Wednesday, January 31, 2018

'Trapped': People from Travel Ban-Affected Countries Reflect, One Year Later



VOANews: 'Trapped': People from Travel Ban-Affected Countries Reflect, One Year Later

One year ago, President Trump signed an executive order that would become among his most controversial and legally tested decisions to date: a ban restricting travel for foreign nationals from a group of Muslim-majority countries in the name of national security. VOA spoke with members of diaspora communities from countries on the revised list, where lives and livelihoods have been affected. Ramon Taylor reports from New York.
Originally published at - https://www.voanews.com/a/people-from-travel-ban-affected-countries-reflect-one-year-later/4225860.html


President's Week 2017: #NoBanNoWall Citizenship Interviews



Tuesday, January 30, 2018

U.S. Citizenship Class 07, Spring 2018, Milpitas Adult School



VOANews: Tough Road Ahead for Trump Immigration Plan

President Trump’s immigration framework proposing a pathway to citizenship for almost 2 million undocumented immigrants faces a tough road ahead on Capitol Hill. A week after an impasse over immigration policy briefly shut down the U.S. government - and with only a few working days left before another possible shutdown - congressional leaders of both parties are running out of time to make a deal. VOA’s House correspondent Katherine Gypson has more.
Originally published at - https://www.voanews.com/a/4230828.html



N-400
Understanding Commands for the Naturalization Interview
This listening activity has commands that you may hear during the naturalization interview. Download the self-study flash cards to practice on your own.















Civics

Integration
  • Citizenship Interview Quiz for Mohamed Awad Elhassan pdf

Monday, January 29, 2018

STUDY UP Don't let any day go by without studying Citizenship!



uscitizenpod: Don't let any day go by without studying Citizenship!



Last year, I am released a free pdf "Mix-and-Match U.S. Citizenship Interviews and Quizzes" which contained 20 practice interview scripts based on the N-400 and 40 civics quizzes based on the USCIS Civics questions http://eepurl.com/c30oVz

People can create a variety of practice interviews by pairing an interview with a quiz, then making double-sided copies. You can see examples of these interviews on our YouTube channel.

This week, I am joined by my fellow citizenship teacher, Miguel Flores from Cutler-Orosi Adult School. We finally met in person at the CASAS EL Civics Conference in Ceres. Between workshop sessions we sat down and did a quick practice interview based on the Mix-and-Match Citizenship Interview Series B Practice 2 paired with a multiple choice civics quiz on USCIS 1-12 questions.

After the interview, I talk a bit with Miguel Flores about his citizenship class in Cutler-Orosi,which is in the heart of California. these I will talk a bit more about the CASAS EL Civics project and my sponsor OTAN: Outreach and Technical Assistance Network. You can see my workshop presentations Citizenship class 101: 10 Tips for a New Citizenship Teacher and "Tech Up Your Citizenship Class" on uscitizenpod.com's blog post for Jan 26, 2018

uscitizenpod: CASAS EL Civics Conference, Ceres, CA

 A quick work about CASAS and OTAN.

CASAS is a nonprofit organization that provides assessments of basic skills for youth and adults to target instruction.

The English Literacy and Civics (EL Civics) is funded under the The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA). The purpose of the EL Civics program is to support projects that demonstrate effective practices in providing, and increasing access to, English Literacy programs linked to civics education.

Congress has reserved this funding for "integrated English literacy and civics education services to immigrants and other limited English proficient populations."  According to Congress, to effectively participate in education, work, and civic opportunities in this country, immigrants and other limited English proficient persons must not only master English, but be able to understand and navigate governmental, educational, workplace systems and key institutions, such as banking and health care.

To that end, CASAS hosts EL Civics Conference, in Northern, Central, and southern California so that teachers can share best practices as related to their EL Civics programs.

To learn more, go to CASAS.org
https://www.casas.org/training-and-support/casas-peer-communities/california-accountability/california-el-civics

OTAN's mission is to lead California adult education in the integration of technology into the educational process, ultimately empowering learners to meet their academic, employment and civic goals.

