Monday, January 31, 2011

USCIS on YouTube: Ali Mayorkas introduces the new USCIS.gov


This week, we will feature the videos from from the new USCIS Channel on YouTube




USCIS.gov: Ali Mayorkas introduces the new USCIS.gov
Ali Mayorkas introduces the new USCIS.gov


USCIS secures America's promise as a nation of immigrants by providing accurate and useful information to our customers, granting immigration and citizenship benefits, promoting an awareness and understanding of citizenship, and ensuring the integrity of our immigration system.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

West Wing Week 12/30/11 or "Best of the West (Wing Week)"



West Wing Week 12/30/11 or "Best of the West (Wing Week)"


Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. This week, we're taking a look back at the President's third year in office, highlighting behind-the-scenes footage and some of our favorite presidential moments. That's January 1st to December 31st or "Best of the West (Wing Week)."

Arizona Shooting Reopens Gun Control Debate



VOAVideo: Arizona Shooting Reopens Gun Control Debate

The shooting deaths of six people and the attempted assassination of U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords in Tucson, Arizona last on January 8 has reopened debate across the United States over Americans' historic right to bear arms. But, many people in Arizona feel comfortable with laws that are among the least restrictive in the nation.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Calls for Bipartisanship in Washington Will Be Tested



VOAVideo: Calls for Bipartisanship in Washington Will Be Tested

After one of the most productive post-election legislative sessions in U.S. history, Americans are waiting to see whether the new Congress finds bipartisan common ground or reverts to the bickering and obstructionism that has hampered Washington's ability to address pressing issues.

Friday, January 28, 2011

West Wing Week: 1/28/11 or "To Build Stuff and Invent Stuff"



WH.gov: West Wing Week: 1/28/11 or "To Build Stuff and Invent Stuff"

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. This week, the President delivered his State of the Union address, focused on jobs and the economy, and he took those ideas on the road traveling to Upstate New York and Wisconsin.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

The 2011 State of the Union Address: Enhanced Version



WH.gov: The 2011 State of the Union Address: Enhanced Version
President Obama speaks about moving forward to create jobs, out-compete in the global economy by investing in innovation and education, and win the future for our children and our country. This enhanced version features charts, graphs and other visual aids that accompany the President's speech. January 25, 2010.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

US President Addresses the Nation with Call for More Jobs, Cooperation



VOAVideo: US President Addresses the Nation with Call for More Jobs, Cooperation

U.S. President Barack Obama appealed to what he called Americans' creativity and imagination in urging the nation toward innovation and competitiveness. In his annual State of the Union address, Mr. Obama proposed new government investment even as the new Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives pushes to cut government spending. VOA's Carolyn Presutti summarizes the speech and the Republican response.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

The 2011 State of the Union Address



WH.gov: The 2011 State of the Union Address

President Obama speaks about moving forward to create jobs,
out-compete in the global economy by investing in innovation and education,
and win the future for our children and our country. January 25, 2010.

Inside the White House: The State of the Union Address



WH.gov: Inside the White House: The State of the Union Address

Watch behind-the-scenes footage and interviews from the making of President Barack Obama's 2011 State of the Union Address. Senior Advisor to the President David Axelrod and Director of Speechwriting Jon Favreau give a rare inside look at the process behind the President's address.

Broadcast times:

  • 9 pm EST
  • 8 pm CST
  • 7 pm MST
  • 6 pm PST

Obama to Deliver Second State of the Union Address



VOANews: Obama to Deliver Second State of the Union Address

President Barack Obama delivers his second State of the Union Address to the nation on Tuesday, before a joint session of the U.S. Congress. VOA Senior White House Correspondent Dan Robinson tells us what to expect. (read more)

Monday, January 24, 2011

White House White Board: The Costs of Repealing Health Reform



WH.gov: White House White Board: The Costs of Repealing Health Reform

Stephanie Cutter, an Assistant to the President who has been working on implementing the health reform law, takes to the White House White Board to explain what repealing it would mean for family premium costs and American jobs.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

