Monday, August 31, 2015

A “Regular” Citizenship Interview Based on the USCIS N-400r

A “Regular” Citizenship Interview Based on the USCIS N-400r
http://goo.gl/Q5BhXk

Get ready for your Citizenship interview with our new script: A “Regular” Citizenship Interview Based on the USCIS N-400r. There are extra vocabulary questions about the some of the more important terms in the N-400r Part 11: 14 (acts of violence), N:400 Part 11:30 (crime), and N:400r Part 11:47-53 (Oath of Allegiance/Attachment to the Constitution).

the Milpitas Library Citizenship Class returns Sept. 14)

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Dang Vo talks about his Citizenship Interview



uscitizenpod: Dang Vo talks about his Citizenship Interview
https://youtu.be/1ZG4Xx6dtKI

Dan Vo works at Marina Supermarket during the day, and is studying telecommunications at Mission College at night. Dang Vo passed his Citizenship Interview July 2015 and came back to class talk about his interview.

You can watch his other videos:

Saturday, August 29, 2015

Tuy Kim and Tuyetson talk about their Citizenship Interviews



uscitizenpod: Tuy Kim and Tuyetson talk about their Citizenship Interviews 
https://youtu.be/e_Pp8GBRjXw

Tuy Kim (right) and Tuyetson (left) talk about their Citizenship Interviews.

Tuyetson speaks first about her interview. Although she answered all her N-400 and 100 Civics questions correctly, she did not 'pass" because she traveled to and from Vietnam on an expired Vietnamese passport--she did, however, have an official Vietnamese travel visa.

During Tuyetson's second interview, she was not asked about her passport, visa, or trip. She thinks that she was called back for a second interview so that the USCIS could verify her passport, visa, and trip information. The USCIS asked her the N-400 questions, not the 100 Civics questions, and she easily passed the interview.

Tuy Kim passed her interview in July.

Thanks to both Tuyetson and Tuy Kim for being good, diligent students. They will be great American citizens!

You can watch more videos from Tuy Kim and Tuyetson:

Friday, August 28, 2015

C. S. Chokshi's Citizenship Interview at the Milpitas Library



C. S. Chokshi's Citizenship Interview at the Milpitas Library
https://youtu.be/WrRkRHkunIM

Welcome to the NEW Santa Clara County Library District Citizenship Action Project! This is our second mock interview.

C S Choksh answers questions from uscitizenpod's “Everyday” Citizenship Interview based on the USCIS N-400 (51qs, 2pgs) http://goo.gl/Nt0bOf

For more interview scripts, go to the N-400 practice page http://goo.gl/2aOS5m

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Suwarna's Citizenship Interview at the Milpitas Library



Suwarna's Citizenship Interview at the Milpitas Library
https://youtu.be/voAgdLXWCr0

Welcome to the NEW Santa Clara County Library District Citizenship Action Project! This is our first mock interview.

Suwarna answers questions from uscitizenpod's Intermediate Citizenship Interview Script based on the USCIS N-400r (6 pgs) http://goo.gl/RGm3Ve. When we get to Part 11 of the interview, we switch over to the questions and explanations from the N-400r Part 11 Overview Quiz http://goo.gl/6bnwtS.

Also check out these N-400r Part 11 Resources from uscitizenpod.com:

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Happy #‎WomensEqualityDay‬!

Happy #‎WomensEqualityDay‬!


uscitizenpod: American Women who Fought for the Right to Vote http://goo.gl/wIwY62

Also check out:
  • Women and USCIS 100 Questions: Civics pdf
  • Four American Women in Honor of Women's History Month pdf
  • Happy International Women's Day (Beginning ESL) pdf

Also check out this great infographic from Time.com:

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

New Podcast: USCIS N-400r Part 11 Questions and Explanations

New Podcast: USCIS N-400r Part 11 Questions and Explanations
Basic questions and vocabulary explanations from the N-400r Part 11; Direct download: http://traffic.libsyn.com/uscitizenpod/n-400r-part-11.mp3

Also check out these N-400r Part 11 Resources from uscitizenpod.com:

Monday, August 24, 2015

Milpitas Library's Eighth Citizenship Class

Milpitas Library Citizenship Class
Mondays, 7:00-8:30 pm  Join us!

