Tuesday, June 30, 2020

QUICK TAKE: USCIS Openings Week 3



QUICK TAKE: USCIS Openings Week 3
Video with slides only, no audio.
10 seconds per slide, approximately 3.5 minutes
https://bit.ly/uscis-week-03x

Dr Hernandez and I talk about the good news and bad news from USCIS June 18-26: DACA victory, Visa bans, Civics Pilot, SF/SJ re-opening, possible new procedures, impending furlough, participating in democracy, DC statehood and more!

uscitizenpod: What's happening with the USCIS Openings? Week 3
The video with full audio is about 40 minutes long.
Watch it at https://bit.ly/uscis-week-03

One big concern: a possible USCIS furlough in August.  This can greatly delay naturalization and immigration petitions.

Please contact Congress to fully fund USCIS!

Write or say this message:
I SUPPORT THE FULL FUNDING OF USCIS

Example of the address:
Honorable Lucille Roybal-Allard
Chairwoman, Homeland Security Subcommittee House Appropriations Committee
2006 Rayburn House Office Bldg
Washington, DC 20515

More information about who to contact about USCIS funding:

House Committee on Appropriations
Homeland Security Sub-committee
2006 Rayburn House Office Building
(202) 225-5834
https://appropriations.house.gov/subcommittees/homeland-security-116th-congress

Committee Membership:
  • Lucille Roybal-Allard, Chairwoman
  • Henry Cuellar
  • Dutch Ruppersberger
  • David E. Price
  • Debbie Wasserman Schultz
  • Grace Meng
  • Chuck Fleischmann, Ranking Member 
  • John Rutherford
  • Dan Newhouse
  • Steven Palazzo
  • Pete Aguilar
You can also direct postal correspondence to your representatives as follows:
The Honorable (Name)
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
(202) 224-3121
http://clerk.house.gov/member_info/ 

Monday, June 29, 2020

What's happening with the USCIS Openings? Week 3



uscitizenpod: What's happening with the USCIS Openings? Week 3

The video with full audio is about 40 minutes long. 
Watch it at https://bit.ly/uscis-week-03

Dr Hernandez and I talk about the good news and bad news from USCIS June 18-26: DACA victory, Visa bans, Civics Pilot, SF/SJ re-opening, possible new procedures, impending furlough, participating in democracy, DC statehood and more!

QUICK TAKE: USCIS Openings Week 3
Video with slides only, no audio.
10 seconds per slide, approximately 3.5 minutes
https://bit.ly/uscis-week-03x

One big concern: a possible USCIS furlough in August.  This can greatly delay naturalization and immigration petitions. 

Please contact Congress to fully fund USCIS!

Write or say this message:
I SUPPORT THE FULL FUNDING OF USCIS

Example of the address:
Honorable Lucille Roybal-Allard
Chairwoman, Homeland Security Subcommittee House Appropriations Committee
2006 Rayburn House Office Bldg
Washington, DC 20515

More information about who to contact about USCIS funding:

House Committee on Appropriations
Homeland Security Sub-committee
2006 Rayburn House Office Building
(202) 225-5834
https://appropriations.house.gov/subcommittees/homeland-security-116th-congress

Committee Membership:

  • Lucille Roybal-Allard, Chairwoman
  • Henry Cuellar
  • Dutch Ruppersberger
  • David E. Price
  • Debbie Wasserman Schultz
  • Grace Meng
  • Chuck Fleischmann, Ranking Member 
  • John Rutherford
  • Dan Newhouse
  • Steven Palazzo
  • Pete Aguilar


You can also direct postal correspondence to your representatives as follows:
The Honorable (Name)
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
(202) 224-3121
http://clerk.house.gov/member_info/ 

Sunday, June 28, 2020

American PRIDE!



In honor of LGBT Pride Month, a single question about the Flag: Long May She Wave!  Text: uscitizenpod |  Video: Lori Saltis

Take the full quiz:


LOVE AND PRIDE: A Citizenship Quiz in Honor of LGBT Pride Month (10 questions)


WH.gov & State.gov
  • President Biden Signs H.R. 49, to Designate the National Pulse Memorial, Into Law 2021
  • Progress Flag Raising Ceremony at US Department of State in Honor of Pride Month - 3:30 PM 2021
  • Remarks by President Joe Biden in Recognition of LGBTQ+ Pride Month 2021
  • Secretary Blinken Atlantic Council Pride Interview 2021
  • Secretary Blinken Celebrates Pride Month 2021
  • Secretary Blinken participates in a virtual conversation “Pressing for Equality"- 1:00 PM 2021
  • Vice President Harris Holds a Roundtable Marking LGBTQ+ Pride Month 2021

VOA News and VOA Learning English:
updated June 26, 2021

Saturday, June 27, 2020

Who Is Affected by the US Visa Ban?

