Friday, July 31, 2015

Civil Rights Leaders Struggled to Achieve Voting Rights Act



VOANews: Civil Rights Leaders Struggled to Achieve Voting Rights Act

Fifty years ago, lawmakers approved, and U.S. President Lyndon Johnson signed, the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The measure outlawed racial discrimination in voting, giving millions of blacks in many parts of the southern United States federal enforcement of the right to vote. Correspondent Chris Simkins introduces us to some civil rights leaders who were on the front lines in the struggle for voting rights.

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Citizenship Reading and Writing videos from Patricia Phillips


Citizenship Reading and Writing videos from Patricia Phillips

A Quick Interview Quiz Based on the N-400r plus 10qs about the Branches of Gov’t Part 1

Beatriz and Amelia say: Join Us!
Milpitas Library Citizenship Class, Mondays 7pm

Also see:


Monday, July 27, 2015

Milpitas Library's Fourth Citizenship Class



N-400 Citizenship Interview

Civics: Branches of Government
  • Executive (Intermediate Level) ;  Executive  (Beginning Level)
  • A Quick Citizenship Interview Quiz Based on the N-400r (30qs) plus 10qs about the Branches of Gov’t Part 1 http://goo.gl/bV4JsA (edited)
  • 100Qs--English .pdf (uscitizenpod's handy side-by-side USCIS 100Q/A for easy self-quizzing)
Homework

Previous Citizenship Classes at Milpitas Library:

Sunday, July 26, 2015

New Exhibit Explores American History through Business History



VOANews: New Exhibit Explores American History through Business History

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Washington, with more than 5 million visitors each year. The museum has just opened a new exhibition (on July 1) that traces America’s development from a dependent agriculture nation to one of the world’s most vibrant and trend-setting economies. VOA’s June Soh takes us to the “American Enterprise” exhibit that celebrates entrepreneurial spirit. Originally published at: http://www.voanews.com/media/video/new-exhibit-explores-american-history-through-business-history/2850384.html

Saturday, July 25, 2015

CONSTITUTION USA WITH PETER SAGAL

CONSTITUTION USA WITH PETER SAGAL
Watch online and check out the resources http://www.pbs.org/tpt/constitution-usa-peter-sagal/home/

CONSTITUTION USA: Over the course of the four-hour series, Sagal hits the road, travelling cross country on a customized red, white and blue Harley-Davidson, to find out where the Constitution lives, how it works, and how it unites us as a nation. Sagal visits dozens of cities and small towns across America introducing viewers to some of today’s major constitutional debates and the fascinating stories of the people they affect every day.


Friday, July 24, 2015

The Promise of Citizenship: USCIS Director RodrĂ­guez Celebrates July 4th with New Citizens



USCIS: The Promise of Citizenship: USCIS Director RodrĂ­guez Celebrates July 4th with New Citizens

USCIS Director LeĂ³n RodrĂ­guez celebrated Independence Day 2015 at Mount Vernon, home of George Washington, by attending one of many special naturalization ceremonies held across the United States that week. He spoke to the promise of citizenship and democracy and encouraged our newest citizens to participate fully in their new nation.

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Citizen U.S.A.: A 50 State Road Trip by Alexandra Pelosi

Citizen U.S.A.: A 50 State Road Trip by Alexandra Pelosi

Each year, nearly one million people from more than 150 countries become American citizens. Who are these new Americans, and why do they want to live here?

Inspired by her husband's desire to become an American, Emmy®-winning filmmaker Alexandra Pelosi  attends naturalization ceremonies across all 50 states and meets brand-new citizens to learn why they chose America as their home. The uplifting, thought-provoking documentary CITIZEN U.S.A.: A 50 STATE ROAD TRIP reveals what she discovered. Check out the DVD and book.

Also check out the companion map: Why Did You Move to (insert name of your state)? 

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Lesson 26 - Red, White & Blue Idioms - Happy Fourth of July! (English idioms for Independence Day)



JenniferESL: Lesson 26 - Red, White & Blue Idioms - Happy Fourth of July! (English idioms for Independence Day)

Need captions? Click on CC.
MORE PRACTICE: http://www.englishwithjennifer.com/red.white.blue.idioms.htm

Learn six idioms based on the colors red, white, and blue.