US House Votes on Healthcare with Different Tone



WH.gov: US House Votes on Healthcare with Different Tone

A contentious bill came before the U.S. House of Representatives Wednesday. House members voted to repeal the nation's new health care reform law -- an issue championed by President Barack Obama. Some say the debate this week has been more civil because of the recent Arizona shootings that killed six and seriously wounded a congresswoman who supported the healthcare bill. But as VOA's Carolyn Presutti reports, the issue has stirred emotions from the beginning and will continue to do so.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Hu Calls for Closer Ties with US



VOAVideo: Hu Calls for Closer Ties with US

After receiving the red carpet treatment at the White House, a state dinner and private meetings with Capitol Hill lawmakers, Chinese President Hu Jintao capped his two day visit to Washington with a speech before a receptive crowd of political and business leaders. Mil Arcega reports.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

President Obama on the 50th Anniversary of JFK's Inauguration



WH.gov: President Obama on the 50th Anniversary of JFK's Inauguration

The President speaks about the legacy of President John F. Kennedy on the 50th anniversary of his inauguration. January 20, 2011.

New Podcast from USCITIZENPOD!

Today we will discuss USCIS 100:55, the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy Inaugural Address, and the passing of Sargent Shriver. (yes, we were inspired by the Google Doodle)

DOWNLOAD MP3

DOWNLOAD PDF

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Google Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of John F. Kennedy Inaugural Address with Doodle

Google Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of John F. Kennedy Inaugural Address with Doodle

Video of JFK's Inaugural Address
Text of JFK's Inaugural Address

Quotes from JFK's Inaugural Address:

– “...the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God.”

– “Let the word go forth...that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans.”

– “Let every nation know...that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and the success of liberty.”

– “The world is very very different now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life.”

– “Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.”

– “For only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can we be certain beyond doubt that they will never be employed.”

– “All this will not be finished in the first 100 days. Nor will it be finished in the first 1,000 days, nor in the life of this Administration, nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet. But let us begin.”

– “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country."

– “My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.'

– “...let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God’s work must truly be our own.”

Obama Hosts Hu in State Visit



VOAVideo: Obama Hosts Hu in State Visit

Military bands and a 21-gun salute were part of the welcome for China's President Hu Jintao as he began the first White House state visit by a Chinese leader in 13 years.

WH.gov: China State Visit Arrival Ceremony (full video approx. 30 min)

President Obama welcomes President Hu Jintao to the White House for a state visit in an arrival ceremony on the South Lawn. January 19, 2011.

wh.gov: Presidents Obama, Hu Meet with Business Leaders (video 10 min)

President Obama and President Hu of China meet with American and Chinese business leaders at a roundtable meeting in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. January 19, 2011.

WH.gov: President Obama and President Hu Press Conference (video 70 min)

President Obama and President Hu Jintao of China hold a joint press conference in the East Room of the White House. January 19, 2011.

WH.gov: State Visit Working Lunch at the State Department (video 21 min)

Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton welcome President Hu Jintao of China to the State Department for a lunch during President Hu's state visit. January 19, 2011.

WH.gov: State Dinner with President Hu of China (video 16 min)

President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama host President Chu of China at a State Dinner at the White House. January 19, 2011.

VOANews: Obama, Hu Vow Increased Cooperation

U.S. President Barack Obama and his Chinese counterpart, Hu Jintao, on Wednesday stressed the need to cooperate - even while acknowledging differences on trade, China's currency, and human rights.

President Obama's speech:

At a time when some doubt the benefits of cooperation between the United States and China, this visit is also a chance to demonstrate a simple truth. We have an enormous stake in each other’s success. In an interconnected world, in a global economy, nations -- including our own -- will be more prosperous and more secure when we work together.

The United States welcomes China’s rise as a strong, prosperous and successful member of the community of nations. Indeed, China’s success has brought with it economic benefits for our people as well as yours, and our cooperation on a range of issues has helped advance stability in the Asia Pacific and in the
world.