THIS BAN DOES NOT AFFECT THOSE WORKING CURRENTLY WORKING IN THE U.S. ON A H1-B OR SIMILAR VISA.


THIS BAN DOES NOT AFFECT THOSE WORKING CURRENTLY WORKING IN THE U.S. ON A H1-B OR SIMILAR VISA.



THIS BAN DOES NOT AFFECT THOSE WORKING CURRENTLY WORKING IN THE U.S. ON A H1-B OR SIMILAR VISA.

VOA Learning English: Who Is Affected by the US Visa Ban?

U.S. President Donald Trump is suspending immigration visas for some kinds of foreign workers for the rest of the year. (read more)

The following visa categories are affected:

H-1B "high-skilled" workers
H-2B seasonal non-agricultural labor
H-4  spouses/dependents of H-1B and H-2B holders
J-1  cultural and educational exchange
J-2  spouses/dependents of J-1 holders
L-1  high-level and specialized company employees
L-2  spouses/dependents of L-1 holders

(read more)

THIS BAN DOES NOT AFFECT THOSE WORKING CURRENTLY WORKING IN THE U.S. ON A H1-B OR SIMILAR VISA.

Friday, June 26, 2020

Deputy Director for Policy Statement on USCIS’ Fiscal Outlook


USCIS: Deputy Director for Policy Statement on USCIS’ Fiscal Outlook

WASHINGTON — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Deputy Director for Policy Joseph Edlow issued the following statement on the agency’s fiscal outlook due to the COVID-19 pandemic:
“The effects of the coronavirus pandemic are long reaching and pervasive, leaving few unscathed in its wake. USCIS is still experiencing those very effects, which began with an alarming drop in applications at the end of March. Forecasts predict a crippling budget shortfall that requires assistance from Congress to allow USCIS to maintain current operations.
“Since May, USCIS has worked with Congress to explain the financial situation and educate members and staff on the needs of the agency. Recognizing the need to not let taxpayers carry this burden, USCIS’ proposal to Congress includes a requirement that any funding provided by Congress will be paid back to the U.S. Treasury. Both the Acting Secretary of Homeland Security and the Office of Management and Budget have written to Congress supporting this proposal. Without congressional action before August 3, USCIS will need to furlough over 13,000 staff members, which will have tremendous negative impacts on our mission administering our nation's lawful immigration system, safeguarding its integrity, and protecting the American people. We urge Congress to provide the funding needed to pay our dedicated staff and ensure our operations continue uninterrupted during these unprecedented times.”
The majority of USCIS operations rely on fees paid by applicants and petitioners, not appropriated or taxpayer funds. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, USCIS has seen a 50% drop in receipts and incoming fees starting in March and estimates that application and petition receipts will stay well below plan through the end of Fiscal Year 2020. In the past few months, USCIS has taken action to avert a fiscal crisis, including limiting spending to salary and mission-critical activities.
On May 15, USCIS notified Congress of a projected budget shortfall caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and requested emergency funding of $1.2 billion. USCIS would repay these funds by adding a 10% surcharge to applications. The Office of Management and Budget (PDF, 2.39 MB) and the Department of Homeland Security (PDF, 111 KB) have sent letters in support of USCIS’ proposal.

One big concern: a possible USCIS furlough in August. Please contact the White House and Congress to fully fund USCIS!

The President
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Comments: 202-456-1111
https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/

You can also direct postal correspondence to your senator as follows:
The Honorable (Name)
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
(202) 224-3121
https://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

You can also direct postal correspondence to your representatives as follows:
The Honorable (Name)
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
(202) 224-3121
http://clerk.house.gov/member_info/

Thursday, June 25, 2020

U.S. States, Capitals, Regions & Time Zones - Learn them all!

NO ZOOM CLASS TONIGHT! 
 I am in Chicago taking care of a family emergency.



JennifererESL: U.S. States, Capitals, Regions and Time Zones - Learn them all!