Teachers: A related post is on WordPress. https://englishwithjennifer.wordpress.com/2015/06/30/july-fourth-fireworks-flags-and-other-fun-topics/

INDEX:
0:10 Introduction. Independence Day.
1:02 The U.S. Flag. What do the colors represent?
1:42 see red/ be red-faced
2:53 white as a sheet/ white-knuckled
4:32 feel blue/ the blues
5:15 Review with flashcards.
6:47 Exercise. A story in four parts.
10:15 Lesson ending.
10:27 Sources.

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Citizenship Reading and Writing Practice


Recently, a YouTube subscriber asked for help with citizenship dictation sentences. she could answer all of the N-400 question and the 10 civics questions, but she failed to write a sentence correctly.

There is no official list of the reading and writing question and answers.


There is an official USCIS reading and writing vocabulary list at:
I made a practice list of reading/writing practice sentences here
You can also practice the vocabulary with the activities here: 
Citizenship Reading and Writing videos from Patricia Phillips

Study a little bit every day--I know you will be a great American citizen!

Monday, July 20, 2015

Milpitas Library's Third Citizenship Class



uscitizenpod: Angelica Mendoza's Citizenship Interview

Civics: Introduction to the Branches of Government
Homework

Previous Citizenship Classes at Milpitas Library:
More Info

Muslim Family Reflects on Life in America



VOA Learning English: Muslim Family Reflects on Life in America

Originally posted at http://learningenglish.voanews.com/media/video/2859993.html

Also watch these three uscitizenpod videos from Tasleem, a Muslim woman originally from Pakistan:

Tasleem's Practice Citizenship Interview 
pdf available at http://goo.gl/HbT6Oi

Tasleem's Second Practice Interview
A “Typical” Citizenship Interview Based on the N-400r goo.gl/9Z97UK
For more USCitizenPod N-400r scripts, go to http://goo.gl/2aOS5m

2015 USCIS 100 Remix Round 1 Twos
USCIS 100qs Remix "Twos" 02, 12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62, 72, 82, 92
Quiz Pdf at http://goo.gl/I1ZM9C
This video is a part of a playlist: 2015 USCIS 100qs Remix Round 1
Milpitas Adult School students practice for the USCIS Civics test by answering 10 "remixed" questions.
Applicants need to answer 6 out of 10 questions correctly to past the Civics portion of the USCIS Citizenship Interview.

Thursday, July 16, 2015

The Making of the Constitution



VOA Learning English: The Making of the Constitution

The Making of the Constitution is part of the VOA Learning English series The Making of a Nation. The series teaches U.S. history by telling the stories of major events and characters from the country's founding to the present day.
Originally published at -http://learningenglish.voanews.com/media/video/the-making-of-constitution/2838821.html

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

APALC: Citizenship 101: Your Guide to Citizenship


Asian Pacific American Legal Ctr Citizenship 101: Your Guide to Citizenship (2009-2010)
http://advancingjustice-la.org/what-we-do/direct-services/immigration-citizenship/citizenship

Advancing Justice - LA’s 45-minute instructional video, Citizenship 101: Your Guide to Citizenship, covers everything you need to know to become an American citizen, from determining your eligibility to completing the application to preparing for your interview and citizenship exam.  The video is available in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Hindi, Korean, Tagalog, and Vietnamese

An accompanying workbook is available in English
http://advancingjustice-la.org/sites/default/files/CitizenshipWorkshop2009_0.pdf

APALC on Vimeo https://vimeo.com/apalc

Citizenship 101: Your Guide to Citizenship (CANTONESE)
https://vimeo.com/12617896

Citizenship 101: Your Guide to Citizenship (ENGLISH)
https://vimeo.com/5882921
https://vimeo.com/14142281