We also know this: History shows that societies are more harmonious, nations are more successful, and the world is more just, when the rights and responsibilities of all nations and all people are upheld, including the universal rights of every human being.

Mr. President, we can learn from our people. Chinese and American students and educators, business people, tourists, researchers and scientists, including Chinese Americans who are here today —- they work together and make progress together every single day. They know that even as our nations compete in some areas, we can cooperate in so many others, in a spirit of mutual respect, for our mutual benefit.

What Deng Xiaoping said long ago remains true today. There are still great possibilities for cooperation between our countries. President Hu, members of the Chinese delegation, let us seize these possibilities together. Welcome to the United States of America. Hwan-ying. (Applause.)

MLK 25 Challenge: What are you Doing for Others?



servedotorg: MLK 25 Challenge: What are you Doing for Others?

To mark the 25th anniversary of the King Holiday, and to encourage ongoing service throughout the year, we are launching the MLK 25 Challenge -- a call to all Americans to honor Dr. King by pledging to take at least 25 actions during 2011 to make a difference for others and strengthen our communities. Ask yourself this question: What are you doing for others?

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Marking Martin Luther King's Birthday



WH: Marking Martin Luther King's Birthday

President Obama speaks about the importance of service and volunteering after marking Martin Luther King's birthday with a service project at Stuart Hobson Middle School in Washington, DC.

Martin Luther King, Jr Holiday a Time for Tributes

100. Name two national U.S. holidays.

VOAVideo: Martin Luther King, Jr Holiday a Time for Tributes (2010)

On January 17th, Americans will pay tribute to the legacy of slain civil rights leader The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the annual national holiday that celebrates his birthday (January 15th). Reverend King would have been 80 years old if he were alive today. More than 50 years ago, Dr. King campaigned across the United States, leading non-violent marches and demonstrations for equal rights for African Americans. VOA's Chris Simkins looks back at his life and the impact his work had on the country.

100. Name two national U.S. holidays.

  • New Year’s Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Presidents’ Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Columbus Day
  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving
  • Christmas

Monday, January 17, 2011

DREAM • ACT• LIVE

"This bill would provide certain illegal and deportable alien students who graduate from US high schools, who are of good moral character, arrived in the U.S. illegally as minors, and have been in the country continuously and illegally for at least five years prior to the bill's enactment, the opportunity to earn conditional permanent residency if they complete two years in the military or two years at a four year institution of higher learning."

DreamActivist.org is a multicultural, migrant youth-led, social media hub for the movement to pass the DREAM Act and pursue the enactment of other forms of legislation that aim to mend the broken immigration system.

The DREAM Act Portal is a clearinghouse of local and national DREAM ACT organizations and activities.

MLK Day Legacy of Service - 25th Anniversary

USCIS 100:55. What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?



servedotgov: MLK Day Legacy of Service - 25th Anniversary

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. changed the course of history and inspired us to build what he called "the beloved community." The King Legacy of Service 25th Anniversary video tells the story of how Dr. King's birthday evolved into a national day of service. Featuring civil rights luminaries such as Congressman John Lewis, Reverend Dr. Joseph Lowery, and Ruby Bridges, the 6-minute video reminds us of the importance of keeping Dr. King's legacy of service alive and challenges us to make service a part of our lives ─ everyday of the year.


USCIS 100:55. What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?

  • vote
  • join a political party help
  • with a campaign
  • join a civic group
  • join a community group
  • give an elected official your opinion on an issue
  • call Senators and Representatives
  • publicly support or oppose an issue or policy
  • run for office
  • write to a newspaper

For Martin Luther King, a Memorial in Washington Designed by a Chinese Artist

USCIS 100:85 What did Martin Luther King Jr do?



VOA Learning English Video: For Martin Luther King, a Memorial in Washington Designed by a Chinese Artist

From http://voaspecialenglish.com/ http://facebook.com/voalearningenglish

MARTIN LUTHER KING: "I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up, and live out the true meaning of its creed."