N-400 Citizenship Interview



Civics: Branches of Government


NEXT CLASS: MONDAY, SEPT 14
No class Monday, August 31; September 7

Homework
  • 100Qs--English .pdf (uscitizenpod's handy side-by-side USCIS 100Q/A for easy self-quizzing)
  • Preparing for the Oath:  Responsibilities, Famous Citizens, Establishing Independence
  • USCIS Lesson Plans: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Bill of Rights

Previous Citizenship Classes at Milpitas Library:

Friday, August 21, 2015

In US, Debate Over Undocumented Immigrants Heats Up



VOANews: In US, Debate Over Undocumented Immigrants Heats Up

Billionaire and Republican presidential contender Donald Trump, in his latest statements about U.S. immigration reform this week, said American-born children of immigrants living in the U.S. illegally should be denied citizenship. And he reiterated that a wall should be built between Mexico and the United States. Immigration advocates disagree. VOA’s Deborah Block looks at the controversy.

Thursday, August 20, 2015

iCivics.org


iCivics.orgFounded and led by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, iCivics provides students with the tools they need for active participation and democratic action, and teachers with the materials and support to achieve this. Our free resources include print-and-go lesson plans, award-winning games, and digital interactives.  although this game is gesred towards K-12 civics students, these games are great practice for higher-level ESL Citizenship students.  Enjoy!

Other games from iCivics


  • ACTIVATE: Do you have a great idea about how to make positive change in your community?
  • ARGUMENT WARS: Ever tried to win a disagreement? In Argument Wars, you will try out your persuasive abilities.
  • BILL OF RIGHTS EDITION: In Do I Have A Right?: Bill of Rights, you run your own firm of lawyers specializing in the Bill of rights.
  • BRANCHES OF POWER: Do you like running things? Branches of Power allows you to do something that no one else can.
  • CAST YOUR VOTE What issues do you want to ask candidates about?
  • COUNTIES WORK Do you want to make your community a better place to live?
  • COURT QUEST: In Court Quest, people from around the country need your help to navigate our court system.
  • CRISIS OF NATIONS: In Crisis of Nations, take the helm of your own country and work together with others.
  • DO I HAVE A RIGHT?: In Do I Have A Right?, you’ll run your own firm of lawyers who specialize in constitutional law.
  • EXECUTIVE COMMAND: Ever wanted to be President for a day? In Executive Command, you can be President for four years!
  • IMMIGRATION NATION: Do you know how people become citizens of the United States?
  • LAWCRAFT: Want to make some laws? You can in LawCraft, where you play a member of Congress.
  • PEOPLE'S PIE: Do you like to control your own money? In People’s Pie, you control the budget of the federal government
  • POWER PLAY: In Power Play, you’ll coach a team of players competing to win power for state or federal funds.
  • REPRESENT ME!: In Represent Me!, you work as a legislator trying to meet the needs of your constituents.
  • RESPONSIBILITY LAUNCHER: Have you ever wanted to knock some civic sense into someone?
  • SUPREME DECISION: Ever wondered how the Supreme Court really works? In Supreme Decision, you help cast the deciding vote.
  • WE THE JURY: Have fun deciding a tough case while learning about what jurors discuss in the deliberation room.

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Oath Ceremonies

Here are clips from some of my favorite Oath Ceremonies...



USCIS: Oakland Naturalization - 02/15/12

On February 15th, USCIS Deputy Director Lori Scialabba naturalized 1,268 candidates from 114 countries at the historic Paramount Theater in Oakland, California. Anni Chung was recognized as an "Outstanding American by Choice" for her 36 years of service with the organization "Self Help for the Elderly".

also watch:

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Welcome to Citizenship Class at Milpitas Adult School



Welcome to Citizenship Class at Milpitas Adult School
https://goo.gl/pb2mf4

Easy Interview based on the Revised N-400 (15qs) 
Citizenship Resource Center
Preparing for the Oath 
Homework for the next class Thursday, August 20
Preparing for Naturalization

Monday, August 17, 2015

Milpitas Library's Seventh Citizenship Class

Milpitas Library Citizenship Class
Mondays, 7:00-8:30 pm  Join us!

