Tuesday, May 31, 2016

2016-05-31 Morgan Hill Citizenship: Spring Class 9

Citizenship Classes at the Morgan Hill Library!
Tuesdays afternoons, 2 – 3:30 pm
Dates: April 19, 26, May 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31
660 West Main Ave., Morgan Hill, CA 95037

*  SCCLD Citizenship Class Website

N-400
Civics


Summary

SCCLD Citizenship Class Survey 
Complete the survey below or fill out the pdf and email it to jgagliardi@sccl.org



Family Fun/Homework
Check back for updates


Monday, May 30, 2016

A 21-Question “Salute” for Memorial Day Quiz based on the USCIS 100qs



A 21-Question “Salute” for Memorial Day Quiz based on the USCIS 100qs
Memorial sites referenced in this quiz
01. Old Granary Burial Ground in Boston bit.ly/1lMiWtH
02. The Memorial to the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence 1.usa.gov/1tDRIMa
03. Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial 1.usa.gov/1p9thX3
04: The Star Spangled Banner 1.usa.gov/1TH68Xd s.si.edu/1VpCYk8
05. The San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park bit.ly/SDejuZ
06. The Robert Gould Shaw and Massachusetts 54th Regiment Memorial 1.usa.gov/1oxWTep
07. The Gettysburg Cemetery nps.gov/gett
08. The Arlington National Cemetery arlingtoncemetery.mil
09. The Arlington National Cemetery Spanish-American War memorials bit.ly/S9Hl4V
10. The Arlington National Cemetery Tomb of the Unknowns tombguard.org
11. The Liberty Memorial theworldwar.org
12. and 13. Franklin Delano Roosevelt's “Four Freedoms” speech nps.gov/frde
14. The USS Arizona Memorial nps.gov/valr
15. The Memorial to Japanese-American Patriotism in World War II njamf.com
16. The World War II Memorial on the National Mall, Washington DC nps.gov/nwwm
17. The Korean War Veterans Memorial nps.gov/kowa
18. The Vietnam Veterans War Memorial nps.gov/vive
19. The National Desert Storm War Memorial,Washington DC ndswm.org
20. There are three major memorials which honors those who lost their lives on September 11: 
NYC 911Memorial.org, Arlington, VA PentagonMemorial.org, UA 93 nps.gov/flni
21. Naturalization Through Military Service: USCIS Fact Sheet bit.ly/2IPOTsS

Citizenship Resources for Memorial Day


ThingLink: Memorial Day by Susan Gaer

More Memorial Day Resources

Memorial Day Resources from uscitizenpod
  • Citizenship Resources for Memorial Day http://goo.gl/CfVcxq
  • A 21-Question “Salute” for Memorial Day Quiz based on the USCIS 100qs
  • Memorial Day: Vietnam Time Line (video)
    Ngo Huu Phuc reads "The Vietnam Time Line" essay in honor of Memorial Day. Mr Ngo was a mechanic in the South Vietnam Air Force and studied for US Citizenship at Milpitas Adult School. He became a US Citizen in 2009.  You can find a copy of "The Vietnam Time Line" in HOLIDAYS AND SPECIAL DAYS IN THE USA by Mary Glasgow, Scholastic Inc., 2001, ISBN 1-900702-59-2.
  • The Vietnam War Memorial, Washington DC (photos)
    The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, The Three Soldiers, and The Vietnam Women's Memorial, april 2013.  I took this picture in 2010 near the Vietnam Heritage Garden, San Jose.  May the American and Vietnamese peoples always stand together!
  • uscitizenpod (gagliajn): Sons of San Jose Vietnam War Memorial
    These photos were taken on Memorial Day 2013 at Sons of San Jose Vietnam War Memorial, Guadalupe Park, by Paula Harbor and were uploaded to Facebook. I asked Paula if I could share them. Her comments:

    I hate war. I hate violence. I hate greed. I look at this name etched into granite and wonder ... what if?

