Monday, March 31, 2014

Women's History Month: USCIS 100:43. State Governor, Soledad Chávez Chacón, and Susana Martinez

 

Soledad Chávez Chacón of New Mexico was first woman to act as governor (1924). Susana Martinez is the current Governor of New Mexico (2011- ).

USCIS 100:43. Who is the Governor of your state now?


▪Answers will vary. [District of Columbia residents should answer that D.C. does not have a Governor.]

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Women's History Month: USCIS 100:39. the Supreme Court and Sonia Sotomayor

Sonia Sotomayor is the Supreme Court's 111th justice, its first Hispanic-American justice, and its third female justice.

USCIS 100:39.  How many justices are on the Supreme Court?

▪ nine (9)

VOANews: Sotomayor Sworn in as First Hispanic Supreme Court Justice

Sonia Sotomayor is third woman justice, and first justice appointed by President Barack Obama (videos)

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Women's History Month: USCIS 100:38. the Supreme Court and Sandra Day O'Connor


Sandra Day O'Connor was the first female member of the highest court in the United States. 

USCIS 100:38. What is the highest court in the United States?

▪ the Supreme Court

Friday, March 28, 2014

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Women's History Month: USCIS 100:29 the Vice-Presidency and Geraldine Ferraro

Geraldine Ferraro was the first female Vice Presidential candidate representing a major American political party (1984). 

USCIS 100:29. What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now? 

▪ Joseph R. Biden, Jr. 
▪ Joe Biden 
▪ Biden

UPDATED 3/26/2011: VOANews: Geraldine Ferraro, US Political Pioneer, Dies at 75

Monday, March 24, 2014

Women's History Month: USCIS 100:48. Voting Amendments and Alice Paul

Alice Paul led the final campaign to pass the Nineteenth Amendment (1920). 

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).

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Women's History Month: Suffrage-Background



Women's History Museum: Suffrage-Background

Click the "CC" (closed Caption) button on the lower right corner of the video to see the subtitles.

Saturday, March 22, 2014

ELCivics.com Women's History Month Lessons


ELCivics.com Women's History Month Lessons
  • Nancy Pelosi - First female Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.
  • Rosa Parks - Rosa Parks was an African American woman who refused to give up her seat on an Alabama bus to a white man. Her act of defiance led to the year-long Montgomery Bus Boycott.
  • Sacajawea - Young Indian woman who served as a guide and interpreter for Lewis and Clark.
  • Sojourner Truth - African American woman who gave numerous speeches about ending slavery and giving women the right to vote.
  • Susan B. Anthony - Co-founder of the National Woman Suffrage Association. Was arrested and fined for voting in a presidential election.

Friday, March 21, 2014

Women's History Month: Biography - JJ - Jane Jacobs - Guru of Urban Planning - Inner City defender



LearnAndReadAlong: Biography - JJ - Jane Jacobs - Guru of Urban Planning - Inner City defender

Today we tell about Jane Jacobs. She was an activist for improving cities. (read more)

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

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Lady Liberty: A Century Later, Statue of Liberty Still Attracts Millions

USCIS 100:95. Where is the Statue of Liberty?*


VOA Learning English: A Century Later, Statue of Liberty Still Attracts Millions

Today we tell about the Statue of Liberty. The huge, green statue celebrates American freedom. It has served as the guardian of New York Harbor for more than a century. Come along with us, as we visit “Lady Liberty.” (read more)


USCIS 100:95. Where is the Statue of Liberty?*

  • New York (Harbor)
  • Liberty Island
  • [Also acceptable are New Jersey, near New York City, and on the Hudson (River).]

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Women's History Month: Biography - PR - Rosa Parks - Mother of American Civil Rights

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


ListenAndReadAlong: Biography - PR - Rosa Parks - Mother of American Civil Rights

Until the nineteen sixties, black people in many parts of the United States did not have the same civil rights as white people. Laws in the American South kept the two races separate. These laws forced black people to attend separate schools, live in separate areas of a city and sit in separate areas on a bus.

On December first, nineteen fifty-five, in the southern city of Montgomery, Alabama, a forty-two year old black woman got on a city bus. The law at that time required black people seated in one area of the bus to give up their seats to white people who wanted them.