N-400 Citizenship Interview
    Check Back for Updates...

    Homework
    • 100Qs--English .pdf (uscitizenpod's handy side-by-side USCIS 100Q/A for easy self-quizzing)
    • A “Typical” Citizenship Interview Based on the USCIS N-400r (4 pages)  http://goo.gl/9Z97UK
    • Intermediate Citizenship Interview Script based on the USCIS N-400r (6 pgs)  http://goo.gl/RGm3Ve
    • Preparing for the Oath:  Responsibilities, Famous Citizens, Establishing Independence
    • USCIS Lesson Plans: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Bill of Rights

    Previous Citizenship Classes at Milpitas Library:

    Saturday, August 15, 2015

    A Citizenship Quiz in Honor of India and Pakistan Independence Day


    http://goo.gl/oyjjNz

    10 questions in honor of India and Pakistan Independence Day.  This quiz is dedicated to my Indian and Pakistanti citizenship students in thanksgiving for their love and encouragement.  A special dedication goes out to my SJSU MATESOL professor, Dr B. Kumaravadivelu, who challenged me to learn from my students and reflect on the deeper questions citizenship and hybrid culture.

    Friday, August 14, 2015

    USCIS Cantonese Engagement

    Join the first USCIS Cantonese engagement on August 19th from 3:30 to 5 p.m. (Eastern). Learn more about naturalization and have your questions answered by our representatives in Cantonese. To learn how you can participate in this live broadcast, visit our Cantonese event page. Check out the actual event by livestream. http://www.uscis.gov/Live/JiaoLiu

    誠邀您參加美國移民局將於八月十九日下午東岸時間三點半至五㸃舉辦的第一場粵語交流會議。移民局代表將以粵語為您講解入籍程序,分享最新資訊以及回答問題。參與直播詳情,請到粵語交流會議event網頁查詢。也可到網路連結livestream查看現場直播

    Thursday, August 13, 2015

    President Obama Previews His Upcoming Trip to Alaska

    USCIS 100:92. Name one state that borders Canada.



    VOAVideo: President Obama Previews His Upcoming Trip to Alaska

    USCIS 100:92. Name one state that borders Canada.

    ▪ Maine
    ▪ New Hampshire
    ▪ Vermont
    ▪ New York
    ▪ Pennsylvania
    ▪ Ohio
    ▪ Michigan
    ▪ Minnesota
    ▪ North Dakota
    ▪ Montana
    ▪ Idaho
    ▪ Washington
    ▪ Alaska

    Wednesday, August 12, 2015

    History.com: Road to Citizenship Quiz Game


    History.com: Road to Citizenship Quiz Game
    http://www.history.com/interactives/the-road-to-citizenshipquiz-game

    Ready to take a road trip across America? See how well you know our country by answering questions about citizenship, civics and history. Along the way, you'll visit cool monuments, pick up souvenirs and, if you're the winner, receive a virtual citizenship certificate!

    Tuesday, August 11, 2015

    N-400r Part 11 Overview via Google Slides



    uscitizenpod: N-400r Part 11 Overview via Google Slides
    https://goo.gl/PVDi4O

    Also check out these N-400r Part 11 Resources from uscitizenpod.com:


    More N-400 Resources at http://goo.gl/2aOS5m



    Monday, August 10, 2015

    Milpitas Library's Sixth Citizenship Class

    Milpitas Library Citizenship Class
    Mondays, 7:00-8:30 pm  Join us!

    N-400 Citizenship Interview

    Civics: Branches of Government
      Check Back for Updates...

      Homework

      Previous Citizenship Classes at Milpitas Library:

      Sunday, August 9, 2015

      VOA Learning English News Words: Infrastructure

      USCIS 100:36. What are two Cabinet-level positions?