On a much more personal note: Working in Silicon Valley IT departments for over 20 years well prepared me to work with immigrants with varying degres of English fluency, but did not prepare me to use tech in the adult education classroom. By participating in OTAN training sessions, I learned how adapt technology to empower adult students and their teachers to acquire new language, work, and life skills. Thanks OTAN folk for every thing.

Teachers--if you get the chance, attend OTAN's Technology and Distance Learning Symposium March 9–10, 2018 in Napa, CA. You'll pick up some cool, new tech tips, and meet some even cooler techie teachers.

To learn more, go to OTAN.us
https://www.otan.us/tdlsymposium/register-online

Sunday, January 28, 2018

US Citizenship Oath Ceremony - January 19, 2018




Edel Pontes USA: US Citizenship Oath Ceremony - January 19, 2018

This video is my appreciation to this country. US Citizenship Oath Ceremony - January 19, 2018 in Oakland Park, Florida. God Bless America. Gratitude is the energy of LOVE.

For more information: www.edelpontes.com

Saturday, January 27, 2018

Trump Immigration Proposals Face Uphill Battle



VOANews: Trump Immigration Proposals Face Uphill Battle

The Trump administration on Thursday sent a one-page framework to Republicans in Congress addressing immigration questions that have divided Congress and the American people. Mike O'Sullivan reports that, with critics on both sides, the administration's proposals face an uphill battle.
Originally published at - https://www.voanews.com/a/trump-immigration-proposals-face-uphill-battle/4227518.html

Thursday, January 25, 2018

U.S. Citizenship Class 06, Spring 2018, Milpitas Adult School



uscitizenpod: Mix and Match U.S. Citizenship Interview Level B Practice 3

N-400

Civics

Integration
  • Lan Thi Nguyen: Constitution and Citizenship Week Interview Quiz 2015 pdf

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Immigration Promise Breaks Congressional Deadlock, Reopens Government




VOANews: Disappointed DACA Recipients Continue to Push Congress for Protections

The U.S. government is open again, but the fate of about 800,000 young undocumented immigrants at the center of the three-day shutdown remains uncertain. A number of lawmakers had promised to protect them after President Trump ended DACA in September, an Obama administration policy that allowed them to live and study or work in the country legally. Esha Sarai reports that DACA recipients, who some call "Dreamers," are bitterly disappointed.
Originally published at - https://www.voanews.com/a/4221560.html




VOANews: Immigration Promise Breaks Congressional Deadlock, Reopens Government

A partial U.S. government shutdown ended Monday with Senate Democrats providing enough votes to restart federal funding for the next few weeks in return for a promise by the Republican leadership to bring an immigration bill up for a vote by February 8. VOA House correspondent Katherine Gypson looks at how the brief shutdown sets up an even tougher fight ahead on Capitol Hill.   Originally published at - https://www.voanews.com/a/4219865.html




NYTimes: Could the Government Shutdown Reshape DACA?

Senator Mitch McConnell promised to bring a vote on immigration reform to the floor by Feb. 8. Democrats are selling that pledge as a win. But is it?


If you have an opinion about the budget, immigration, DACA, or any other topic, you can contact your representative by phone or email via Senate.gov or House.gov.

Frequently, the website will ask about your Zip + 4, which is your zip code plus your route number, which you can find by following the link to USPS.com and entering your street address

You can also write or call the President
https://www.whitehouse.gov/get-involved/write-or-call/

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
202-456-1111

Leave a simple message such as: "I support DACA"

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

U.S. Citizenship Class 05, Spring 2018, Milpitas Adult School


N-400
  • "Common" Citizenship Interview Based on the USCIS N-400r (53qs, 2pgs) (updated 06/12/2016)
  • Future Citizenship Grammar: Unit 1 Lesson 3 Yes/No questions in the Present Perfect

Civics

Integration

CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES

Monday, January 22, 2018

US Congress Votes to End Partial Government Shutdown




VOA Learning English: US Government To Reopen After Three Day Shutdown

The United States Congress has voted to reopen the federal government three days into a partial shutdown. President Donald Trump is expected to sign the temporary funding bill soon.

