Thursday, February 28, 2013

US Civil Rights Pioneer Honored With Capitol Hill Statue



VOAVideo: US Civil Rights Pioneer Honored With Capitol Hill Statue

A civil rights pioneer, and her groundbreaking action, were remembered by President Obama and lawmakers on Capitol Hill on Wednesday. They honored the late Rosa Parks with a full-sized statue of her in the Capitol Building. VOA's Chris Simkins has more on the story.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

A Quick Interview: Florence Li Tim-Oi (Hong Kong & Toronto, Canada)

Prepare for your citizenship interview with a 20 question multiple choice test about Florence Li Tim-Oi's interview plus 10 USCIS questions about the Branches of Government.

This quiz was inspired by Rev. Florence Li Tim-Oi 李添嬡 and her namesake (one of my students)--I am so grateful for Rev. Li's service and all of my students!
Download pdf

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

President Obama on Immigration Reform in a Google+ Hangout



President Obama on Immigration Reform in a Google+ Hangout -- Part 1

President Obama responds to a question in a Google+ Hangout to discuss his State of the Union Address. Watch the full hangout: http://youtu.be/kp_zigxMS-Y




President Obama on Immigration Reform in a Google+ Hangout -- Part 2

President Obama responds to a question in a Google+ Hangout to discuss his State of the Union Address. Watch the full hangout: http://youtu.be/kp_zigxMS-Y

Monday, February 25, 2013

Dr. Tsehaye Teferra: Outstanding American by Choice


USCIS Director Alejandro N. Mayorkas presents Dr. Tsehaye Teferra, Founder and President of the Ethiopian Community Development Council, Inc., with the “Outstanding American by Choice” recognition at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate, Museum, & Gardens in Alexandria, VA, Feb. 22, 2013

The Outstanding American by Choice initiative highlights the importance of citizenship rights and responsibilities through recognition of the outstanding achievements of naturalized U.S. citizens.


Prepare for your citizenship interview ith a multiple choice test about Krestos Negasi of Ethopia's interview and 10 USCIS questions. (download pdf)

This test was inspired by the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Dr. Tsehaye Teferra, AND…

 “Holding the Bag” (a high beginning ESL novel) by Ana Gianola, 978-1-56420-544-5

Negasi is a Washington DC taxi driver from Ethiopia who has been in the U.S. for many years and has a family. He accidentally becomes involved in a robbery and faces a moral issue.

Thanks to NewReadersPress.com for their outstanding ESL/Citizenship resources. My students & I love you!

Sunday, February 24, 2013

State of the Union 2013- On being a U.S. Citizen



ListenAndReadAlong: State of the Union 2013- On being a U.S. Citizen


We were sent here to look out for our fellow Americans the same way they look out for one another, every single day, usually without fanfare, all across this country. We should follow their example.

We should follow the example of a New York City nurse named Menchu Sanchez. When Hurricane Sandy plunged her hospital into darkness, she wasn't thinking about how her own home was faring. Her mind was on the 20 precious newborns in her care and the rescue plan she devised that kept them all safe.

We should follow the example of a North Miami woman named Desiline Victor. When Desiline arrived at her polling place, she was told the wait to vote might be six hours. And as time ticked by, her concern was not with her tired body or aching feet, but whether folks like her would get to have their say. And hour after hour, a throng of people stayed in line to support her -- because Desiline is 102 years old. (Applause.) And they erupted in cheers when she finally put on a sticker that read, "I voted." (Applause.)

We should follow the example of a police officer named Brian Murphy. When a gunman opened fire on a Sikh temple in Wisconsin and Brian was the first to arrive, he did not consider his own safety. He fought back until help arrived and ordered his fellow officers to protect the safety of the Americans worshiping inside, even as he lay bleeding from 12 bullet wounds. And when asked how he did that, Brian said, "That's just the way we're made."

That's just the way we're made. We may do different jobs and wear different uniforms, and hold different views than the person beside us. But as Americans, we all share the same proud title -- we are citizens. It's a word that doesn't just describe our nationality or legal status. It describes the way we're made. It describes what we believe. It captures the enduring idea that this country only works when we accept certain obligations to one another and to future generations, that our rights are wrapped up in the rights of others; and that well into our third century as a nation, it remains the task of us all, as citizens of these United States, to be the authors of the next great chapter of our American story.

