4 Tips for Immigrants Who Want to Support Their Loved Ones and Communities

Safely send money home. 

Many of us living in the US are supporting family members living far away. Although the digital age has made sending money easier, it can still be tricky to find a way to send it safely when it’s going overseas. If you’re sending large amounts, you want to ensure that it gets to its destination quickly and reliably. Unfortunately, some companies charge outrageous fees for the service, but there are others that offer quick delivery and either low rates or no fee at all - you just have to do your research to find them. 

It’s also important to note that if you have your own business you can maximize the amount of money you’re able to send back to overseas family members if you use accounting software. An ERP solution for your business will offer a wide array of services from invoicing to expense management to cash flow projections. When you carefully manage your business revenue and income, you can provide even more support to those back home.

Support your local community.

Money isn’t the only thing many immigrants send home. You might want to pack up a box full of souvenirs, food products, or handmade items, and ship them to your loved ones. Before you shop online or buy from a chain store, look for local options at the farmer’s market or a small, local business. Not only will you be getting unique, handcrafted items, you’ll be supporting your community at the same time. Shopping locally is also much better for the environment because it involves fewer fossil fuels.

Stay in touch.

When you’re far from home, it’s especially important to find ways to stay in touch with your loved ones. Letters and packages are great, but sometimes you just need to hear a familiar voice. These days, it’s easier than ever to talk to and see the people you care about most, no matter where you are in the world. Technology has come a long way in the last few years, giving us social media chats, blogs, and video calls that make information sharing so much easier. If you have loved ones who aren’t on social media, consider using a platform like Zoom or Skype that will help you communicate with ease and see your friends and family members when you miss them the most. Just make sure you have the right device for making video calls.

Volunteer your time.

When you’re looking for ways to get more involved in your community, consider volunteering. There are plenty of opportunities available in most areas, from giving your time to help seniors to assisting with small tasks at your child’s school. Volunteering is a great way to get to know your neighbors and make new friends, and you might even meet someone who has a connection to your home. You might look online for ways to get involved locally or visit the public library to find out more about community projects. 

Finding a way to support both your community and your loved ones back home can take some time, so try to be patient as you get comfortable with the balance. Look for ways to stay social and to meet others who are new to the area, as this can help you feel supported yourself.