My believe is that we should be our brothers keeper. Thumb up for Baba Aladura, he has been so wonderful and passionately care for all coming to the U.S. I think we in the U.S. need to share the reality on ground here. I discovered even some friends you know before leaving Naija gets here and become so economical with information. For me our collective success should be paramount. God has been faithful and I can tell you with God on your side you may not necessarily thread the hard road some thread.
It is my observation that to get along in the U.S., you must have the following:
1. A driver's license.
2. A credit card and a bank account, whether checking or saving.
3. A car.
4. A shelter.
5. A job.
6. INFORMATIONS regarding your right and priviledges as an LPR. This is key.
Firstly, Fellow Nigerians, United States is good and I can tell you with God and seriousness on our part, it is a land of endless opportunities. Sometimes ago I posted a website containing vital informations for new immigrants, some ignored, please if you do, check the thread and print a copy and read it hard.
I learnt it is easier to get a driver's license in Washington DC than some other states here. If you are coming from Nigeria DON"T leave your Naija driver's license behind. Make sure your driver's license is original, they have a way of checking it here. In Maryland there are series of tests you must take before you can get their license, it is tough but I got mine already (less than 6 weeks) of arrival. Nigerians are no empty heads as we all know. I passed all the test once (Even though some omo onile are doing it 4, 5 times). Americans respect driver's license even more that the certificates you have.
Secondly, Please if you are coming, make sure you arrange for your transcripts to be sent to WES (for evaluation, to rate what you have and gives opportunity to get jobs) directly by the school and ensure you pay for them all by yourself. (Make sure fake are not sent - Don't trust anybody with this, because it can leave a permanent dent on your credibility).
Thirdly, for professionals, aspiring to come let us try some of these American professional examinations, CISA, IIA, CFE and other stuff for accountants, it may be of tremendous help. I am speaking from experience.
Fourthly, if you are not married good, but if you are and without children yet, excellent (Don't rush to get pregnant if you are not yet). Baby sitting here is too expensive.
Fiftly, forget about ascent, if God is with you and you have some of their 'pali', I tell you, you have something that can not be ignored.
Don't rush to a place where you do not have a guide. Whoever accomodates you, respect such one and helps with the household chores. Remember an adage in Yoruba that says "awolu mate, omowon ara eni"
As I learn new things, I will definitely share.
Shalom.