Saturday, February 23, 2013

CitizenshipWorks



CitizenshipWorks provides easy-to-use online tools to help low and moderate-income individuals to answer important questions about their eligibility for naturalization, to better understand the naturalization process, and to prepare for the naturalization tests. The CitizenshipWorks toolkit includes:
1) An interactive online interview to help individuals to understand their eligibility for naturalization;
2) A self-paced interactive tutorial that explains the naturalization process step-by-step;

Friday, February 22, 2013

West Wing Week: 02/22/13 or "A Single Sacred Word: Citizen"



wh.gov: West Wing Week: 02/22/13 or "A Single Sacred Word: Citizen"

This week, the President visited his old neighborhood in Chicago, conferred one of the nation's highest civilian honors, met with the President of Italy, and continued to urge Republicans to close tax loopholes for the wealthy to prevent dangerous across-the-board budget cuts that are slated to take effect on March 1st.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

USCitizenPod's Spring Update

USPS celebrates the 100 year-anniversary of the gift of more than 3,000 cherry blossom trees
from the city of Tokyo to the city of Washington, DC.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Leaked White House Proposal Complicates Immigration Reform Effort



VOAVideo: Leaked White House Proposal Complicates Immigration Reform Effort

Harsh words in Washington are revealing the tough political challenge when it comes to reforming America's immigration system. A leaked Obama administration draft bill may have disrupted delicate, closed-door negotiations between Democratic and Republican lawmakers attempting to craft comprehensive bipartisan legislation. VOA's Michael Bowman reports.

Saturday, February 16, 2013

West Wing Week: 02/15/13 or "You're a Hero"




West Wing Week: 02/15/13 or "You're a Hero"

This week, the President delivered the first State of the Union address of his second term, and then brought his proposals to factories in North Carolina and a school in Georgia, presided over a Medal of Honor ceremony, honored the outgoing Secretary of Defense, and hungout on Google Plus.

Friday, February 15, 2013

Happy African-American History Month! Happy Susan B. Anthony Day!



Sojourner Truth and Susan B. Anthony by Maira Kalman in May It Please the Court

Happy African-American History Month!

Today we continue our exploration of the USCIS History and Government questions and African American History. Today we will talk about USCIS 100:77. What did Susan B. Anthony do?*.

We will first read about Q71 from the USCIS M638 quick civics lesson. Then we will learn about Susan B. Anthony's friend, Sojourner Truth, who worked with Susan B. Anthony against slavery and for equal treatment of women. Sojourner Truth was an escaped slave who sued her former master because he tried to sell Sojourner's son into slavery. Then we will listen to a short reading from Sojourner Truth's speech: “Ain't I a Woman?” Let's get started!

DOWNLOAD MP3

from "Ain't I a Woman?” by Sojourner Truth

That man over there
says that women needs to be helped into carriages,
and lifted over ditches,
and to have the best place everywhere.
Nobody ever helps me into carriages,
or ober mud-puddles,
or gives me any best place!
And ain‘t I a woman?
Look at me!
Look at my arm!
I have ploughed,
and planted, a
nd gathered into barns, a
nd no man could head me!
And ain’t I a woman?
I could work as much and eat as much as a man
—when I could get it—
and bear the lash as well!
And ain‘t I a woman?
I have borne thirteen chilern,
and seen them most all sold off to slavery,
and when I cried out with my mother’s grief,
none but Jesus heard me!
And ain’t I a woman?

...Where did your Christ come from?
From God and a woman!
Man had nothin’ to do with Him.

If the first woman God ever made
was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone,
these women together ought to be able to turn it back,
and get it right side up again!
And now they is asking to do it,
the men better let them.


USCIS 100: 77. What did Susan B. Anthony do?

++ fought for women’s rights
++ fought for civil rights



Susan B. Anthony was born in Massachusetts on February 15, 1820. She is known for campaigning for the right of women to vote. She spoke out publicly against slavery and for equal treatment of women in the workplace.
In 1920, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution gave women the right to vote. Susan B. Anthony died 14 years before the adoption of the 19th Amendment, but it was still widely known as the Susan B. Anthony Amendment.

In 1979, she became the first woman whose image appeared on a circulating U.S. coin. The coin is called the Susan B. Anthony dollar and is worth one dollar. (source: USCIS M-638)

See also:

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Happy Valentine's Day

USCIS Examiner: 
     Why do you want to become an American Citizen?

