Guides
Saigon Sentinel · Section
Explainers and how-tos — practical guidance written for Vietnamese-American readers navigating life in the US.
- Guides
Alzheimer's Disease: Recognizing Early Signs and How Vietnamese Families Can Support Their Loved Ones
From language barriers in diagnosis to the concept that "family matters should not be discussed outside the home" — there are unique challenges that Vietnamese families in America face when caring for loved ones with Alz…
- Guides
What Are U.S. Import Tariffs — and What Do Vietnamese-American Businesses Need to Know to Avoid Losses?
Many Vietnamese shop owners and importers are paying customs tariffs without knowing they can claim part of it back — or are paying the wrong amount because they don't understand commodity codes. These are things you nee…
- Guides
Protecting Family Health After Wildfires: A Practical Guide for Vietnamese Americans in Southern California
When the fire goes out, many families think the danger is over — but the EPA has found lead, arsenic, and cancer-causing substances in dust and soil at cleanup areas after the Los Angeles fires. Here's what you need to k…
- Guides
America's Green Card Is Changing: A Guide for Vietnamese People Not to Get Lost in the Immigration Maze
Immigration policy news changes constantly — but what matters more is knowing how to read and respond correctly, rather than panicking with every news story. This article shows you how to monitor the Visa Bulletin, under…
- Guides
Keeping Your Home Cool and Saving Electricity When Air Conditioning Parts Are Scarce: A Practical Guide for This Summer
Air conditioning breaks down but parts are unavailable — that is the reality many families are facing this summer. But with a few simple adjustments inside your home, you can reduce perceived temperature and significantl…
- Guides
Grandparents in Vietnamese American families: More than babysitters, they are the foundation of an entire generation
Childcare in California can cost up to 2,500 USD per month — but for many Vietnamese families, the solution has been in place for a long time: grandparents at home. Their role is far greater than childcare, and understan…
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Why Do U.S. Election Results Take Weeks to Finalize? A Complete Guide for Vietnamese Voters
A candidate leading at 11 p.m. on election night can lose two weeks later — and that is completely normal. This is why millions of ballots in California only begin being counted after polling places close, and why Vietna…
- Guides
How New U.S. Tariffs Will Affect Vietnamese-American Businesses and Consumers
It's not the exporting country that pays the tariff — it's the U.S. importer who pays, and ultimately consumers feel it most clearly. From nail salons to Asian markets, here's what the Vietnamese-American community needs…
- Guides
US Citizenship Rights for Vietnamese: Understanding to Protect Yourself
Amid proposals to strip citizenship causing concern for many, what matters to understand is: legally naturalized U.S. citizens are protected by the Constitution — not by political will. Here is what you need to know to p…
- Guides
Home Loans in the US: Understand Fixed-Rate, Adjustable-Rate, and FHA Loan Programs Before Signing the Contract
Fixed-rate, ARM, or FHA loan — each type suits different circumstances, and choosing wrong could cost you tens of thousands of dollars over 30 years. Understanding how each type works is what you need to do before steppi…
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How to Ensure Your Vote Isn't 'Wasted' in California: A Guide for Vietnamese-American Voters
Every election season, many Vietnamese-American voters in California hear a familiar refrain: "Why vote for that candidate, they're going to lose anyway" or "That party has the majority here, my vote doesn't mean anythin…
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Protecting Your Child Online: A Practical Guide for Vietnamese-American Parents
Large-scale arrests of online child predators continue to occur throughout the United States — and each time, many parents wonder: is my child safe?…
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Immigrant Rights When Facing ICE: What You Need to Know to Protect Yourself
The story of a teenager in Chicago arrested by ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) without clear reason has shaken many immigrant communities across the United States — including millions of Vietnamese people …
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Which professions are most in demand in the US — and where Vietnamese people should start
The job market in the United States is changing faster than ever before. The wave of layoffs in the technology sector from 2023 to now, the pressure of rising cost of living, and numerous universities cutting staff — all…
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A Guide to Preventing Fraud for Vietnamese People in America: How to Identify, Protect Yourself, and Take Action if You Fall Victim
In 2025, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that consumers lost more than 12.5 billion USD to fraud schemes — the highest figure ever recorded.…
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Family Sponsorship in the US: Step-by-Step Process, Required Documents, and Mistakes to Avoid
The U.S. immigration system is changing every day — but one thing remains constant: the right of U.S. citizens and green card holders to sponsor their relatives to come to the United States.…
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Digital Marketing for Vietnamese Businesses: How to Build Your Brand and Attract Online Customers from the Start
When Da Nang city announced it would provide free management software to 10,000 small merchants, many Vietnamese business owners — both domestically and in the United States — began to realize one thing: having digital t…
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Living Near a Chemical Plant: How to Protect Your Family and Property During an Emergency
Living near industrial zones involves hidden chemical risks that require proactive household risk management. This guide outlines essential steps, from verifying EPA data to securing your insurance coverage, ensuring you…
- Guides
Worker Rights in the United States: What Vietnamese People Need to Know About Wages, Work Hours, and Leave
Many Vietnamese workers in the U.S. remain vulnerable due to misconceptions about labor laws, particularly regarding cash-in-hand pay and overtime eligibility. This guide provides the essential legal steps to protect you…
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Joining Vietnamese Professional Associations in America: Major Opportunities Await You
Beyond cultural gatherings, Vietnamese professional associations in the U.S. serve as strategic career levers, granting members access to the 'hidden' job market and exclusive advancement opportunities that public recrui…