Saturday, June 29, 2019

Huong Nguyen's Fourth Practice Citizenship Interview



uscitizenpod: Huong Nguyen's Fourth Practice Citizenship Interview

Huong's interview is scheduled for July 18, so we has a practice interview at my home. I just finished the Peter Max Statue of Liberty jigsaw puzzle on my desk before she came over.

Watch Huong's earlier interviews:

Huong's Practice Interview (Aug 2, 2018)
Huong's daughter practices with Teacher Jennifer so that Huong can prepare for her Citizenship Interview while she is taking care of her son in the hospital.
https://youtu.be/tkWFdH9D5WE

Huong’s Second US Citizenship Interview (Aug 17, 2018)
In this interview, Huong has returned to class. While she was absent, she watched Citizenship interviews every day.
https://youtu.be/ocIRLQnCAvs

Huong Nguyen's Third US Citizenship Interview (Dec 28, 2018)
https://youtu.be/WAvSwQqd6LQ

For more practice, watch our U.S. Citizenship Reading and Writing Playlist
http://bit.ly/cit-rw

Friday, June 28, 2019

The Second 2019 Democratic Debate: The Key Moments



NYTimes: The Second 2019 Democratic Debate: The Key Moments

The second night of debates exposed divides between the progressive wing of the party and the more moderate one. There were also tense exchanges over race and immigration.

Read the story here: https://nyti.ms/2YkTqaq



Thursday, June 27, 2019

Supreme Court blocks census citizenship question for now



CNN: Supreme Court blocks census citizenship question for now

The Supreme Court has blocked the controversial citizenship question from being added to the 2020 census for now, citing sufficient reason for concern about why the Department of Commerce wanted to add the question, and insufficient explanation.

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Image of Father-Daughter Drowning Calls Attention to Migrants’ Risks




VOA Learning English: Image of Father-Daughter Drowning Calls Attention to Migrants’ Risks

The bodies of a man and his 2-year-old daughter lay face down in the water along the bank of the Rio Grande, the river that runs between Mexico and the United States.

The young girl’s body is inside her father’s shirt; one of her arms falls around his neck. The position of their bodies suggests that the two held on to each other as they drowned.

The image of the father and daughter has called attention to the risks Central American migrants face while fleeing violence and poverty and hoping for asylum in the United States. (read more)

_______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

grab - v. to quickly take a hold of someone with your hand

sweep - v. to push or carry someone with great force

scene - n. the place of an event or incident

beg - v. to ask someone in a very serious and emotional way

scrape - v. to collect or gather something needed or wanted with great effort

draw - v. to cause someone to to become interested in something

reflect - v. to show something

embrace - n. the act of holding someone in your arms

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Crowded Democratic Presidential Field Ready for First Debate



VOANews: Crowded Democratic Presidential Field Ready for First Debate

The battle for the Democratic Party’s 2020 presidential nomination kicks into high gear this week with the first of what will be monthly debates among the candidates leading up to the first caucus and primary votes early next year. The first debates will be held over two nights—Wednesday and Thursday—and will feature ten different contenders each night vying for the right to take on President Donald Trump in November of 2020. VOA National correspondent Jim Malone has a preview from Washington.

Monday, June 24, 2019

What's Changed Since Same Sex Marriage Became Legal



VOANews: Acceptance of Same Sex Marriage Accelerated After US Landmark Ruling Four Years Ago

Four years ago on June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that same sex couples have the right to marry, a right guaranteed by the Constitution’s equal protection clauses. The landmark ruling accelerated a growing public acceptance of LGBTQ marriage, which includes lesbian, gay and other diverse sexual orientations. But as VOA’s Brian Padden reports, while opposition to same sex marriage is declining, it is still a strong political force in the country.

Read More: What's Changed Since Same Sex Marriage Became Legal

Also see:

N-400 Part-10    Marital History

Sunday, June 23, 2019

Naturalization Ceremony 2019



Community Education Channel: Naturalization Ceremony 2019

U.S. Court Naturalizes 30 new citizens in St. George
ST. GEORGE, Utah (5/14/19) – It was first time that a Naturalization Ceremony was held at Dixie State University at Cox Auditorium. It was the largest ceremony in a single setting. Thirty applicants from 12 countries took an oath of citizenship on Tuesday. Many of them waited a decade or longer to qualify and receive final approval as a United States citizen. The ceremony was well attended by friends, family members as well as patriots and judges.