Citizenship 101: Your Guide to Citizenship (HINDI)
https://vimeo.com/14019021

Citizenship 101: Your Guide to Citizenship (KOREAN)
https://vimeo.com/12628737

Citizenship 101: Your Guide to Citizenship (MANDARIN)
https://vimeo.com/12621346

Citizenship 101: Your Guide to Citizenship (TAGALOG)
https://vimeo.com/14016549

Citizenship 101: Your Guide to Citizenship (VIETNAMESE)
https://vimeo.com/12628706

Citizenship 101: Your Guide to Citizenship: Interview of unprepared applicant
https://vimeo.com/6056964

Citizenship 101: Your Guide to Citizenship: Interview w/ translator
https://vimeo.com/6063352


Monday, July 13, 2015

Second Citizenship Class at Milpitas Library



Preparing for Naturalization
SCCL Naturalization Resources at the Milpitas Library

N-400r Quiz
Civics Lesson from USCIS.gov
The American Symbols and Celebrations lesson plan and handouts for literacy students and low beginners covering civics test items 52, 64, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, and 100.

Milpitas Library's First Citizenship Class


We are super-excited about the new ‪‎Citizenship‬ Class at the Milpitas Library on Mondays 7:00-8:30 pm

Eight soon-to-be citizens joined us for our first Citizenship class on July 6. We got a overview of the Citizenship Interview, had a demonstration about the Easy Citizenship interview, and learned about U.S. Geography. For resources used during the class and homework for the July 13, go to http://goo.gl/T6b5ug and join us on Monday!

Sunday, July 12, 2015

Images in Museum Exhibit Reflect a Transforming America



VOANews: Images in Museum Exhibit Reflect a Transforming America

A new exhibit at a Washington museum features a collection of photographs offering a rare look at life in the U.S. during the mid-20th century. The photos help tell the story of a transforming America. VOA’s Julie Taboh reports.
Originally published at - http://www.voanews.com/media/video/images-reflect-transforming-america/2848124.html

Saturday, July 11, 2015

A US Citizenship Ceremony at the Schaumburg Library



DailyHeraldClips: Schaumburg Library Citizenship Oath Ceremony

See footage from a Citizenship Ceremony at the Schaumburg Library. Approximately 70 immigrants became new US citizens.

Thursday, July 9, 2015

SFPL Citizenship Resources



SFPL Citizenship Resources

Prepare for the USCIS naturalization interview with the helpful resources available in several languages at sfpl.org, including a guide to naturalization, detailed practice materials for the citizenship exam, and a list of local organizations that can help you with the naturalization process.

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

SF Pathways to Citizenship Initiative


SF Pathways to Citizenship Initiative
https://sfpathways2citizenship.wordpress.com/

The San Francisco Pathways to Citizenship Initiative (SF pathways) is a three-year public, private partnership between the City’s Office of Civic Engagement & Immigrant Affairs (OCEIA),  six philanthropic organizations, and seven expert community based naturalization service providers  who will develop new approaches, methodologies and service delivery models to promote citizenship and civic participation among San Francisco’s citizenship-eligible immigrants.  Service providers will offer free legal advice, application assistance, language services, fee waiver application assistance and other services.

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Library Citizenship Project




Hartford Public Library: The American Place (TAP) is a free program of Hartford Public Library designed to welcome immigrants and ease their transition into their new home city. TAP promotes Hartford’s shared civic values and its vibrant cultural multiplicity.

Monday, July 6, 2015

Welcome to US Citizenship Class at the Milpitas Library!



Welcome to US Citizenship Class at the Milpitas Library!
https://goo.gl/f7uqha

Easy Interview based on the Revised N-400 (15qs) 
Citizenship Resource Center
Preparing for the Oath 
Homework for the next class Monday, July 13
Preparing for Naturalization

Free Citizenship Classes at the Milpitas Library


Free Citizenship Classes at the Milpitas Library
Date: Monday, 7/6/2015-8/24/15
Time: 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Description: Learn how to become a United States Citizen. Study for the naturalization test, including civics and government questions, reading and writing English, and practicing your interview skills.

The classes are free, but space is limited.

