Basic Information about Important Documents When Living in the U.S.

Some items that you will need when living in the United States are: 1) a will, 2) power of attorney (POA), and 3) a living will/health/medical care directives.

If anything should happen to you, these documents will ensure that your wishes are carried out. USAFIS is an immigration service that helps foreign nationals who want to move to America to live and work.

Why you need a will.

The will is a legal document that explains who you want to receive your assets and belongings after you pass away. It also tells who you want to be the guardian of your children. This document can help stop arguments among family members regarding the possession of your items and assets. Without a will, your things are distributed by an administrator that is appointed by a court of law. USAFIS can help you learn if you meet the qualifications to move to the U.S.

Why you need a power of attorney

The power of attorney (POA) is also a legal document and it gives a person that you trust the permission to take care of any important matters if you aren’t able to do it yourself. This person would take care of your money, handle your healthcare decisions, and pay your bills. If you don’t have a POA and something happens to you, your family members may be forced to go to court to have the authorization to take care of you and your affairs.

Why you need a living will.

The final document is a medical directive, also known as a living will. Due to the advancement of medicine and healthcare today, people can be kept alive through unnatural or artificial means. This is a controversial subject, as some people want treatment to continue as long as possible, while others believe that being kept alive artificially is simply prolonging the natural process of dying. As long as a person is coherent and can communicate, the treatment he or she desires will be administered. If mental capacities are lost, however, a living will or medical directive will allow healthcare providers to follow the orders you planned ahead of time.