Saturday, June 22, 2019

Hieu Thanh Nguyen’s First Practice Citizenship Interview



uscitizenpod: Hieu Thanh Nguyen’s First Practice Citizenship Interview

Hieu's Practice Citizenship Interview is based on:

A “Typical” Citizenship Interview Based on the USCIS N-400r (4 pages)
pdf http://goo.gl/9Z97UK
ppt https://goo.gl/2hwOsc
vocab pdf: https://goo.gl/AMNMqy

At the end of the video, Hieu's wife, Phuong, appears to ask him Civics questions, You can watch her first Practice Citizenship Interview here: https://youtu.be/qwYYQcvp4-4

Friday, June 21, 2019

What You Should Know About Trump's Threatened Mass Deportation



VOANews: What You Should Know About Trump's Threatened Mass Deportation

This isn’t the first time Trump has threatened to deport undocumented immigrants on a massive scale. Shortly after his inauguration during an interview with CBS News, he pledged to deport up to 3 million undocumented immigrants with “criminal records.” That didn’t happen then, and the reality on the ground is far more complicated now. (read more)

Thursday, June 20, 2019

Grassroots Movement to Support Refugees is Growing in Washington



VOANews: Grassroots Movement to Support Refugees is Growing in Washington

As the number of refugees allowed into the United States is reduced by the Trump administration, a grassroots movement to help the public better understand refugees is growing in the nation’s capital. VOA’s June Soh caught up with a woman who is a driving force behind the movement called One Journey. Carol Pearson narrates her story.

Learn more at the One Journey Festival website or check out their YouTube channel.  The festival is June 29, 2019.

Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Citizenship Resources for Juneteenth



uscitzenpod: USCIS 100:76 Emancipation Proclamation and Juneteenth

Today we continue our exploration of the USCIS History and Government questions and African American History. Today we will talk about USCIS 100:76. What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?

We will first read about Q76 from the USCIS M638 quick civics lesson. Then we will listen to an interview with Robin Braxton who helps organizes our local Juneteenth festival. Robin will talk about Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day. Juneteenth celebrates the day when slaves in Texas heard about the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth is also a holiday that celebrates African American history and culture. Let's get started!



VOANews: Juneteenth – A Day to Reflect on the History and Legacy of Slavery in the US (2019)

On June 19, 1865, enslaved men and women in Texas finally learned that they were free — more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed all slaves in rebelling states. Every June 19th since, African Americans across the nation have held celebrations commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. VOA’s Jesusemen Oni has more.




A Juneteenth Citizenship Quiz: 19 Civics Questions that Celebrate Freedom
podcast: https://goo.gl/BX6hej
quiz pdf https://goo.gl/HcJVQT

More Juneteenth ESL/Citizenship Resources:

Tuesday, June 18, 2019

Susan B. Anthony is fined $100 for attempting to vote

On November 5, 1872, American civil rights activist Susan B. Anthony voted in a presidential election. (She voted for the incumbent, Republican Ulysses S. Grant.) At that time, women were not allowed to vote. Two weeks later, Anthony was arrested.

On June 18, 1873 Susan B. Anthony is fined $100 for attempting to vote in the 1872 presidential election.“I shall never pay a dollar of your unjust penalty,” she said—and she never did.

It was more than 40 years before the 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote in the United States. On November 2, 1920, more than 8 million American women voted.

Learn more:

Monday, June 17, 2019

 Twenty four 2020 Democratic presidential candidates are seen in a combination from file photos. photo source




VOA Learning English: US Voters: Age Matters in Presidential Candidates

A recent public opinion survey found that Americans have concerns about the age of presidential candidates. The survey is connected to the Williams Institute at UCLA. It found that voters are more likely to reject a candidate over 70 years old than one who is homosexual  . .  (read more)


Words in This Story

survey – n. an activity in which many people are asked questions about an issue to understand better what the public thinks about it

contrast – n. something that is different from another thing

Sunday, June 16, 2019

Happy Father's Day from US Citizenship Podcast



uscitizenpod: Happy Father's Day from US Citizenship Podcast

In 1966, Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation honoring fathers, designating the third Sunday in June as Father's Day.