Dear viewers! Thank you for your patience. 🙏 I had to reload this video to improve the quality of my presentation. I hope I fixed everything I needed to. Please know that the arrows on the map point to the states, but not necessarily the location of each capital city. Also, remember that different dictionaries and textbooks represent sounds with different symbols. You'll note, for example, that I prefer to use /ɚ/ to represent the "er" as a vowel sound, as in "Dover." /ˈdoʊvɚ/ In the end, I think it's more important to trust your ears and listen to my model. Look in the video description for other resources you can use. It's very helpful to hear different models. Train your ears to accept variations.
Most of the variations in state names concern the vowel sounds. We become familiar with a number of variations, so we understand each other. Vowel sounds and word stress are very important. This is why I've begun to promote a pronunciation app called Blue Canoe. I appreciate their methodology, and I've decided to be one of their affiliates. I invite you to use my link to sign up and try this self-study app for free. 👉👉👉👉 https://bluecanoe.onelink.me/Tb6l?pid=affiliate_english-with-jennifer&af_dp=bluecanoe%3A%2F%2F Happy studies!🌼🌻

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

What Is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act?



VOANews: What Is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act?

Equal treatment. That’s the idea behind the Civil Rights Act. One part of the legislation, called Title VII deals with the workplace. What does that mean for American workers? VOA explains.

Sunday, June 21, 2020

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 20, 2020

What's happening with the USCIS Openings? Week 2



uscitizenpod: What's happening with the USCIS Openings? Week 2

Dr Hernandez and I talk about the June 18 USCIS Webinar. We summarize and comment on USCIS info about case backlog priorities, Oath Ceremonies, requirements to enter USCIS facilities, citizenship interviews, fingerprint appointments, translators, and much more!

One big concern: a possible USCIS furlough in August. Please contact the White House and Congress to fully fund USCIS!

The President
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Comments: 202-456-1111
https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/

You can also direct postal correspondence to your senator as follows:
The Honorable (Name)
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
(202) 224-3121
https://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

You can also direct postal correspondence to your representatives as follows:
The Honorable (Name)
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
(202) 224-3121
http://clerk.house.gov/member_info/


Watch Dr Hernandez's earlier interviews here:





Friday, June 19, 2020

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 2020: Balancing Celebration of Emancipation and #BLM Protests

June 19, or Juneteenth, is observed by many Americans as the day in 1865 the last slaves in America were told the Civil War had ended and that they were now free. But this year, strikes and protests may accompany barbecues and celebrations amid a national effort demanding racial justice.




A Juneteenth Citizenship Quiz: 19 Civics Questions that Celebrate Freedom

NEW!

More Juneteenth ESL/Citizenship Resources:

Thursday, June 18, 2020

Summer Citizenship Zoom Class 02



uscitizenpod: Mix and Match U.S. Citizenship Interview Level C Practice 2 Plus Geography Quiz

Summer Citizenship Zoom Class is Tue and Thu 7:00-8:00 pm PDT
Join Zoom Meeting
ID: 597 738 4168
Password: 226317
Direct Link to the Summer Citizenship Zoom Class 

Screenshots from the Summer Citizenship Zoom Class:
https://bit.ly/cit-zoom-photos 

N-400
Civics

Check back for updates!

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

A Juneteenth Call to Action — Commemorating the End of Slavery in 2020



VOANews: A Juneteenth Call to Action — Commemorating the End of Slavery in 2020

June 19 marks the day the last slaves in the U.S. were told they were free; but this year, the holiday will be seen as a call to action in the fight for racial equality #Juneteenth

Tuesday, June 16, 2020

Summer Citizenship Zoom Class 01



Citizenship Class is Tue and Thu 7:00-8:00 pm PDT
Join Zoom Meeting
ID: 597 738 4168
Password: 226317
or on the web https://bit.ly/maecit

N-400 C-1 interview pdf
N-400 Part 12 focus: General Info

Civics Quiz 01: Civics Names and Positions pdf

Check back for updates!

Monday, June 15, 2020

Thinner Blue Lines



VOANews: Thinner Blue Lines | VOA Connect

A former police officer recalls the racism and sexism she endured during her law enforcement career.  Watch the video and answer 3 citizenship questions and 1 reflection question.