    Over the course of the couple hours I was at this memorial today people came and went. Parents, siblings, friends, vets, Vietnamese with bouquets of thanks. Everyone had a story. "Do you have someone on the wall?" The answer was always yes and the story told. A man came and put his hand on my shoulder. After several moments we spoke. He helped with find raising the memorial and talked about his buddies who are on the wall. I shared about Gus.


    For more info, see http://goo.gl/uulqUi and http://www.sjwarmemorial.com/
Check back later for more resources

Sunday, May 29, 2016

US Military's Fallen Honored With Flags



VOANews: US Military's Fallen Honored With Flags

Memorial Day is a long weekend for most Americans. For some, it is the unofficial start of summer -- local swimming pools open and outdoor grilling season begins. But Memorial Day remains true to its origins - a day to remember the U.S. military's fallen. Arash Arabasadi reports from the annual Flags In ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Saturday, May 28, 2016

Learning Foreign Language Helps US Soldiers Bridge Culture Gap



VOANews: Learning Foreign Language Helps US Soldiers Bridge Culture Gap

Understanding a foreign culture and being able to communicate with the local population is a key component of military strategy in a foreign theater. Language familiarity and cultural awareness at times could mean the difference between a mission’s success or failure. VOA’s Hasib Alikozai has this report about a U.S. Defense Department school in California that educates U.S. military personnel about foreign cultures and languages.

Friday, May 27, 2016

People in America: Andy Shallal

USCIS 100:6. What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?*

VOA Learning English: 'I didn't have to come here, I chose to come here'

Andy Shallal loves words. His restaurant in Washington, D.C., named Busboys and Poets, features ceiling-to-floor bookshelves. As an Arab-American, he has seen many changes in the American fabric since he arrived decades ago. He reminds us about "the dreamers." Who are "the dreamers?" Read on.



About VOA Learning English: People in America

Artists. Public servants. Immigrants. Philosophers. Innovators. One who stuttered is now a public speaker. Another paints a canvas that breathes and moves. This is the new look of "People in America" -- a VOA Learning English video series that updates our earlier historical biographies.

Our People in America (PIA) tells the stories of living Americans from all corners of the globe. They might surprise you with their thoughts and philosophies. And how they personify democracy, self-sufficiency, expression and community.

With each PIA we offer a fun way to test what you have learned. Try our multiple-choice quiz or interactive graphics. Practice to see how well you understood what you viewed. Follow along with our reading and listening material. Return to the video and watch it again.

USCIS 100:6. What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?*

  • speech
  • religion
  • assembly
  • press
  • petition the government

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Survey: US H-1B Visa Policies Too Restrictive

VOA Learning English: Survey: US H-1B Visa Policies Too Restrictive
Study of 400 US business leaders found many of them believe the program’s rules hurt the economy; they also say the process is too costly. These visas let American companies employ for up to six years people from other countries who have special skills that American workers do not. (read) (learn)



Words in This Story

lottery – n. a system used to decide who will get or be given something by choosing names or numbers by chance; a process in which a selection is made by chance, not on merit

rival – n. a person or thing that tries to defeat or be more successful than another

stage – n. a particular point or period in the growth or development of something

critical – adj. extremely important

make or break – adj. resulting in either definite success or definite failure (always used before a noun)

pervasive – adj. existing in every part of something; spreading to all parts of something

intent – n. the thing that you plan to do or achieve; an aim or purpose

To learn more vocabulary, download the FREE VOA Learning English Word Book

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Newest US Citizens, Writing the Next Great Chapter



VOANews: Newest US Citizens, Writing the Next Great Chapter


While universities across the United States honor their newest graduates this Friday, many immigrants in downtown Manhattan are celebrating, too. One hundred of them, representing 31 countries across four continents, graduated as U.S. citizens, joining the ranks of 680,000 others every year in New York and cities around the country.