Six years later, the day was made a permanent national holiday when Richard Nixon signed it into law in 1972.

Who signs bills to become laws?

a) the President
a) the President Pro Tempore
b) the Speaker of the House
c) the Vice-President

Happy Father's Day!

#FamiliesBelongTogether

Saturday, June 15, 2019

Phuong Thi Le’s First Practice Citizenship Interview



uscitizenpod: Phuong Thi Le’s First Practice Citizenship Interview

Phuong had just returned from a month and Vietnam and wanted to practice her Citizenship interview right away. Her interview is based on:

A "Casual" Citizenship Interview Based on the USCIS N-400r (40qs, 2pgs) (updated 06/12/2016)
pdf: http://goo.gl/3tQWXw 
ppt: https://goo.gl/pctBRb (corrected!)
vocab pdf: https://goo.gl/kaekRV

Friday, June 14, 2019

Tuesday, June 11, 2019

Why Border Patrol Is Rescuing Migrant Families on the Rio Grande



NYTimes: Why Border Patrol Is Rescuing Migrant Families on the Rio Grande | NYT News

More and more families, often with young children, are crossing the Rio Grande to enter the U.S. We spoke with migrants who are making this risky decision and surrendering to Border Patrol.

Read the story here: https://nyti.ms/2K6bIc6

Monday, June 10, 2019

Kazi’s Second Practice Citizenship Interview



uscitizenpod: Kazi’s Second Practice Citizenship Interview


Here is Kazi's long-lost video that we recorded the last day of school June 7, 2018. Although he had been in the class for only a short time and was observing the Ramadan fast, he wanted to make a quick interview. Since this interview was recorded, Kazi and his Mom faithfully attended the Citizenship class twice per week, have learned the civics questions and N-400 vocabulary perfectly, and are ready for their interview scheduled July 2019. Wish them luck!

You can watch their other interviews here:

Milpitas Adult School Open House Citizenship Interview 2 (Kazi's First Interview) https://youtu.be/tSWVYI6cO3s

MST Saleha Khatun’s First Practice Citizenship Interview (Kazi's Mom)
https://youtu.be/rasawhtJKVc

You can also watch interviews with some of the students who ask Kazi Civics questions at the end of the video

Milpitas Adult School Open House Citizenship Interview 7 (Van's First Interview)
https://youtu.be/bQ_xvjhPCSI

Van Thi Bach Thach Practices for her U.S. Citizenship Interview
https://youtu.be/t3DpLTnbw8A

Mix and Match U S Citizenship Interview Level D Practice 5 (Min Hui's first Interview) https://youtu.be/px4JD4W6v8k

Min Hui's Citizenship Interview
https://youtu.be/-YO8Wykstt8

Min Hui Liu Talks about her U.S. Citizenship Interview
https://youtu.be/V3sZEAuCUrI

US Citizenship Interview with Min Zheng
https://youtu.be/PWPZBxrOEYE

US Citizenship Interview with Felipe Toledo
https://youtu.be/11ghT98zh-w

Felipe Toledo’s Practice Citizenship Interview
https://youtu.be/Fn2KOMRUlEI

Edwin Cornejo's Citizenship Interview
https://youtu.be/nKS7WEhHvvw

Mix and Match U S Citizenship Interview Edwin Cornejo (El Salvador)
https://youtu.be/GMw2SVTn1Z4

Sunday, June 9, 2019

American Pentecost: A Citizenship Quiz about Languages in America




American Pentecost: A Citizenship Quiz about Languages in America
Podcast: https://goo.gl/6awpLF (corrected!)
PDF: https://goo.gl/gqNnJv





An American Pentecost:
We are American Indians, Native Alaskans, Europeans, Latinos, Africans, Arabs, Asians, Pacific Islanders-- yet all of us hear America speaking in our own languages about FREEDOM!