Late Monday, members of the House of Representatives voted for the bill approved earlier in the day in the Senate.

The bill permits spending for government operations through February 8. (READ MORE)


VOANews: Congress Votes to End Partial Government Shutdown

CAPITOL HILL — "The U.S. Congress has voted to reopen the federal government three days a into a partial shutdown that was triggered in part by a partisan brawl over immigration. President Donald Trump was standing by to sign the stop-gap funding bill.

Late Monday, members of the House of Representatives voteD to approve the the bill approved earlier in the day in the Senate."  (READ MORE)


Sunday, January 21, 2018

USCIS and the Government Shutdown



uscitizenpod: USCIS and the Government Shutdown

In this episode, we talk about USCIS, the Government shutdown, and how to contact your federal government representatives.



The Government Shutdown does not affect Citizenship services. 

The USCIS will continue to process USCIS Form N-400 Applications for Naturalization and interview applicants for U.S. Citizenship. 

However, several USCIS programs will either expire or suspend operations, or be otherwise affected, until they receive appropriated funds or are reauthorized by Congress. These include:

1. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Regional Center Program.  The EB-5 visa allows eligible Immigrant Investors to become lawful permanent residents by investing at least $1,000,000 to finance a business in the United States that will employ at least 10 American workers

2. E-Verify. This free internet-based system allows businesses to check the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States.

3. Conrad 30 J-1 doctors. This program allows J-1 doctors to apply for a waiver of the two-year residence requirement after completing the J-1 exchange visitor program.

4. Non-Minister Religious Workers. This special immigrant category allows non-minister religious workers to immigrate or adjust status in the United States.

Source: Lapse in Federal Funding for Certain USCIS Operations
https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/lapse-federal-funding-certain-uscis-operations 


DACA is Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.  This is an American immigration policy that allows some individuals who entered the country as minors, to live, work, and go to school in the United States with out fear of deportation.

Last September, the Trump administration tried to end the DACA program. In January 2018, a federal judge said that USCIS must continue to renew DACA applications.

Further note:  Last week, Trump rejected a bipartisan Senate immigration proposal, which included shielding DACA recipients from deportation.

Source: USCIS: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals: Response to January 2018 Preliminary Injunction
https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/deferred-action-childhood-arrivals-response-january-2018-preliminary-injunction

Further note: The government shutdown occurred in part because the Democrats are demanding a congressional vote on an immigration reform package which includes path towards citizenship for DACA recipients.  In response, the Republicans are demanding more money for national security which includes a wall along the US-Mexico border.

The Democrats and Republicans are still meeting about the budget which will include funding for CHIP--The Children's Health Insurance Program and disaster relief for areas such as Puerto Rico. Please watch the news for updates.


 If you have an opinion about the budget, immigration, DACA, CHIP, disaster relief, or any other topic, you can contact your representative by phone or email via Senate.gov or House.gov.

Frequently, the website will ask about your Zip + 4, which is your zip code plus your route number, which you can find by following the link to USPS.com and entering your street address

You can also write or call the President
https://www.whitehouse.gov/get-involved/write-or-call/

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
202-456-1111

Leave a simple message such as: "I support DACA" or "I support CHIP."

Or you can exercise your right to peaceable assembly by marching with thousands of women across America this weekend and in the months to come.

A special thanks goes out to USCIS SF Community Relations Officer Lucee Rosemarie Fan.  Every single day, Officer Fan and her fellow USCIS officers, help new US citizens achieve their American Dream. Officer Fan--good luck on your retirement!

Watch Officer Fan in action: Cantonese Public Engagement Event 2015

Watch more USCIS Officers in action: USCIS Civics Questions Playlist


LISTEN to US Citizenship Podcast 

Saturday, January 20, 2018

What Is A Government Shutdown?