Civil rights leader Martin Luther King Junior helped to change American history. He led protests against racial separation. And he taught non-violence, even when threatened with violence. His efforts helped lead to the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

MARTIN LUTHER KING: "Free at last! Free at last! Thank God almighty, we are free at last!"

Four years later, King was murdered in Memphis, Tennessee. Now, a memorial on the National Mall in Washington will honor him. The memorial is set to open in August

USCIS 100: 85. What did Martin Luther King, Jr. do?*

  • fought for civil rights
  • worked for equality for all Americans

Sunday, January 16, 2011

DC Children Study, Remember Martin Luther King Jr.

USCIS 100:84. What movement tried to end racial discrimination?



VOAVideo: DC Children Study, Remember Martin Luther King Jr.

This week, America celebrates the life of one of its most revered leaders, the late civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Each January, his birthday is observed as a national holiday. MacKenzie Babb in Washington has a report on how schoolchildren in the U.S. capital are commemorating Dr. King's work by memorizing his "I Have a Dream" speech, delivered 47 years ago on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

. . . I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.

This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring."

And if America is to be a great nation this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania!

Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado!

Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California!

But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia!

Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee!

Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"

USCIS 100:84. What movement tried to end racial discrimination?

  • civil rights (movement)

Saturday, January 15, 2011

MLK Special

USCIS 100:48. There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote.
Describe one of them.
by Ben Heine (Note : If you wish a print of this image, click "Buy This Print" )

USCitizenpod's MLK Day Special!

Today we will review the 96Qs (45) and the new 100Q (48, 84, 85, 100) related to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. You can get the MLK Day handout here. Also check out the following links.

  1. MLK Center
  2. Simple Wikipedia: MLK
  3. Enchanted Learning: Martin Luther King, Jr.

WH.gov: President Obama on Dr. King's Legacy

The President speaks about the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the importance of persistence in achieving broader goals in remarks at the Vermont Avenue Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. January 17, 2010.

VOANews: Obama Honors Martin Luther King, Jr.

U.S. President Barack Obama is leading the nation in honoring the life and legacy of the slain civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr.


Sean Banville is a busy, busy man. He writes free ESL lessons for his four ESL websites: Breaking News English, ESL Discussions, Famous People Lessons, and his new website: ESL Holiday Lessons.

ESLHolidayLessons.com for Martin Luther King Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a U.S. holiday that celebrates the birth date of one of America’s greatest civil rights leaders.
Word Doc PDF MP3 Listening Online Exercise

Famous People Lessons.com English Lesson Plan on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was the most important leader of the American civil rights movement.
Word Doc PDF MP3 Listening Online Exercise

ESL Discussions.com Conversation Questions on Racism
What kind of world would it be if there was no racism?

USCIS 100:48. There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.

  • Citizens eighteen (18) and older (can vote).
  • You don’t have to pay (a poll tax) to vote.
  • Any citizen can vote. (Women and men can vote.)
  • A male citizen of any race (can vote).

Friday, January 14, 2011

West Wing Week: Dispatches from Sudan - Preview



WH.gov: West Wing Week: Dispatches from Sudan - Preview

This week, an historic referendum took place in Sudan and West Wing Week takes you there. Watch a preview of "Dispatches from Sudan" and join General Scott Gration, President Obama's Special Envoy to Sudan for a unique look at the vote that could result in the world's newest nation. Go behind the scenes at polling stations from Juba to Khartoum, meet some of the international community helping ensure the vote is fair and peaceful, travel to Darfur to inspect conditions on the ground, and learn about the commitment of the United States to peace in this region after decades of civil war. That's coming soon to WhiteHouse.gov, watch the preview now.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

President Obama Speaks at Arizona Shooting Victims Memorial



VOAVideo: President Obama Speaks at Arizona Shooting Victims Memorial

President Barack Obama called for unity as he tried to console Americans Wednesday night, just days after six people died in an assassination attempt on a U.S. lawmaker. The shooter's target, Representative Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona, suffered wounds to her head in the encounter. VOA's Carolyn Presutti brings us the president's words of comfort on the situation.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

President Obama: Memorial in Arizona



WH.gov: President Obama: Memorial in Arizona

The President speaks at a memorial event for the victims of the tragic shooting in Arizona, "Together We Thrive: Tucson and America." (read the text)

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Congratulations SF Mayor Edwin Lee!

