Finding suitable housing is among the chief concerns of many immigrants upon arriving in the United States, especially if they are moving to unfamiliar territory. Fortunately, federal law makes no distinction between lawful resident aliens and U.S. citizens, so there are fewer hurdles to overcome than you might expect. However, as the immigration lawyers at Berd & Klauss, PLLC in NYC explain, there are still a variety of factors to take into consideration.

Many immigrants and non-immigrant aliens on student visas who arrive in the U.S. on work visas will initially be given accommodations by their employers, but they will eventually have to find housing of their own. In all likelihood, you will be unfamiliar with the area, which is why you should rely on the area knowledge of coworkers, friends, or your immigration lawyer. Don't be afraid to ask for advice on where you should live, which areas are safe, and what you can expect to spend.

While immigrants have the same rights as citizens under the Fair Housing Act, you will have to afford the deposit on a new apartment or rental house, which could be as much as twice the monthly rent. You may also find rental agencies and landlords are reluctant to rent because they cannot find a credit history in their database, which is a common problem for many Americans. In some cases, you may be able to provide additional documentation, but remember that you may not be approved for some properties, regardless of your credit performance in your home country.

Berd & Klauss, PLLC has built a reputation for providing comprehensive immigration law services to clients from all over the world. Whether you're struggling with changes to the statutes or immigration to the U.S. for the first time, you can rely on these NYC immigration lawyers to navigate you through the difficult and complex system. Visit their website to learn more or call (212) 461-7152 for a consultation with a member of their team today.