Sunday, June 14, 2020

Saturday, June 13, 2020

What's happening with the USCIS Openings? Week 1



uscitizenpod: What's happening with the USCIS Openings? Week 1

Dr Hernandez and I compare notes about what is happening in Los Angeles and Northern Californian USCIS office re-opening. We talk about Oath Ceremonies, citizenship interviews, office closings, fee increase (no date yet), summer citizenship classes, travel, and much more! Watch Dr Hernandez's two earlier interviews here:
  • Travel Questions during the USCIS Interview with Dr Patricia Hernandez video
  • Preguntas de Viaje durante la Entrevista de USCIS con Dr Patricia Hernandez video

Friday, June 12, 2020

Bayard Rustin



TED-Ed: An unsung hero of the civil rights movement - Christina Greer

Learn about the life of Bayard Rustin, a leader in the Civil Rights Movement, a gay rights activist, and one of Martin Luther King’s closest advisors.

In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech at the March on Washington to nearly a quarter million people. None of it would have been possible without the march’s chief organizer – a man named Bayard Rustin. Christina Greer details his life of advocacy as a leader in the Civil Rights Movement, and the challenges he faced as an openly gay black man.

Lesson by Christina Greer, directed by Anton Bogaty.

POP QUIZ

10. What is freedom of religion?

51. What are two rights of everyone living in the United States?

55. What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?

78. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s.*

83. During the Cold War, what was the main concern of the United States?

84. What movement tried to end racial discrimination?

85. What did Martin Luther King, Jr. do?*

94. What is the capital of the United States?*

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

9. What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?

Thursday, June 11, 2020

Rosa Parks



TED-ED: The hidden life of Rosa Parks - Riché D. Richardson

Learn about the life of civil rights activist Rosa Parks— her work with the NAACP, bus boycotts, and her lifelong fight against racial inequality.

Throughout her life, Rosa Parks repeatedly challenged racial violence and the prejudiced systems protecting its perpetrators. Her refusal to move to the back of a segregated bus ignited a boycott that lasted 381 days and helped transform civil rights activism into a national movement. But this work came at an enormous risk— and a personal price. Riché D. Richardson details the life of Rosa Parks.

Lesson by Riché D. Richardson, directed by Eido.

POP QUIZ:

12. What is the “rule of law”?

42. Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the states. What is one power of the states? 

55. What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?

84. What movement tried to end racial discrimination?

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

37. What does the judicial branch do?

23. Name your U.S. Representative.

Wednesday, June 10, 2020

Ida B Wells



TED-ed: How one journalist risked her life to hold murderers accountable - Christina Greer

Ida B. Wells was an investigative journalist, civil rights leader, and anti-lynching advocate who fought for equality and justice.

In the late 1800’s, lynchings were happening all over the American South, often without any investigation or consequences for the murderers. A young journalist set out to expose the truth about these killings. Her reports shocked the nation, launched her journalism career and a lifelong pursuit of civil rights. Christina Greer details the life of Ida B. Wells and her tireless struggle for justice.

Lesson by Christina Greer, directed by Anna Nowakowska.

POP QUIZ

74. Name one problem that led to the Civil War.

76. What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?

12. What is the “rule of law”?

11. What is the economic system in the United States?*

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

51. What are two rights of everyone living in the United States?

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

55. What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?

84. What movement tried to end racial discrimination?

Tuesday, June 9, 2020

Harriet Tubman



TED-ED: The breathtaking courage of Harriet Tubman - Janell Hobson

Take a closer look at the life of escaped slave and American icon Harriet Tubman, who liberated over 700 enslaved people using the Underground Railroad.

Escaping slavery; risking everything to save her family; leading a military raid; championing the cause of women’s suffrage; these are just a handful of the accomplishments of one of America’s most courageous heroes. Janell Hobson details Harriet Tubman's many fights for freedom.

Lesson by Janell Hobson, directed by Yan Dan Wong.

POP Quiz

60. What group of people was taken to America and sold as slaves?

92. Name one state that borders Canada.

73. Name the U.S. war between the North and the South.

74. Name one problem that led to the Civil War.

76. What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?

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

77. What did Susan B. Anthony and Harriet Tubman do?

55. What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?

Monday, June 8, 2020

Sojourner Truth



TED-ED: The electrifying speeches of Sojourner Truth - Daina Ramey Berry

Get to know the story of Sojourner Truth, a woman born into slavery who became known as a powerful orator and outspoken activist.

