrant Rights Workshops
Free workshops on legal rights, avoiding fraud, dealing with enforcement agents, and accessing services.
Multilingual Legal Guides
NYC provides guides on rights and services in many languages.
LANGUAGE & INTEGRATION SUPPORT
Community Interpreter Bank
City initiative to expand access to interpretation services in many languages to help immigrants navigate legal offices, clinics, and institutions.
English/Education Support
Many nonprofits and community centers offer ESL classes and civic integration programming (often through public libraries, local colleges, and immigrant community groups). (Many programs listed via NYC & NYS immigrant service portals.)
PUBLIC BENEFITS & SOCIAL SERVICES
Healthcare & Public Services
Residents in NY (regardless of immigration status) can access city healthcare services like NYC Care, free or low-cost care, and insurance for children under 19 regardless of status.
Food, Housing, and Cash Assistance
NYC Human Resources Administration and 311 can help connect to housing, food support, and other social benefits.
WHERE TO START (PRACTICAL STEPS)
Call the ActionNYC Hotline: 1-800-354-0365 for free legal screening and referrals.
Call the New Americans Hotline: 800-566-7636 for statewide multilingual guidance.
Dial 311: Ask for immigration help, benefits info, or language access assistance.
Visit MOIA Centers and Workshops: They're in all five boroughs and offer direct support and rights education.
TIPS FOR NEW ARRIVALS
• Always verify credentials — only use licensed lawyers or accredited representatives for legal filings.
• Save hotlines and NYC government resource listings to your phone.
• Join community organizations (like Make the Road NY, NY Immigration Coalition, etc.) — many provide comprehensive multilingual support.