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

2016-05-24 Morgan Hill Citizenship: Spring Class 8

Citizenship Classes at the Morgan Hill Library!
Tuesdays afternoons, 2 – 3:30 pm
Dates: April 19, 26, May 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31
660 West Main Ave., Morgan Hill, CA 95037

*  SCCLD Citizenship Class Website

N-400


Civics:

Monday, May 23, 2016

Milpitas Library Citizenship: Spring Class 5 APPLY FOR CITIZENSHIP!!!!


Monday, May 23 6:00pm to 8:30pm 
APPLY FOR CITIZENSHIP!

FREE!  IRC lawyers will help you fill out your N-400 application for Citizenship at the Milpitas Library. 

IRC Rescue.org In Northern California
1210 South Bascom Ave., Suite 227, San Jose, CA 95128, (408) 277-0255
Contact: Ketaki Srivastava, (408) 277-0255 Ext 17, Ketaki.Sriavastava@rescue.org
Contact: Olga Casarriti, (408) 277-0255 Ext 18, Olga.Casaretti@rescue.org
To register for this event   http://goo.gl/Rlv7y7

Milpitas Library Citizenship Classes
Address: 160 North Main Street Street, Milpitas, CA 95035 (408) 262-1171

Milpitas Library Website: http://www.sccl.org/Locations/Milpitas

Santa Clara Citizenship Library District Citizenship Resources Page: http://www.sccl.org/Services/Citizenship-Resources

Citizenship Classes at the Milpitas Library Page:  http://www.uscitizenpod.com/p/citizenship-milpitas-library.html

Teacher: Jennifer Gagliardi jgagliardi@sccl.org

Sunday, May 22, 2016

VOA Explainer: What is Biometrics?



VOANews: Explainer: What is Biometrics?

What do Facebook, the US government and bank security entrepreneurs have in common? They are investing millions in biometrics. Worldwide, this industry was $7 million in 2014. Will biometrics provide a unique and universal password? Still lost? Here is a brief explainer on biometrics.
Originally published at - http://www.voanews.com/media/video/explainer-biometrics-/3339020.html

Saturday, May 21, 2016

Gilroy Library Citizenship: Spring Class 10

Gilroy Library Citizenship Classes
Address: Gilroy Library, 350 W. Sixth Street, Gilroy, CA 95020 408-842-8207
http://www.sccl.org/Locations/Gilroy

Teacher: Jennifer Gagliardi (jgagliardi@sccl.org)
Website: http://www.sccl.org/Services/Citizenship-Resources
Gilroy Citizenship class Webpage:
http://www.uscitizenpod.com/p/citizenship-gilroy-library.html

First Series: Winter 2016
Saturdays 10:30 am to 12 noon January 23 - March 5

Second Series: Spring 2016

Saturdays 10:30 am to 12 noon April 9, 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, May 21 (last class)

Click here for links to all of the citizenship classes at Gilroy Library


N-400
Civics
Check back for updates


Friday, May 20, 2016

One Percent of Visitors to US Overstayed Visas

VOA Learning English: One Percent of Visitors to US Overstayed Visas
About 45 million visitors came to the U.S. between October 1, 2014 and September 30, 2015. Some were business or pleasure travelers in the U.S. Others were in the U.S. under a program that reviews them in advance. DHS said that by September 30, 2015, about 416,500 had not left the U.S. (read) (listen)



Words in This Story

expired - v. ended

reviewed - v. examined; studied

advance - n. forward movement; progress in the development of something

waiver – n. an official document indicating that someone has given up or waived a right or requirement

issued - v. giving something in an official or public way


To learn more vocabulary, download the FREE VOA Learning English Word Book


Thursday, May 19, 2016

An "Everyday" Citizenship Interview with Munni Thakkar (Mumbai, India)

An "Everyday" Citizenship Interview with Munni Thakkar (Mumbai, India)

An “Everyday” Citizenship Interview based on the USCIS N-400 (51qs, 2pgs)

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

May 2016 Citizenship and Immigration News


2016-05-17 Citizenship and Immigration News mp3 (audio) and mp4 (video)

USCIS.gov 
  • updated N-400 (March 26, 2016)
    • On March 26, 2016, the USCIS released the revised Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. The revised version is available at uscis.gov/n-400
    • You may continue to use the 9/13/13 edition of the form until August 9, 2016. 
    • The USCIS will reject and return previous versions of Form N-400 submitted on or after August 10, 2016.
  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Fee Schedule (Table 9) (May 4, 2016; Comment period closes 7/5/16)
    • Current $595 Proposed: $640 Increase $45
    • Biometrics fee $85 will not change.


