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A Guide to Doing Well in Bowling Green
Attention Immigrants: Are you laid off, out of work, in need of training and job assistance? You may be eligible for free training and job services through the workforce Investment Act! THE INTERNATIONAL CENTER (Western Kentucky Refugee Mutual Assistance Association, Inc.) offers this opportunity. Contact us and see if you are eligible for training and job placement services under the Workforce Investment Act. Or you may be eligible for one or more of our other services:
Celebrating our 20th Anniversary, We Serve Immigrants Working in Partnership with International Center Phone:270-781-8336 Hablamos Espanol!WIA funded in cooperation with the BRWIB, Department for Training & Re-Employment, Workforce Development Cabinet. Equal opportunity employer with equal opportunity programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Welcome to Bowling Green, Kentucky, U.S.A.
This Cultural Orientation Guide is written for Spanish-speaking people who come to Kentucky looking for jobs. It is written for people who do not yet speak English, U.S. citizens, migrant farm workers, Seasonal Agricultural Program workers who come to harvest our crops, people under Temporary Protected Status, and those applying for asylum. It is also written for those who are not documented, in hopes that they can become compliant with the law. No orientation book can possibly tell you everything you need to know. If you do not understand something in this book or need more information, ask a family member, a friend, a helping agency, or someone at work or in your church. Many churches and helping agencies have representatives who speak Spanish and are anxious to stand by you as you build your life in the Kentucky. We at the International Center are ready to assist you and to give you the tools for self-sufficiency and a comfortable life. Most of you have much of this information already. If even one idea helps you find a better job, make a better life, or join in the community of Bowling Green, the book will be of value to you. This book answers questions often asked by immigrants or refugees who come to our office. The suggestions in this book are the result of more than 20 years of successfully resettling newcomers. There are many more laws than we can describe here, but we have tried to point out a few. Keep in mind that laws change, and you need to watch for these changes. Many people have made suggestions and worked on this book, but I take full responsibility for all statements and opinions expressed. Welcome to Kentucky!
Marty Deputy, Director
Thanks for the continuing assistance of Sam Starks; Vanessa Aviles of St. Joseph's Church; Edith Castro and Cecilia Conejo, immigration specialists and case managers with the International Center; Donald Aviles, a member of our Board of Directors; David Funke, our sponsoring immigration lawyer; Paul Jerico of the Hispanic Center in Erie, Pennsylvania; Linda Rowland, education director at the International Center; and members of the Migrant Network Coalition, especially Nick Valenzuela, Davy King, and Gretchan Hunt. Thanks also to Pat Goad, our Circuit Clerk, who gave us the 76-page document of city and state laws. Thanks to Jerry Kaelin of the U.S. Wage and Hour Division and to Lou Olliges and Mark Cox of the Immigrationa and Naturalization Service in Louisville. Special thanks to Father Patrick Delehanty, who stands firm in his support of human rights. We have referred to INS legislation including the INA, IIRAIRA of 1996, and the LIFE legislation of December, 2000. Special thanks to my husband, Kenneth Deputy, whose wisdom, support, and unending knowledge of culture, law, and world events made this guide possible.
Interpreting Speaking English can save you money. Correct interpreting can save you money. Some offices and businesses have staff who speak Spanish, but most do not. Sometimes you must take an interpreter with you. Be sure that the interpreter really speaks both English and Spanish and can understand and interpret correctly Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requires that any service provider who receives money from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services must provide an interpreter at no extra charge to the client. For example, there is no need for you to pay for a court interpreter. The government pays them. Never sign any paper in court or anywhere else until it has been carefully explained to you in your language. Use an interpreter when you need to. Don't miss a job or service just because you do not speak English. Remember--many places HABLA ESPANOL! Good Ideas Doing well financially in the United States involves more than just receiving a paycheck. What you do with your paycheck is much more important. Here are a few examples:
Things To Do What you do with your money is more important than how much you make. You will have more money if you are careful about how you buy.
Things To Avoid
Investments When your money makes more money for you, it is an investment. Learn how to make good investments. Invest your money in things that will pay interest to you. A small savings account at the bank ($1,000) is good but will pay only about 3% interest. Learn about investments that pay higher interest. Your employer may offer a 401-K program. This is a good investment. Money invested in 401-K will grow and be waiting for you when you are too old to work. If your employer does not offer 401K, you might decide to invest in an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) at your bank. A single person may invest up to $2,000 per year and a family may invest up to $4,000 per year in IRAs. You will not pay taxes that year on the money you invested in IRAs. Compound interest is interest that builds on itself. Ask your banker or figure for yourself how much you will make if you invest $2,000 per year for 20 years. You will not believe it! Your Car We suggest that you wait to buy a car until you have saved enough to pay for it in cash. It is easy to borrow for a car, but you will pay much more for the car when you borrow. Interest for a car loan may be as high as 24%. You are often required to buy collision insurance, which can be very expensive, when you borrow. If you don't make your payments, the loan company can take back the car. When they resell your car, you are forced to pay the difference if they lose money on the sale. If you do not have a valid driver's license, do not buy a car. Without a driver's license you may not drive, you may not buy insurance, and you may not have the car transferred into your name. You will be stuck with a car that you paid for but do not own. Furniture and TVs Borrowing for furniture is even more costly than borrowing for a car. The interest is very high. Instead, buy used furniture with cash. Consider painting or refinishing old furniture to make it look new. Borrowing for furniture is a bad investment.
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