In recent years, there has been an increasing number of Chinese immigrants coming to the United States. For many new arrivals, the initial experience can be daunting as they are in a foreign land with no immediate support system. To assist new immigrants in understanding American society, the Chen Chuang Law Firm organized a “New Immigrant Life Festival” on Independence Day (July 4th) to introduce experiences, provide consultations, help them make friends, and better adapt to their new lives in America.
On that day, the event venue was packed with sixty to seventy guests. The organizers prepared a variety of snacks and beverages, and invited professionals from various fields such as accountants, real estate agents, government social workers to provide information on tax filing, retirement planning, housing, asylum applications, and more to help new immigrants.
Yang Xiao, the manager of the law firm, highlighted that many new immigrants may face numerous challenges and feel lonely due to their unfamiliarity with the local environment upon arriving in the U.S. She expressed the firm’s aim to provide professional services with a sense of warmth and respect, ensuring that every individual feels embraced and supported.
Former Chinese lawyer and current employee at Chen Chuang Law Firm, Liang Shaohua, shared his experiences of immigrating to the U.S. three years ago. He went through the challenges of finding housing, obtaining a driver’s license, enrolling his child in school, and waiting for court hearings, empathizing with the struggles and issues faced by new immigrants. He hoped that every person and family could achieve their American dream, but he also acknowledged various problems encountered when interacting with new immigrants.
For example, some new immigrants believe that having a work permit is sufficient and that they do not need to apply for legal status. Others worry about attending gatherings in the U.S., fearing harassment of their relatives back in China or even potential threats to their safety, including assassination. Some immigrants who faced persecution in their home country still experience mental distress after relocating to the U.S.
Liang Shaohua pointed out that Chinese nationals might encounter police visits to their families in China, but based on his experience, this is often routine procedure. While there are instances of direct threats, most people do not face such situations.
Some new immigrants hesitate to involve their families, but Liang Shaohua emphasized that if family members are harassed by the police, it is not their fault, rather it is the fault of the Chinese Communist Party. He stressed that pursuing freedom comes with a price, as the CCP is known to find reasons to harass and oppress individuals seeking freedom.
When facing threats from the Chinese Communist Party, Chen Chuang, the law firm, advised victims to bravely speak out and report to U.S. law enforcement agencies such as the police and FBI to raise awareness and effectively counter the CCP’s actions.
Chen Chuang, who holds attorney licenses in New York, New Jersey, and California, has handled numerous immigration cases, especially political asylum cases. He emphasized the importance of telling the truth during the legal process of obtaining legal status.
As Chen Chuang highlighted, the consequences could be severe if the U.S. government discovers that an applicant has lied during the application process. He emphasized that honesty is key, and applicants should provide a clear explanation of their past, even if they have a criminal record, were former CCP members, worked for the Chinese government, or committed wrongful acts. The U.S. government offers various exemptions but dishonesty can lead to revocation of legal status.
However, applicants who are upfront and provide a comprehensive explanation may receive understanding. Chen Chuang’s first advice to new immigrants is to avoid lying.
Chen Chuang pointed out a significant difference between the U.S. and China – the U.S. not only has a powerful government and military but also a strong civil society represented by its people.
He exemplified this by narrating the story of two Chinese individuals in Tennessee who, despite facing deportation orders during their failed application for legal status, were supported by the local community and were allowed to stay and work due to their hard work and positive contributions to the community.
Chen Chuang emphasized that besides government assistance, various civil society organizations and the media in the U.S. could provide help to new immigrants. He encouraged new immigrants to understand and integrate into American society actively, seek assistance, and not isolate themselves.
Chen Chuang also expressed his hope that Chinese new immigrants, while assimilating into American society and enjoying freedom, would defend their freedom and contribute to American society.
In her speech, Yang Xiao encouraged new immigrants to face difficulties and challenges bravely, including those whose relatives in China face threats. She hoped that both new and old immigrants could unite, support each other, grow together, and spread courage and love to more people.