Soon-to-be New Citizen: 
     I want to become an American Citizen because I love America.
     I love my family and I want to live with them in America!



USPS Love Stamp 1973

USPS Love Stamp 2012

*NEW* USPS Love Stamp 2013

Beyond the Perf: 

Sealed with Love: A Tactile Tradition Inspires a New Stamp

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

US President Talks Afghanistan, Economy in State of the Union



VOAVideo: US President Talks Afghanistan, Economy in State of the Union

With more than one third of Americans telling pollsters they want the president to focus on the economy, President Barack Obama did just that in his State of the Union Address in Washington Tuesday night. In setting his agenda for the coming year, the president also called for reforms of America's gun laws and declared America's involvement in the conflict in Afghanistan nearly ended. VOA's Carolyn Presutti reports on the speech and reaction from the opposition party.

The 2013 State of the Union Address (Enhanced Version)



The 2013 State of the Union Address (Enhanced Version)

President Obama delivers the 2013 State of the Union address to Congress and the nation.

"Our economy is stronger when we harness the talents and ingenuity of striving, hopeful immigrants. And right now, leaders from the business, labor, law enforcement, faith communities -- they all agree that the time has come to pass comprehensive immigration reform. Now is the time to do it. Now is the time to get it done. Now is the time to get it done.

Real reform means strong border security, and we can build on the progress my administration has already made -- putting more boots on the Southern border than at any time in our history and reducing illegal crossings to their lowest levels in 40 years.

Real reform means establishing a responsible pathway to earned citizenship -- a path that includes passing a background check, paying taxes and a meaningful penalty, learning English, and going to the back of the line behind the folks trying to come here legally.

And real reform means fixing the legal immigration system to cut waiting periods and attract the highly-skilled entrepreneurs and engineers that will help create jobs and grow our economy.

In other words, we know what needs to be done. And as we speak, bipartisan groups in both chambers are working diligently to draft a bill, and I applaud their efforts. So let’s get this done. Send me a comprehensive immigration reform bill in the next few months, and I will sign it right away. And America will be better for it. Let’s get it done. Let’s get it done." (read more)

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

The Best Way to Watch the State of the Union



wh.gov: The Best Way to Watch the State of the Union .

The White House has been hard at work on the 2013 State of the Union address and when President Obama addresses the nation, we'll broadcast an online-only enhanced version of the address with graphics, data, and useful stats that will help you go deeper -- and see the information that informed the President's policy decisions. You can watch the speech on whitehouse.gov or with the white house app on iphone, ipad and android devices. To be part of the discussion during the speech, use the hashtag #SOTU on Twitter. Immediately after the speech, we've asked a group of policy experts and advisors to the President to sit down for a live panel and answer your questions. Ask yours on Twitter using the hashtag #WHchat, or post it to the White House Facebook or Google + page. So tune in, Tuesday night at 9 PM Eastern and see the President's Enhanced State of the Union Address, and learn more about the important issues facing our nation.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/state-of-the-union-2013



VOAVideo: State of Union Allows Presidents to Outline Agenda

The United States Constitution mandates that the president address Congress on the current State of the Union. What began as a handwritten note to Congressmen has evolved into a show of televised political theatre, broadcast globally, in which a sitting president is nothing if not bold. VOA's Laurel Bowman has more.

USCIS 100:75 Abraham Lincoln, Harriet Tubman, and the Underground Railroad


Portraits of Abraham Lincoln and Harriet Tubman by Robert Shetterly

Happy African-American History Month!

Today we continue our exploration of the USCIS History and Government questions and African American History. Today we will talk about USCIS 100:75. What was one important thing that Abraham Lincoln did?*. We will first read about Q75 from the USCIS M638 quick civics lesson. Then we will talk about Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad. Let's get started!

DOWNLOAD MP3

USCIS 100:75. What was one important thing that Abraham Lincoln did?*

++ freed the slaves (Emancipation Proclamation)
++ saved (or preserved) the Union
++ led the United States during the Civil War

Monday, February 11, 2013

Sunday, February 10, 2013

HAPPY LUNAR NEAR YEAR!