US Citizenship Podcast
uscitizenpod.com Blog:
uscitizenpod on YouTube

VOA Learning English: Four Stories About Visas

Upcoming: VOA Learning English’s newest program, People in America, starts May 25, 2016.

Monday, May 16, 2016

2016-05-10 Morgan Hill Citizenship: Spring Class 7

Citizenship Classes at the Morgan Hill Library!
Tuesdays afternoons, 2 – 3:30 pm
Dates: April 19, 26, May 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31
660 West Main Ave., Morgan Hill, CA 95037

*  SCCLD Citizenship Class Website

N-400
  • A “Regular” Citizenship Interview Based on the USCIS N-400r (6 pgs, 75 questions)
Civics:
Summary
  • A Quick Interview Based on the N-400r plus 10qs about the Branches of Gov’t Part 1 http://goo.gl/bV4JsA

Family Fun/Homework

Milpitas Library Citizenship: Spring Class 4

Milpitas Library Citizenship Classes: Fourth Series: Spring 2016
Mondays 7:00-8:30 pm April 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23, June 6, 12, 20
Closed for Memorial Day, May 30
Address: Milipitas Library, 160 North Main Street Street, Milpitas, CA 95035 (408) 262-1171

Teacher: Jennifer Gagliardi (jgagliardi@sccl.org)
Website: www.sccl.org/Services/Citizenship-Resources
NEW!  Website for previous Citizenship classes at the Milpitas Library  (updated)

N-400
A Basic Citizenship Interview based on the USCIS Revised N-400 (38, 2pgs) 

A Basic Citizenship Interview based on the USCIS N-400 (recorded before 2014)
Civics
Homework

Sunday, May 15, 2016

VOA News Words: Rhetoric



VOA News Words: Rhetoric
The people of the United States will elect a new president later this year. Rhetoric is the kind of language you sometimes hear during the presidential campaign season.

Saturday, May 14, 2016

Gilroy Library Citizenship: Spring Class 9

Gilroy Library Citizenship Classes
Address: Gilroy Library, 350 W. Sixth Street, Gilroy, CA 95020 408-842-8207
http://www.sccl.org/Locations/Gilroy

Teacher: Jennifer Gagliardi (jgagliardi@sccl.org)
Website: http://www.sccl.org/Services/Citizenship-Resources
Gilroy Citizenship class Webpage:
http://www.uscitizenpod.com/p/citizenship-gilroy-library.html

First Series: Winter 2016
Saturdays 10:30 am to 12 noon January 23 - March 5

Second Series: Spring 2016

Saturdays 10:30 am to 12 noon April 9, 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, May 21 (last class)

Click here for links to all of the citizenship classes at Gilroy Library


N-400 
Civics: 
Summary 

Homework:

Friday, May 13, 2016

US Uses Fake University to Stop Visa Fraud

VOA Learning English: US Uses Fake University to Stop Visa Fraud
US officials say 21 people have been arrested for their reported involvement in an illegal visa program. Over 1,000 foreigners signed up for the program in an effort to stay in the US by claiming to attend or work for a university that does not exist. (read) (listen)