The Government Shutdown does not affect Citizenship services. 
The USCIS will continue to process USCIS Form N-400 Applications for Naturalization and interview applicants for U.S. Citizenship. 
 See below.



Los Angeles Times: What Is A Government Shutdown?


Lawmakers have until Friday at midnight to pass legislation to avert a government shutdown. Here’s what that means. (Jan. 19, 2018) (Sign up for our free video newsletter here http://bit.ly/2n6VKPR)


VOANews: During Government Shutdown, What's Closed? Who Is Affected? (exerpt)

"A department spokesman said nearly 90 percent of Homeland Security employees are considered essential and will continue to perform their duties during a government shutdown.

That means most Customs and Border Protection and Transportation Security Administration workers will stay on the job, according to the department's shutdown plan, dated Friday.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement will be staffed at about 78 percent, meaning more than 15,000 of the agency's employees will keep working. " Read more


VOANews: Partial US Government Shutdown Begins


"Last week, Trump rejected a bipartisan Senate immigration proposal, throwing congressional negotiations into disarray.

Democrats are demanding prompt congressional votes on an immigration reform package that would shield from deportation hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants brought to America as children. Republicans note that young immigrants would not face possible deportation until March, when the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, DACA, expires."  (read more)


The current lapse in annual appropriated funding for the U.S. government does not affect USCIS’ fee-funded activities. Our offices will remain open, and all applicants should attend interviews and appointments as scheduled.
However, several USCIS programs will either expire or suspend operations, or be otherwise affected, until they receive appropriated funds or are reauthorized by Congress. These include:
  • EB-5 Immigrant Investor Regional Center Program. Regional centers are a public or private economic unit in the United States that promote economic growth. USCIS designates regional centers for participation in the Immigrant Investor Program.
  • E-Verify. This free internet-based system allows businesses to determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States.
  • Conrad 30 J-1 doctors. This program allows J-1 doctors to apply for a waiver of the two-year residence requirement after completing the J-1 exchange visitor program. The expiration only affects the date by which the J-1 doctor must have entered the United States; it is not a shutdown of the Conrad 30 program entirely.
  • Non-minister religious workers. This special immigrant category allows non-ministers in religious vocations and occupations to immigrate or adjust status in the United States to perform religious work in a full-time, compensated position.

Friday, January 19, 2018

Mix and Match U S Citizenship Interview Level D Practice 5





Sign up for our newsletter and download our free pdf Mix-and-Match U.S. Citizenship Interviews and Quizzes http://eepurl.com/c30oVz 

Teachers can create a variety of practice interviews for their students by pairing an interview with a quiz, then making double-sided copies.

Thursday, January 18, 2018

U.S. Citizenship Class 04, Spring 2018, Milpitas Adult School

#newUScitizen Fangding Lu and his wife Meidan Zhou

N-400

Civics

Integration:
  • Everyday Citizenship Interview Quiz pdf
  • Colonial Quiz pdf
  • A Citizenship Quiz for Thanksgiving (2015) pdf and mp3
  • A Quick Interview Based on the N-400r plus 10 qs in honor of Thanksgiving 2015 pdf and mp3

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Trump's Reported Slur Complicates Immigration Push in Congress



VOANews: Trump's Reported Slur Complicates Immigration Push in Congress

Fallout from U.S. President Donald Trump’s reported slur against impoverished, predominantly black nations further complicates a push for bipartisan immigration legislation that has eluded U.S. lawmakers for more than a decade. VOA’s Michael Bowman reports from Washington, a failure to reach a deal on thorny immigration topics could make a partial U.S. government shutdown more likely by the end of this week, when federal funding expires.
Originally published at - https://www.voanews.com/a/4207971.html

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

U.S. Citizenship Class 03, Spring 2018, Milpitas Adult School


newUScitizens: Shiv, Rohini, and their sons

N-400

Civics

Integration:

A Citizenship Interview Quiz for Paulette Poujol-Oriol (Port-au-Prince, Haiti)
http://traffic.libsyn.com/uscitizenpod/2018-haiti.pdf

14 USCIS Questions in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
This quiz matches 14 USCIS civics questions with speeches and events from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who worked for equality for all Americans and for all those who thirst for peace and justice throughout the world mp3 and pdf

Monday, January 15, 2018

Citizenship Resources for Martin Luther King, Jr Day



uscitizenpod: Three Questions for MLK Day
Three Citizenship Questions for MLK Day focused on the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.  Read/listen to the whole quiz below.