A bundle of firecrackers—colored red for luck—highlight the U.S. Postal Service’s 2013 Year of the Snake stamp, sixth in the Celebrating Lunar New Year series. The Year of the Snake begins on February 10, 2013, and ends on January 30, 2014.


The Chinese Zodiac Signs of the ten most recent US Presidents--
Happy Lunar New Year from US Citizenship Podcast!

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Battle for US Immigration Reform Moves on Ahead of State of the Union Address



VOAVideo: Battle for US Immigration Reform Moves on Ahead of State of the Union Address

U.S. President Barack Obama is expected to make immigration reform a priority in his State of the Union Address. But already, talk of tackling this controversial issue is gaining momentum. VOA's Jeff Seldin has more.

Friday, February 8, 2013

West Wing Week: 02/08/13 or: "What's Up, Camera Man?"



West Wing Week: 02/08/13 or: "What's Up, Camera Man?"

This week, the President honored our nation's top scientists and innovators, nominated a new Secretary of the Interior, and worked toward reducing gun violence, enacting immigration reform, and reducing our deficit in a balanced way.

Thursday, February 7, 2013

USCIS 100:61 Colonists, Taxes, Crispus Attuks, Lemuel Haynes, and the American Revolutionary War

USCIS 100:61. Why did the colonists fight the British?

Crispus Attuks died during the Boston Massacre

Happy African American History Month!
Today we continue our new series about the USCIS 100qs and African-American History. Today we will study USCIS 100:61. Why did the colonists fight the British? We will study about the colonists, taxes, Crispus Attuks, the Boston Massacre. We will read a poem by Lemuel Haynes about the Minutemen at the Battle of Lexington and Concord. Finally we will talk about the American Patriots, 1st Rhode Island Regiment, the British Loyalists, and the Ethiopian Regiment.

DOWNLOAD MP3

USCIS 100:61. Why did the colonists fight the British?
  • because of high taxes (taxation without representation)
  • because the British army stayed in their houses (boarding, quartering)
  • because they didn’t have self-government

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Washington Week: Focus on Gun Control, Obama Cabinet Picks



Washington Week: Focus on Gun Control, Obama Cabinet Picks

On Monday, U.S. President Barack Obama will attempt to rally public support for gun control measures formulated after the December mass-shooting at a Connecticut elementary school. Also this week: further Senate consideration of Obama's Cabinet picks for his second term, as we hear from VOA's Michael Bowman.

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Slaves, Slavery, and Olaudah Equiano

USCIS 100:60. What group of people was taken to America and sold as slaves?


Olaudah Equiano was kidnapped from Africa and sold as a slave.
He wrote about a slave woman who had to an iron muzzle and other horrors of slavery.

Happy African American History Month! Today we begin a new series about the USCIS 100qs and African-American History. Today we will study USCIS 100:60. What group of people was taken to America and sold as slaves? and read a description about slavery from Olaudah Equiano.

Learn more about African American History Month at AfricanAmericanHistoryMonth.gov

Monday, February 4, 2013

Civil Rights Stamp Series

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



uspstv: Civil Rights Stamp Series

Deputy Postmaster General Ronald Stroman talks about the Civil Rights Stamp Series with special attention given to the Postal Service's role in creating a diverse and inclusive workforce.

This 60 second piece ran to an audience of over 5000 attendees at the NAACP Image Awards held in Los Angeles, CA on Friday, February 1, at 8pm carried live on the NBC Television Network. Actual Postal employees were used in the production of this spot.

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

▪ civil rights (movement)

Sunday, February 3, 2013

James Taylor Performs "America the Beautiful"



James Taylor Performs "America the Beautiful"

James Taylor performs at President Obama's second inauguration. January 21, 2013.

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

Saturday, February 2, 2013

US Citizenship Podcasts Celebrates African-American History Month



Happy African-American History Month! During the month of February, US Citizenship Podcast will explore the connection between the USCIS History and Government questions and African American History. Let's get started!

More to come in 2013!

Friday, February 1, 2013

West Wing Week: 02/01/13 or "The Dude from Stillwater"



VOAVideo: West Wing Week: 02/01/13 or "The Dude from Stillwater"

This week, the President announced his choice for his new Chief of Staff, pushed for comprehensive immigration reform, and invited the Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year, Presidential Innovation Fellows, law enforcement officials, 60 Minutes, and the Miami Heat to the White House.