Photo Brant Ward / SF Chronicle

San Francisco welcomed its first Asian-American mayor Tuesday afternoon, as City Administrator Edwin Lee was sworn in as interim mayor.

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to appoint Lee to fill the remainder of Mayor Gavin Newsom’s term. Newsom was sworn in Monday as California’s lieutenant governor.

For more info, see SFGate: SF Mayor Ed Lee pledges new political era

Monday, January 10, 2011

A Moment of Silence for Arizona Shooting Victims



WH.gov: A Moment of Silence for Arizona Shooting Victims

President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are joined by White House staff on the South Lawn as they observe a moment of silence to honor the victims of the tragic shootings in Tucson, Arizona. January 10, 2011.

My Senior ESL class 0bserved a moment of silence at 11 am. Then the students added their prayers in English and their native language: Vietnamese, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Spanish, Bulgarian, Farsi, and Serbian. Buddhists, Christians, Muslims, and non-religious students prayed for peace and health for Congresswoman Giffords, the victims of the Tuscon shooting, the people of Arizona, the United States, our home countries, and the whole world--

"We are all brothers and sisters!"

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Arizona Shooting Rampage Sparks Sorrow, Outrage



VOAVideo: Arizona Shooting Rampage Sparks Sorrow, Outrage

A U.S. Congresswoman is in critical condition and six people are dead after a gunman opened fire in an Arizona parking lot where Representative Gabrielle Giffords was meeting with constituents. The dead include a federal judge. More than a dozen people were wounded, including Giffords. VOA's Michael Bowman reports, a federal probe has been launched amid a national outpouring of sorrow and outrage.

Saturday, January 8, 2011

112th Congress Begins with Republican Party Majority in House of Representatives



VOAVideo: 112th Congress Begins with Republican Party Majority in House of Representatives

The U.S. Congress began a new session Wednesday. Republicans won enough seats in the November elections to take over the House of Representatives. As VOA's Carolyn Presutti tells us, their goal is to repeal some of the legislation enacted at President Obama's request.

Friday, January 7, 2011

West Wing Week: 1/07/11 or "Resolutions"



WH.gov: West Wing Week: 1/07/11 or "Resolutions"

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. This week, the first family returns to Washington, the President signs over 30 bills into law, and West Wing staff share their New Year's resolutions.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

New US Congress Convenes

USCIS 100:47. What is the name of the
Speaker of the House of Representatives now?



On Wednesday, the job of Speaker of the House passed from Nancy Pelosi to John Boehner. (photo by Charles Dharapak, Associated Press)

VOANews: New US Congress Convenes

New session began Wednesday, with a Republican majority taking control of the House of Representatives (download mp3)

USCIS 100:47. What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now?
  • John Boehner

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Divided US Congress Convenes



VOAVideo: Divided US Congress Convenes

The U.S. Congress convenes this week with scores of new members committed to repealing or halting most of President Barack Obama's initiatives. The new Congress features a Republican-controlled House of Representatives and a reduced Democratic majority in the Senate. Shepherding bills through a divided legislature will require compromise -- a rare commodity in Washington -- at a time of stark partisan and ideological divides.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Grieving Widow Sends Political Message Through Art



VOAVideo: Grieving Widow Sends Political Message Through Art

When Washington artist Regina Holliday lost her husband to cancer last year, she immersed herself in painting. She used her art to express her grief while also raising awareness about problems in the American health care system, which she believes contributed to her husband's death.