The woman refused to do this and was arrested.
This act of peaceful disobedience started protests in Montgomery that led to legal changes in minority rights in the United States. The woman who started it was Rosa Parks (read more)


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

▪ civil rights (movement)

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Stitching WWII Home Front History into Quilts

USCIS 100:81. Who did the United States fight in World War II?


MercuryNews: Stitching WWII Home Front History into Quilts (slide show)

Designs commemorating Rosie the Riveter and the rest of the Home Front movement during World War II are featured in the exhibition, “Voices in Cloth: Extraordinary Quilts by the Bay,” at Richmond’s Craneway Pavilion March 22-23. (read more)

USCIS 100: 81. Who did the United States fight in World War II?

▪ Japan, Germany, and Italy

Monday, March 17, 2014

Women's History Month: Biography - BC - Clara Barton - Founder - American Red Cross

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



ListenAndReadAlong: Biography - BC - Clara Barton - Founder - American Red Cross

Today we tell about a woman who spent her life caring for others. (read more)

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

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Hillary Clinton for President? (VOA On Assignment)



VOAVideo: Hillary Clinton for President? (VOA On Assignment)

Will she, or won't she? VOA National Correspondent Jim Malone joins On Assignment's Alex Villarreal to discuss the possibility of a 2016 presidential run by former U.S. Senator and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Saturday, March 15, 2014

President Obama Meets with Women Members of Congress

USCIS 100:17. What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?*

)

wh.gov: President Obama Meets with Women Members of Congress 03/12/2014

President Obama drops by a meeting with women Members of Congress to discuss the administration's economic agenda and minimum wage efforts.

USCIS 100: 17. What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?*

▪ the Senate and House (of Representatives)

USCIS 100:18. How many U.S. Senators are there?

▪ one hundred (100)

USCIS 100:21. The House of Representatives has how many voting members?

▪ four hundred thirty-five (435)

Friday, March 14, 2014

Women's History Month: US Congresswoman Patsy Matsu Takemoto Mink and Title IX

USCIS 100:22. We elect a U.S. Representative
for how many years?



Patsy Matsu Takemoto Mink (Japanese: パッツィー・T・ミンク; December 6, 1927–September 28, 2002) was the first woman of color and the first Asian American woman elected to Congress.

Mink served in the U.S. House of Representatives for a total of 12 terms, representing Hawaii's first and second congressional districts. She also was the Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs.

In 1972, Congresswoman Mink wrote the Title IX Amendment of the Higher Education Act, which guaranteed equal opportunity for both men and women in education and school sports.
For more info about influence of Patsy Mink and Title IX, see
USCIS 100:22. We elect a U.S. Representative for how many years?
  • two (2)
LISTEN to US Citizenship Podcast

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Women's History Month: US Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm and Minimum Wage

USCIS 100:21. The House of Representatives
has how many voting members?


Congresswoman Shirley Chihsolm: UNBOUGHT AND UNBOSSED!

Shirley Chisholm (November 30, 1924 – January 1, 2005) was US a Congresswoman, representing New York's 12th Congressional District from 1969 to 1983.

In 1968, she became the first African-American woman elected to Congress. She supported education, health care, social services, and reductions in military spending.

Shirley Chisholm hired only women for her office staff. Chisholm said that during her political career, she faced much more discrimination because she was a woman.

Shirley Chisholm created controversy when she visited George Wallace, the Governor of Alabama, in the hospital soon after his shooting in May 1972. Although they had opposite political views, Wallace deeply appreciated her kindness.

Several years later, when Congresswoman Chisholm worked on a bill to give domestic workers the right to a minimum wage, Governor Wallace helped get the votes of enough Southern congressmen to pass Chisholm's bill.

Shirley Chishom will always be remembered as "Unbought and Unbossed."


21. The House of Representatives has how many voting members?
  • four hundred thirty-five (435)
LISTEN to US Citizenship Podcast
*NEW* VOA Learning English: Shirley Chisholm, 1924-2005: The First Black Woman Elected to the U.S. Congress (03/20/11)

She was an activist who worked to improve the lives of others PEOPLE IN AMERICA (download mp3)

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Women's History Month: US Congresswoman Jeannette Rankin and Finding Your US Rep with ZIP+4

USCIS 100:23. Name your U.S. Representative.