14 USCIS Questions in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
This quiz matches 14 USCIS civics questions with speeches and events from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who worked for equality for all Americans and for all those who thirst for peace and justice throughout the world mp3 and pdf




Interview with Krestos Negasi (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) on MLK Day mp3 and pdf





A Quick Interview Based on the N-400r of Juah Sarwee from Fish Town, Liberia plus 10qs about US Geography and Symbols (2017) pdf  

A Citizenship Interview Quiz for Paulette Poujol-Oriol (Port-au-Prince, Haiti) (2018) pdf

Kahoot: Citizenship Questions in Honor of Martin Luther King, Dr Day! 


Learning Chocolate: Martin Luther King Jr Day

MLK Day Special mp3

uscitizenpod: US Citizenship Resources for African-American History Month
During the month of February, we explore the connection between the USCIS History and Civics questions and African American History. We also include Citizenship, Immigration, and Gov't Resources in African Languages! 





VOA Learning English: Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial


VOA The King Legacy Marching Forward series:


More from VOANews:


Also check out:

    Sunday, January 14, 2018

    January Town Hall with US Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17)


    from town hall at

    January Town Hall with US Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17)
    Jan 14, 2018 2:00 to 3:30 PM · Milpitas High School, Milpitas, CA
    annotated Tweets posted by @uscitizenpod

    Teacher Jennifer says: Here are my annotated tweets from today's town hall meeting with our US Rep Ro Khanna (CA-17).  If you have the opportunity, please attend a Congressional Town Hall.  AWESOME!

    opens with comments about : there is a reason why is so strong and innovative

    Are we willing to the government over ? YES!




    Tax Break? Who benefits? The investor class, NOT the working class. Trickle down doesn't work. Raise wages!

    Q1: Pls comment work limitations. A1 says we must reform and H4visa and allows spouses to work

    Q2: Green Card backlog bill; A2 says he supports the bill

    Q3 share resources with school districts with less; A3 we must invest in ed. We have money--we must make the priority

    Q4 Thx supporting legal rights for Palestinian minors. Q4 says this is an issue of . Protect youth, stop

    Q5 what happens when you go against party leadership; A5 gives ex of voting against #FISA  I my conscience

    Q6 arctic methane release leading to A6 says he supports and invites qr to see him/staff to learn more

    Q7 do we have a legitimate government / representation? A7 heartened by independent actions such as the judge who cont'd

    Q8 father separated from child; Q8 staff will check if we can give asst about this matter

    Q9 denounce A9 will introduce bill "Democracy Dollars" to counteract PAC money

    Q10 status of ; A10 we just got new sniffers so we can get the correct agency for code enforcement

    Q11 thx for support for and ; A11 invest funding in and solve and reform

    Q12 tech training; Q12 for all: and for the "forgotten America"

    Q12 tax credits; A12 link tax credits to local economic incentives to grow the economy

    Q13 charitable deductions to offset taxes? A13 we need to pay more taxes to create opportunity, not to reward investors

    Q14 Iran nuclear deal; A14 supports and with and the

    Q15 concern about expiration; Q15 absolutely believes that every child must have .

    for all!

    Q16 is there a strategic effort NOT to ; GOP is willing to legislate, but there are problems (Leadership? Factions?)

    Q17 concern about A17 will follow up with further research and possible legislation

    The same party that elected Trump, elected the most diverse

    More than 90% of the attendees at the town hall stood up to show that they're directly impacted by



    Great town hall. Thank you and your staff for your service. Your grandfather (friend of ) would be proud. Happy



    Also see my annotated notes from previous Ro Khanna Town Meetings