Library: Milpitas Library, 160 North Main Street, Milpitas, CA 95035
Presenter: Jennifer Gagliardi
Register at the Milpitas Library or online at http://goo.gl/nQdczP

Sunday, July 5, 2015

USCIS 100:99 July 4th, Slavery, and Fredrick Douglass



Happy Independence Day Weekend! Today we will listen to an old podcast from uscitizenpod: USCIS 100:99 July 4th, Slavery, and Fredrick Douglass

We will first read about Q99 from the USCIS M638 quick civics lesson. Then we will discuss the Declaration of Independence, the Compromise of 1850, and abolitionist Fredrick Douglass. Then we will listen to a short reading from Fredrick Douglass speech: “The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro.” Note that Negro was a common term for Black or African-Americans, but it is not often used today. Let's get started.

DOWNLOAD MP3

exerpt from The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro by Fredrick Douglass

What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July?

I answer: a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelly to which he is the constant victim.

To him, your celebration is a sham;
your boasted liberty, an unholy license;
your national greatness, swelling vanity;
your sounds of rejoicing are empty and heartless;
your denunciations of tyrants, brass fronted impudence;
your shouts of liberty and equality, hollow mockery;
your prayers and hymns, your sermons and thanksgivings,
with all your religious parade, and solemnity, are, to him, mere bombast,
fraud, deception, impiety, and hypocrisy—a thin veil to cover up crimes which would disgrace a nation of savages...





TimelessReader1: Meaning of July 4th for the Negro - Frederick Douglass Speech - Hear the Text

Listen to and read text from The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro, written by abolitionist and former slave: Frederick Douglass. Frederick Douglass presented this speech on July 5, 1852 in Rochester, NY. This speech concludes with a poem, a peace prayer, written by William Lloyd Garrison

For more info:

See zinnedproject.org: Frederick Douglass Fights for Freedom

Watch actor Danny Glover read abolitionist Frederick Douglass's "Fourth of July Speech, 1852" on October 5, 2005 in Los Angeles, California. Part of a reading from Voices of a People's History of the United States (Howard Zinn and Anthony Arnove.)

Saturday, July 4, 2015

Independence Day 2015 - Declaration of Independence



USCIS: Independence Day 2015 - Declaration of Independence

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (uscis.gov) thanks everyone who participated in our video project to celebrate the nation's 239th birthday on July 4. To find naturalization ceremony photos and immigrant stories posted by some of the more than 700,000 people each year who become U.S. citizens, check #newUScitizen and #newAmericans on social media.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Happy Independence Day


American English at State.gov on Facebook

Friday, July 3, 2015

US Citizenship Podcast Independence Day Quiz



uscitizenpod: US Citizenship Podcast Independence Day Quiz

Celebrate Independence Day with uscitizenpod. Here is a quiz based on USCIS 100:08, 09, 61, 62, 63, 64, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100.

Thursday, July 2, 2015

What you might not know about the Declaration of Independence



TED-ED: What you might not know about the Declaration of Independence - Kenneth C. Davis

View full lesson: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/what-you-might-not-know-about-the-declaration-of-independence-kenneth-c-davis

In June 1776, a little over a year after the start of the American Revolutionary War, the US Continental Congress huddled together in a hot room in Philadelphia to talk independence. Kenneth C. Davis dives into some of the lesser known facts about the process of writing the Declaration of Independence and questions one very controversial omission.

Lesson by Kenneth C. Davis, animation by Karrot Animation.

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

USCIS Resources for Independence Day


USCIS: For Independence Day, we want to highlight some of the resources USCIS offers for learners and teachers that are related to this important day.

Preparing for the Oath: U.S. History and Civics for Citizenship
This web resource provides online videos and activities on the 100 civics questions from the naturalization test and highlights museum objects from the Smithsonian Institution. Visit the “Establishing Independence” and “Symbols and Holidays” themes for information on Independence Day.

Lesson Plans and Activities
Visit this page to find lesson plans, student handouts, and answer keys on a variety of topics, including Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence (Beginning Level), American Symbols and Celebrations (Beginning and Intermediate Levels), Establishing Independence (Intermediate Level).