Congresswoman Jeannette Rankin speaks out for women's right to vote.


On March 3, 1917, Jeannette Rankin of Montana became the first woman to be elected to the United States House of Representatives and the first female member of the Congress. Because she loved peace and hated war, she voted against the entry of the United States into both World War I and World War II.

On Feb. 23, 2009 Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-9) introduced H. R. 1124: Honoring Female Pioneers Act that creates a U.S. postage stamp honoring four female Congressional pioneers: Jeannette Rankin (R-MT), Mary Teresa Norton (D-NJ), Patsy Mink (D-HI), and Shirley Chisholm (D-NY). The bill is awaiting a commitee vote. Thanks to Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur for honoring out political foremothers!

USCIS 100:23. Name your U.S. Representative.
  • Answers will vary. [Residents of territories with nonvoting Delegates or Resident Commissioners may provide the name of that Delegate or Commissioner. Also acceptable is any statement that the territory has no (voting) Representatives in Congress.]
  • Check www.house.gov/ for the name of your US Representative.
  • Also see USPS Zip+4.
LISTEN to US Citizenship Podcast

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Women's History Month: Biography - FB - Betty Friedan - Modern Women's Rights Activist - ERA champion



ListenAndReadAlong: Biography - FB - Betty Friedan - Modern Women's Rights Activist - ERA champion

Betty Friedan, 1921-2006: A Leader in the Modern Women's Rights Movement

I'm Faith Lapidus. And I'm Steve Ember with PEOPLE IN AMERICA in VOA Special English. Today we tell about Betty Friedan. She was a powerful activist for the rights of women.

Betty Friedan is often called the mother of the modern women's liberation movement. Her famous book, "The Feminine Mystique," changed America. Some people say it changed the world. It has been called one of the most influential nonfiction books of the twentieth century. (read more)

Listen and Read: Comprehension Quiz

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Notes from Building and Maintaining a Comprehensive Adult Citizenship Education Program

Notes from Building and Maintaining a Comprehensive Adult Citizenship Education Program Feb 19-20, 2014 USCIS San Francisco District Office

Download full pdf

Excerpt from the pdf about the Revised N-400 on Jan 20

USCIS Revised N-400 Application for Naturalization
Instructions for the N-400

Video;  USCIS Revises Form N-400, Application for Naturalization

USCIS Presentation about the Revised N-400


10:52 AM - Revised #N-400 look at the bottom left. Note "Form  #N-400 09/13/13 N". "N"=No, do not use earlier versions.

10:58 AM - Revised #N-400 : Bar code store info and helps  process the #N-400 more quickly. More forms will be updated. Chk dates

11:05 AM - Revised #N-400 : filing requirements and fees have  not changed. See M-476 03/2012.

11:06 AM - @uscis RETWEET Visit the Citizenship Resource Center, it provides educational tools and  information for Citizenship preparation. http://www.uscis.gov/citizenship

11:06 AM - 20 Feb 2014 • @USCIS RETWEET: Want to know more about the newly revised Form N-400? Learn more here:  http://ow.ly/thLnM

11:15 AM - Revised #N-400: Intro

11:22 AM - Revised #N-400 : Note Part 2:12 Exemptions from the English Language Test 50/20, 55/15, 65/20 clearly stated.

11:24 AM - Revised #N-400 : Part 5:1,2,3 Info about Your Parents

11:28 AM - Revised #N-400 :  Part 11:14,15 Questions about perpetrator of violence versus victim of violence. Need clarification

11:32 AM - Revised #N-400 : More Questions about Part  11:16,17,18,19,20,21 about street gangs.

11:34 AM - Revised #N-400 : Part 11:37-46 Military Service and Selective Service.

11:41 AM - Revised #N-400 : Part 11:47-52 like old Part 10H  Attachment to the Constitution. NEW Part 11:53 Renounce Royal Title

11:49 AM - Revised #N-400 : Rumor: You must sing the National Anthem during the interview: FALSE!

11:50 AM - Revised #N-400 : No more than 2 to 3 percent of  applicants fail the #Naturalization interview.

11:53 AM - Revised #N-400: I-912 Fee Waiver should be submitted with the #N-400.