      VOA Learning English News Words: Infrastructure 
      https://youtu.be/mKr74h6GCZQ

      Infrastructure is a word that can mean a lot of things including roads, bridges and power plants. Our hosts tell you about it after you have heard the word used in a video news story. Originally printed at http://learningenglish.voanews.com/media/video/news-words-infrastructure/2670607.html

      Teacher Jennifer's note: most of our infrastructure is funded through departments and federal agencies under the cabinet secretaries.  Two of these departments were mentioned in this VOA video.

      USCIS 100:36. What are two Cabinet-level positions?

      ▪ Secretary of Agriculture
      ▪ Secretary of Commerce
      ▪ Secretary of Defense
      ▪ Secretary of Education
      ▪ Secretary of Energy
      ▪ Secretary of Health and Human Services
      ▪ Secretary of Homeland Security
      ▪ Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
      ▪ Secretary of the Interior
      ▪ Secretary of Labor
      ▪ Secretary of State
      ▪ Secretary of Transportation
      ▪ Secretary of the Treasury
      ▪ Secretary of Veterans Affairs
      ▪ Attorney General
      ▪ Vice President

      Saturday, August 8, 2015

      Google White House Tour


      Google White House Tour
      https://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/u/0/collection/the-white-house

      For more than 200 years, the White House has been more than just the home of the Presidents and their families. Throughout the world, it is recognized as the symbol of the President, of the President's administration, and of the United States.

      Thursday, August 6, 2015

      The Voting Rights Act: 50 Years Late

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



      wh.gov: The Voting Rights Act: 50 Years Later https://youtu.be/Bb9YymBkG80

      Fifty years ago, on August 6, 1965, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act into law – breaking down legal barriers at the state and local level that had prevented African Americans from exercising their constitutional right to vote. Because of the sacrifice of countless men and women, the right to vote was secured for more Americans.

      Also check out:

      VOANews: The Voting Rights Act: 50 Years Later

      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).

      Wednesday, August 5, 2015

      Expanding ESL, Civics, and Citizenship Education in Your CommunityA Start-Up Guide


      This guide outlines a start-up process of gathering relevant information and resources to help you develop and sustain your program, recruit and train volunteers, and recruit students. It also includes basic recommendations and sample forms and materials to help you start your program.

      Topics Include:
      • Gathering Information and Basic Resources
      • Program Design and Structure
      • Staffing and Resources
      • Marketing Your Program to Students
      • Program Content and Instruction
      • Program Development

      Monday, August 3, 2015

      Milpitas Library's Fifth Citizenship Class

      Milpitas Library Citizenship Class
      Mondays, 7:00-8:30 pm  Join us!

      N-400 Citizenship Interview
      • Live mock interview with Teacher Elsie: 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)
      • Quick Review: N-400r Basic Interview Quiz Part 01 to Part 10 http://goo.gl/RSWmC0
      • Quick Review: Revised N-400 Section 11 Overview http://goo.gl/TjdcOR
      • Deep Review: N-400r Part 11 Overview Quiz (edited) http://goo.gl/6bnwtS


      Civics: Branches of Government
      Check Back for Updates...

      New Resources!

      USCIS N-400 Naturalization Practice Video Playlist by Julie Pittman
      Citizenship Reading and Writing videos from Patricia Phillips

      Homework

      Previous Citizenship Classes at Milpitas Library:

      Sunday, August 2, 2015

      Voting Rights Act Gave Minority Candidates Opportunity to Serve



      VOANews: Voting Rights Act Gave Minority Candidates Opportunity to Serve

      The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was also a milestone for the American Civil Rights Movement -- creating thousands of black and minority politicians. Correspondent Chris Simkins introduces us to some some elected officials who -- without the Voting Rights Act -- would never have had the opportunity to serve their communities.

      Saturday, August 1, 2015

      Gerrymandering Creates Favorable Districts for Candidates



      VOANews: Gerrymandering Creates Favorable Districts for Candidates

      The Voting Rights Act of 1965 ensured federal enforcement of the right to vote for millions of African-Americans in many parts of the southern United States. Correspondent Chris Simkins reports on the current political debate over the practice of intentionally creating voting jurisdictions or districts that favor a candidate or one political party over another.