HOW DO I HELP SOMEONE WHO … _is Recently an Immigrant

A family from another non-English country just moved in next door. Your family has agreed to welcome them to the neighborhood. You hope to begin a good relationship right off the bat.

§ Language may be the biggest barrier. Older men and women might be hesitant to hold a conversation because their English is weak.

§ Culturally, they will be cautious of your attempts at showing good faith efforts in being friendly, because they might be wondering what you will want in return.

§ Even in the immigrant Christian community there are lots of attempts to sway people away from groups and churches to someone else’s group or church. Hold back on inviting them to church or a group until they get to know you.

§ Don’t discuss things like education, what type of job you have, finance, and material possessions unless they start the conversation or until they get to know you.

§ Get to know them casually at first, don’t rush in too aggressively. Perhaps if you both have kids you can encourage the kids to be the barrier breakers.

§ Ask about their personal background and culture- what part of the country do they come from; how long have they been in America; do they have many friends and family here.

§ Start off talking man to man and woman to woman -- don’t cross these boundaries too readily at first.



WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS FOR ACTION?

§ They will likely need suggestions on where to go shopping to get the best buys.

§ They might need some information on the local schools for children.

§ They might need referrals for plumber, car mechanic, concrete mason, electrician, etc..

§ They would appreciate introductions to other neighbors and help learning about the neighborhood kids.

§ Simple tips such as how the City collects recyclables and trash are useful.



HOW CAN I LEARN MORE?

§ Search out sites on the web or in the library about the country, culture, food, dress and religions.

§ Look at a map of the country to see where in that country they have traveled from.

§ Seek out friends who have friends from the same country so you can ask more specific questions once you know more about your new neighbors.