For more info about languages spoken in America:


Voting Rights Act Sect 203
Section 203 targets those language minorities that have suffered a history of exclusion from the political process: Spanish, Asian, Native American, and Alaskan Native. The Census Bureau identifies specific language groups for specific jurisdictions.
Section 203 says that jurisdictions (cities, counties, states) shall provide election materials in the language of the applicable minority group as well as in the English language.

Sources:


More from US Citizenship Podcast:

LISTEN to US Citizenship Podcast 

Saturday, June 8, 2019

One Nation. One Team. 23 Stories



US Soccer: One Nation. One Team. 23 Stories: Alex Morgan

In this episode of 23 Stories, Presented by Volkswagen, U.S. forward Alex Morgan shares her story of a summer studying in Madrid, Spain during her time at UC Berkeley. The experience playing pick-up with the locals and being immersed in a rabid soccer culture had a lasting impressing on her, fueling her passion for the game and spurring her desire to make a monumental impact on the game back home, both on and off the field. It's a goal she certainly has met.

Watch all US Women Soccer Team's 23 Stories!

Friday, June 7, 2019

Black US Soldiers Fighting on D-Day, Racism Back Home (plus POP QUIZ)

World War II veteran Johnnie Jones, Sr. poses for a portrait at his home in Baton Rouge, La., Tuesday, May 28, 2019. He remembers wading ashore and one incident when he and his fellow soldiers came under fire from a German sniper. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Black US Soldiers Fighting on D-Day, Racism Back Home (read the full article)



Words in This Story

  • rig - v. to put something (explosive) secretly in (a place)
  • rake - v. to shoot many bullets
  • furious - adj. very angry
  • expensive - adj. costing a lot of money
  • decline - v. to say that you will not or cannot


POP QUIZ:

1.  Who was President during the Great Depression and World War II? (80)

2.  Who did the United States fight in World War II? (81)
 
3.  Before he was President, Eisenhower was a general.  What war was he in? (82)
 
4.  What movement tried to end racial discrimination? (84)


Thursday, June 6, 2019

Last Day of School, Spring 2019, Milpitas Adult School


I was recently hospitalized due to complications from the pneumonia. I will be unable to come to the Last Day festivities, but I would like to invite the Milpitas Adult School Citizenship to a party at my home. During the summer, I will also host weekly "open houses" so that students can come and practice for their citizenship interviews. For more details, contact me at uscitizenpod@gmail.com

During the summer, please come back to uscitizenpod.com for more Citizenship practice.   Some of our more important resources:


This summer, I will be preparing Census 2020 classroom materials (similar to the Mix-and Match interviews)

Also use these following resources

1. Install the USCIS civics app on your phone from the Google Play or the App Store. Search “USCIS civics test” and make sure USCIS is the developer. (HINT: look for the TORCH from the Statue of Liberty)

2. Watch every video from si.edu: Preparing for the Oath It is easier to do this on a computer that can use Flash.

3. Study Citizenship and English at USALearns.org

4. Check with your local Library or Adult School for free Citizenship forms, info, and classes.

5. Watch Citizenship videos on uscitizenpod's YouTube channel

Thank you so much for your patience.  Please pray for my recovery and my Citizenship students' success!

Wednesday, June 5, 2019

"Dream and Promise Act" Explainer

On June 4, 2019, the House passes latest DREAM AND PROMISE Act, hoping to place millions of immigrants on path to citizenship. 
The bill now goes on to the senate. Contact your Senator and help this bill pass!



NILC: "Dream and Promise Act" Explainer

Diana Pliego, NILC policy associate and DACA recipient, explains how the Dream and Promise Act would help secure the futures of over 2.5 million people and strengthen all our communities.

Also see: VOANews: US House Votes to Protect 'Dreamer' Immigrants

Tuesday, June 4, 2019

#19thAt100

100 years ago today, Congress passed the 19th Amendment, extending to women the right to vote. #19thAt100



TED-ed: The Historic Women’s Suffrage March on Washington

Explore how the Women’s Suffrage Parade on Washington in 1913 helped women secure the right to vote in the United States through the 19th amendment.