Isabella Baumfree was born into slavery in late 18th century New York. Fleeing bondage with her youngest daughter, she renamed herself Sojourner Truth and embarked on a legendary speaking tour. She became known as an electrifying orator and her speeches impacted thousands of people in communities across the United States. Daina Ramey Berry details the life of the outspoken activist.

Lesson by Daina Ramey Berry, directed by WOW-HOW Studio.

POP Quiz:

37. What does the judicial branch do?

60. What group of people was taken to America and sold as slaves?

64. There were 13 original states. Name three.

10. What is freedom of religion?

51. What are two rights of everyone living in the United States?

74. Name one problem that led to the Civil War.

Sunday, June 7, 2020

U.S. Citizenship Resources for June


Saturday, June 6, 2020

What Is The Insurrection Act?



VOANews: What Is The Insurrection Act?

Contact:
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Comments: 202-456-1111
https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/

U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121
#VOANews

Friday, June 5, 2020

U.S. Citizenship 60, COVID-19 Break, Milpitas Adult School



USCIS: Oath of Allegiance - Constitution Week 2013

N-400
Civics
  • USCIS: Your Government and You Beginning pdf; Rights and Responsibilities pdf
  • si.edu: Preparing the Oath: Responsibilities lesson plan (includes great Oath of Allegiance worksheet) pdf
  • si.edu: Preparing the Oath: Responsibilities plus USCIS 100:53 (Oath of Allegiance)
Integration:
  • A Quick Interview Based on the N-400r plus 10qs about the Branches of Gov’t Part 3 pdf
Extra Credit:
  • FirstLady.org: "I will bear allegiance to the United States": Becoming a Citizen pdf
  • MNliteracy: Oath of Allegiance worksheet pdf
  • uscitizenpod:  Oath of Allegiance pdf
More Resources

Thursday, June 4, 2020

U.S. Citizenship 59, COVID-19 Break, Milpitas Adult School



VOANews: Chef Focuses on Feeding Those in Need

World famous chef José Andrés has mobilized his restaurants in Washington, DC and New York to help those in need during the coronavirus pandemic (and protests and natural disasters) by cooking and giving away free food. But because the scale of the national lockdown is so great, the chef has gone further by turning giant stadiums into makeshift kitchens.

N-400
Civics
  • USCIS: Equality and Freedom Beginning pdf ; Equality and Freedom Intermediate pdf;  Rights and Responsibilities pdf
  • si.edu: Preparing the Oath: Rights lesson plan pdf
  • si.edu: Preparing the Oath: Rights plus USCIS 100:55 (Participating in Democracy)
Integration:
  • A Quick Interview Based on the N-400r plus 10qs about the Branches of Gov’t Part 2 pdf
Extra Credit:
  • VOA News: CORONAVIRUS: FINDING HOPE playlist
  • uscitizenpod: VOTE: Election 2020 playlist
More Resources

Wednesday, June 3, 2020

U.S. Citizenship 58, COVID-19 Break, Milpitas Adult School



Philadelphia Inquirer: Why Philadelphians voted in the Pennsylvania primary

N-400
Civics
  • USCIS: Equality and Freedom Beginning pdf ; Equality and Freedom Intermediate pdf;  Rights and Responsibilities pdf
  • si.edu: Preparing the Oath: Voting lesson plan pdf
  • si.edu: Preparing the Oath: Voting plus USCIS 100:45 (Political Parties), 100:26 (Presidential Elections), 100:27 (Presidential election Month), 100:46 (President's Political Party)
Integration:
  • Claudia Rios Castro: A Quick Interview Based on the N-400r plus 10qs about the Branches of Gov’t Part 1 pdf
Extra Credit:
More Resources

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

U.S. Citizenship 57, COVID-19 Break, Milpitas Adult School



VOANews: Voters Go to Polls Amid Pandemic, Protests

N-400
Civics
  • USCIS: Equality and Freedom Beginning pdf ; Equality and Freedom Intermediate pdf;  Rights and Responsibilities pdf
  • si.edu: Preparing the Oath: Voting lesson plan pdf
  • si.edu: Preparing the Oath: Voting plus USCIS 100:54 (Voting Age) and 100:48 (Voting Amendments)
Integration:
  • Yésica Sánchez: A Quick Interview Based on the N-400r plus 10qs about Voting and Elections pdf
Extra Credit:
More Resources