12:00  pm - Revised #N-400: FINISHED!  Coming back in 1 hour for the N-600 Oath Ceremony




Saturday, March 8, 2014

Four American Women in Honor of Women's History Month





















Our celebration of Women's History Month with a simple story about four outstanding American women: Sacagawea, Susan B. Anthony, Rosa Parks, and Dolores Huerta
After reading the paper, answer the questions:

Sacagawea
  • 100:59. Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?
  • 100:87. Name one American Indian tribe in the United States.
  • 100:71. What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803?
Susan B. Anthony
  • 100:77. What did Susan B. Anthony do?
  • 100:48. There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.
Rosa Parks
  • 100:84. What movement tried to end racial discrimination?
  • 100:55. What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?
Dolores Huerta
  • 100:51. What are two rights of everyone living in the United States?
  • 100:100. Name two national U.S. holidays.

Friday, March 7, 2014

Women's History Month: In Performance at the White House: Women of Soul



wh.gov: In Performance at the White House: Women of Soul

President and First Lady host "In Performance at the White House: Women of Soul" for music legends and contemporary major female artists at the White House celebrating the great "foremothers" of American music, with songs expressing the struggles and achievements of women. March 6, 2014.

Also watch: Student Workshop: The History of Women in Soul

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Women's History Month: The First Lady Honors International Women of Courage



wh.gov: The First Lady Honors International Women of Courage

First Lady Michelle Obama speaks at the Department of State to honor recipients of the Secretary of State's International Women of Courage Award.

The award annually recognizes women around the globe who have shown exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equality, and women's empowerment, often at great personal risk. Since the inception of the award in 2007, the Department of State has honored more than 70 women from 49 different countries.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Women's History Month: Eleanor Roosevelt and the United Nations

LISTEN to US Citizenship Podcast
mp3: Eleanor Roosevelt and the United Nations


a special 4-part online exhibit from Arago,
the Smithsonian Postal Museum--AMAZING!
VOANews: Eleanor Roosevelt, 1884-1962: She Was the Most Influential Wife of Any American President
On PEOPLE IN AMERICA: She became one of the most important people in America. She fought for equal rights for all people -- workers, women, poor people, black people. And she sought peace among nations. 20 September 2008
VOAVideo: First Lady's Role Shaped by Tradition and the Individual

ESL Discussions: United Nations
  • How has the United Nations changed the world?
USCIS 96:90 Name of the purposes of the United Nations.
  • For countries to discuss and try to resolve world problems or to provide economic aid to many countries

Monday, March 3, 2014

Women's History Month: Susan B. Anthony and National Women's History Month

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


National Women's History Project (NWHP) teaches people about the important activities of women. NWHP sponsors Women's History Month. This year's theme is Celebrating Women of Character, Courage, and Commitment .  NEW: Women's History Gazette 2014 pdf

USCIS 100:77. What did Susan B. Anthony do?
  • fought for women’s rights
  • fought for civil rights
LISTEN to US Citizenzenship Podcast:

Sunday, March 2, 2014

Women's History Month: Susan B Anthony - Leader of Womens Rights Movement



ListenAndReadAlong: Biography - AS - Susan B Anthony - Leader of Womens Rights Movement

Susan B. Anthony, 1820-1906: She Led the Fight to Gain Equal Rights for Women, Including the Right to Vote

In the eighteen fifties, women in the United States began to try to gain the same rights as men. One woman was a leader in the campaign to gain women the right to vote (read more)

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Happy Women's History Month!

Happy Women History Month! During the month of March, US Citizenship Podcast will explore the connection between the USCIS History and Government questions and the history of American Women's. Let's get started!
  • Women and USCIS 100 Questions: Civics pdf
  • Happy International Women's Day (Beginning ESL) pdf
  • USCIS 98:90 Eleanor Roosevelt and the United Nations mp3
  • USCIS 100:09 Women's Rights ARE Human Rights! mp3
  • USCIS 100:77 National Women's History Month and Susan B. Anthony mp3
  • USCIS 100:21 US Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm and Minimum Wage mp3
  • USCIS 100:22 US Congresswoman Patsy Matsu Takemoto Mink and Title IX mp3
  • USCIS 100:23 US Congresswoman Jeannette Rankin and Finding Your US Rep with ZIP+4 mp3
  • USCIS 100:36 Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Passports mp3