Also see:
  • American Women who Fought for the Right to Vote mp3 / pdf 
  • Women in the Executive Branch LISTEN / READ
  • Women in the Legislative Branch Quiz LISTEN / READ (fixed)
  • Women in the Judicial Branch LISTEN / READ
  • More Citizenship Resources for Women's History Month post
  • The Political Year of the Woman Proves True post

Monday, June 3, 2019

Blessed Eid al-Fitr!

Eid al-Fitr is called the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", is a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.




Videos
  • NEW! 2019 Citizenship Interview with Nahil Ireiqat (Jerusalem) and Juana Garcia  (Mexico) video
  • 2018 Citizenship Interview with Nahil Ireiqat (Jerusalem) and Josefina Rios (Mexico) mp3  video
  • 2018 Spring U.S. Citizenship Interview with Pari Akbari, Iran mp3 / video
  • Blessed Eid al-Adha! (video)
  • Interview with Samia Amed (Yemen) video / mp3
  • Milpitas Adult School Open House Citizenship Interview 1 (Teacher Nahil / Palestine) (video)
  • Milpitas Adult School Open House Citizenship Interview 2 (Kasim / Bangladesh) (video)
  • MST Saleha Khatun’s First Practice Citizenship Interview video
  • New US Citizen Minire Karamanaga (Bosnia/Yugoslavia) (2010) video
  • New US Citizen Sardar Habibi (Afghanistan) (English) (video)
  • New US Citizen Sardar Habibi (Afghanistan) (Farsi) (video)
  • Practice! Practice! Practice! (video)
  • Tasleem's First Practice Interview (Pakistan) video
  • Tasleem's Second Practice Interview (Pakistan) video
  • 2015 USCIS 100 Remix Round 1 Twos with Tasleem (Pakistan)  video
  • Tasleem Khaldoon talks about her Citizenship Interview (Pakistan) video

Interview Podcasts 
  • 2018 Citizenship Interview with Nahil Ireiqat (Jerusalem) and Josefina Rios (Mexico) mp3  video
  • 2018 Spring U.S. Citizenship Interview with Pari Akbari, Iran mp3 / video
  • 2016 Spring Citizenship Interview with Ali Akbari (Malyasia/Iran) (2016) mp3
  • An "Everyday" Citizenship Interview with Munni Thakkar (Mumbai, India) (2016) mp3
  • A Basic Citizenship Interview with Pari Akibari (Esfahan, Iran) (2007) (mp3)
  • Interview with Samia Amed (Yemen) video / mp3

Quizzes (pdf)
  • A Citizenship Quiz for the Month of Ramadan pdf  mp3  video
  • Citizenship Interview Quiz for Esam Omeish (Liberia) pdf
  • Citizenship Interview Quiz for Hushang Ansary (Iran) pdf
  • Citizenship Interview Quiz for Louay Safi pdf
  • Citizenship Interview Quiz for Mohamed Awad Elhassan pdf
  • Citizenship Interview Quiz for Nimco Ahmed (Libya) pdf
  • Citizenship Interview Quiz for Rend al-Rahim (Iraq) pdf
  • Citizenship Interview Quiz for Safa Aldabyani (Yemen) pdf

    VOA News (There are so many videos and articles--please search for more)

    Arabic
    Farsi
    • CLINIC: 100 Civics Questions in Farsi
    • ACLU: Immigrants' Rights: What To Do If Stopped (IN FARSI) (video)
    • ACLU: What To Do When Faced With Anti-Muslim Discrimination (in Farsi) (video)
    • CA DMV: California Driver Handbook (pdf)
    • John Q. Khosravi Law Firm (JQK Law Firm): Naturalization for Iranians (Farsi/Persian) سیتیزنشیپ وتابعیت امریکا برای ایرانیان (video)
    • MedicinePlus: Health Information in Farsi (فارسی) (web page)
    • SSA: Social Security Resources in Farsi (web page)
    • uscitizenpod: Citizenship Resources for Nowruz 2018 (blog post)
    • VOA Farsi
    Urdu
    For more resources, go to
    Check back for more resources!