Words in This Story

fraud - n. the crime of using dishonest methods to take something valuable from another person

fake - adj. meant to look real or genuine but not real or genuine

broker - n. a person who helps other people to reach agreements or to make deals

legitimate - adj. real, accepted or official

To learn more vocabulary, download the FREE VOA Learning English Word Book

Thursday, May 12, 2016

High Demand from Investors for Special US Visas

VOA Learning English: High Demand from Investors for Special US Visas
Some lawmakers say the program is being abused; they say it should be cancelled because some of the people it lets into the United States may be criminals or spies, and many of the projects it supports are in rich parts of the country, not developing areas. (read) (listen)


Words in This Story

status – n. the official position of a person or thing according to the law

via – preposition by means of (a person, machine, etc.); by using (something or someone)

riddle – v. to fill (something) with something that is bad or unpleasant -- usually used as “riddled with”

incentive – n. something that encourages a person to do something or to work harder

plague – v. to cause constant or repeated trouble, illness, etc., for (someone or something)

background – n. the experiences, knowledge, education, etc., in a person’s past

characterize – v. to describe the character or special qualities of (someone or something)

confer – v. to give (something, such as a degree, award, title, right, etc.) to someone or something -- usually + on or upon

To learn more vocabulary, download the FREE VOA Learning English Word Book

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

What does it mean to be an American?



VOA Learning English: People in America - Meet Andy!

What does it mean to be an American? Find out what some Americans think in VOA Learning English’s newest program, People in America, coming May 25, 2016.

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

2016-05-10 Morgan Hill Citizenship: Spring Class 6

Citizenship Classes at the Morgan Hill Library!
Tuesdays afternoons, 2 – 3:30 pm
Dates: April 19, 26, May 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31
660 West Main Ave., Morgan Hill, CA 95037

*  SCCLD Citizenship Class Website
*  Morgan Hill Citizenship Class page


N-400 Practice Part 11 (now Part 12)
Civics: 

Homework:

Monday, May 9, 2016

DACA, DAPA, and Citizenship: an Interview with Kayla Ladd (rescue.org)

TONIGHT: MONDAY MAY 9, FREE DACA WORKSHOP @ THE MILPITAS LIBRARY
Kayla Ladd (rescue.org) talks about DACA, DAPA, and Citizenship. 
This interview was recorded during a DACA Info Workshop, Sunday, April 24, 2016 at the Milpitas Library. 
Join IRC @ the Milpitas Library 
  • Mon May 9 6pm DACA workshop 
  • Mon May 23 6pm: N-400 Application for Naturalization Workshop
For more info, see
Need assistance or want to volunteer? 
Contact the Immigrant Rights team at your local branch of: 
  • Catholic Charities 
  • International Rescue Committee (IRC) 
  • Services, Immigrant Rights, and Education Network (SIREN)
  • Your high school or college counselor or tranisitions specialist
  • Your local library USCIS.gov

Milpitas Library Citizenship: Spring Class 3

Milpitas Library Citizenship Classes: Fourth Series: Spring 2016
Mondays 7:00-8:30 pm April 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23, June 6, 12, 20
Closed for Memorial Day, May 30
Address: Milipitas Library, 160 North Main Street Street, Milpitas, CA 95035 (408) 262-1171

Teacher: Jennifer Gagliardi (jgagliardi@sccl.org)
Website: www.sccl.org/Services/Citizenship-Resources
NEW!  Website for previous Citizenship classes at the Milpitas Library  (updated)

MAY 9: IRC will be at the library 6-8:30 pm to help families with DACA applications (see below).  

N-400
Elementary Interview based on the Revised N-400 (21qs) (5 different versions)
Civics

Monday, May 9 6:00pm to 8:30pm  
APPLY FOR DACA 
FREE! IRC lawyers will help you fill out your DACA application at the Milpitas Library.

IRC Rescue.org In Northern California
1210 South Bascom Ave., Suite 227, San Jose, CA 95128, (408) 277-0255
Contact: Olga Casarriti, (408) 277-0255 Ext 18, Olga.Casaretti@rescue.org
To register for this event, go to http://tinyurl.com/grzn79p or http://goo.gl/oIHNCM

Sunday, May 8, 2016