Many immigrants face a strong language barrier upon arriving to the U.S. The language barrier can make simple tasks such as going grocery shopping or applying for jobs daunting. Many immigrants experience an emotional breakdown at the isolation of being surrounding by those whose language is alien to them. Even after investing in English language classes, many immigrants continue to struggle for several years with comprehension and communication issues.
Often, immigrants arrive the U.S. with very little money. Many share sub-standard housing in unsafe communities. Lack of adequate space and privacy add to the family's stresses. Even immigrants with a fair amount of start-up capital can have a hard time landing a comfortable home. Many landlords require proof of income, job histories and references prior to leasing an apartment or home. Without these resources, immigrant housing options are limited.
Undocumented immigrants encounter several additional problems, including trouble finding stable work and an inability to participate in social services that are available to documented immigrants. Most undocumented immigrant workers find work on an irregular basis. They may hold seasonal work or find day labor contracts. Yet the unstable nature of these sources of income take their toll on an immigrant's quality of life and financial solvency.
Younger immigrants who travel with their parents or grandparents to the U.S. often pick up on American cultural patterns and adjust to these new patterns quickly. They may shun their family's traditional cultural patterns and behaviors. This conflict adds to the stresses of an already trying situation. However, children and teenagers can help bridge the cultural and linguistic gap experienced by their parents and thus aid in the family's transition over time.