Monday, May 29, 2023

U.S. Citizenship Resources for Memorial Day

Updated 05-28-2023; Check back for updates



      Memorial Day Resources from uscitizenpod
      • 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.

      More Memorial Day Resources
      Check back later for more resources

      Sunday, May 28, 2023

      An American Pentecost



      American Pentecost: A Citizenship Quiz about Languages in America
      Podcast | Video | PDF





      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:

      Friday, May 26, 2023

      What’s Next for Migrants Seeking Asylum After Title 42


      NY Times: What’s Next for Migrants Seeking Asylum After Title 42 

      Antonio and his family have been living in a Tijuana shelter for months after fleeing violence in the Mexican state of Michoacan in 2020. After months of trying, they secured an appointment to seek asylum in the United States and will be some of the first to be processed after the lifting of Title 42, a pandemic-era policy.

      Why Chinese Migrants Are Making Risky Journey From South America to US


      VOA News: Why Chinese Migrants Are Making Risky Journey From South America to US 
       
      VOA Mandarin's Hai Lun, Mo Yu and Ning Lu and VOA Spanish's Victor Hugo Castillo traveled to Mexican and Texas border cities to talk to Chinese migrants who had come from South America. VOA's Elizabeth Lee tells the story. Cameras: Hai Lun, Ning Lu, Victor Hugo Castillo, Oscar Cavadia.

      Wednesday, May 24, 2023

      Migrant Surge Overwhelms Chicago


      VOA News: Migrant Surge Overwhelms Chicago 
       
      The midwestern city of Chicago is struggling to accommodate a wave of migrants, many from Central and South America, transported to the city after entering the U.S. at America’s southern border. VOA's Kane Farabaugh reports on how the city and aid agencies are mobilizing to tend to asylum-seekers’ critical needs

      Tuesday, May 23, 2023

      Diversity of Nationalities, Professions Among Migrants at US Mexico Border

      VOA News: Diversity of Nationalities, Professions Among Migrants at US Mexico Border 

      The nationalities of the migrants seeking to enter the United States at the U.S.-Mexico border have shifted over the past few months. From the Rio Grande Valley area in Texas, VOA's immigration correspondent Aline Barros reports.

      Monday, May 22, 2023

      Title 42 Ends, Posing New Challenges to Migrants, Authorities

      VOA News: Title 42 Ends, Posing New Challenges to Migrants, Authorities 


       Since the COVID-era immigration policy known as Title 42 ended last week, the U.S. says it has sent thousands of people who have crossed into the U.S. irregularly back to Mexico or back home. But many immigrants who want to follow the rules say it is very difficult to apply for asylum. VOA's Celia Mendoza reports. #mexico #usa #immigration #voanews

      Sunday, May 21, 2023

      The Inside Story | Immigration Dilemma


      VOA News: The Inside Story | Immigration DilemmaThe Inside Story | Immigration Dilemma 

      We're diving into the U.S. immigration dilemma and exploring the growing surge of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border. Find out what Washington is doing to address this long-troubled immigration policy and how it's impacting the safety and management of people in this humanitarian crisis.

      Saturday, May 20, 2023

      Title 42 Ends, Posing New Challenges to Migrants, Authorities

      VOA News: Title 42 Ends, Posing New Challenges to Migrants, Authorities 

      Since the COVID-era immigration policy known as Title 42 ended last week, the U.S. says it has sent thousands of people who have crossed into the U.S. irregularly back to Mexico or back home. But many immigrants who want to follow the rules say it is very difficult to apply for asylum. VOA's Celia Mendoza reports.

      Saturday, May 13, 2023

      White House Defends Border Policy Amid Criticism From Opponents, Advocates |

      VOA News: White House Defends Border Policy Amid Criticism From Opponents, Advocates

      The United States is bracing for a surge of migrants attempting to cross its southern border following Thursday’s expiration of Title 42, a pandemic-related policy that allowed the U.S. to expel migrants more than 2.8 million times, according to oversight groups. The White House, which is being blamed for chaotic scenes at the border, is defending itself against criticism and saying Congress needs to act. VOA’s Anita Powell reports from Washington. 

      See more:


      On May 10, the day before Title 42 ends, VOA China Branch team witnessed a large group of migrants in Mexican border city Matamoros. One Chinese female migrant was among them. She pulled out her waterproof bag from a blue suitcase and jumped into Rio Grande and started swimming across the river. She briefly answered our reporter's question and said that she had left China a month ago but refused to give further information. With a local person's help, the Chinese woman arrived on the U.S. side safely. Drone footage showed her walking on the U.S. side of the shore.

      See more stories about US Immigration from VOA News.

      Thursday, May 11, 2023

      The U.S. Immigration System

      US CBP: The U.S. Immigration System 

      When the Title 42 public health Order lifts on May 11, 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will revert to fully utilizing Title 8 immigration enforcement processes. 

      Under Title 8, those who unlawfully cross the border are subject to criminal consequences, including possible deportation, prosecution, and a five-year bar on reentry. 

      Our message remains clear to those seeking to come to the United States: Do not believe smugglers. Do not put your life at risk by taking the dangerous journey only to be sent back. Use lawful pathways to come to the United States. The United States will continue to remove noncitizens who arrive without authorization.

      See more stories about US Immigration from VOA News.

      Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC) just announced their Post-Title 42 Resource Hub.  This is a page of resources for legal practitioners, advocates, and others helping immigrant clients navigate the immigration system post-Title 42.

      Tuesday, May 9, 2023

      Monday, May 8, 2023

      Sunday, May 7, 2023

      A Free Press Matters

       


      This week, we're at the United Nations for the 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day. Where is a free and independent media in the greatest danger? And who is fighting to ensure the rights of journalists? Join us on The Inside Story: A Free Press Matters.

      Learn More:

      VOA News: Press Freedom (web page)

      VOA Learning English: News Literacy (web page)

       American English at  State: English for Media Literacy (playlist)

       American English at  State: English for Journalism (playlist)

       

      Quiz:

      USCIS 100:06. What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?*

      USCIS 100:51. What are two rights of everyone living in the United States?

      USCIS 100:55. What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?

      USCIS 100:67. The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers.

      USCIS 100:68. What is one thing Benjamin Franklin is famous for?

      Saturday, May 6, 2023

      US Names Somali American National Small Business Person of Year

      VOA News: US Names Somali American National Small Business Person of Year 

      The U.S. Small Business Administration has named Abdirahman Kahin, a Somali American restaurant chain owner in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as the National Small Business Person of the Year for 2023. Mohamud Mascadde in Minneapolis and Abdulaziz Osman Washington have more in this report, narrated by Salem Solomon. Videographers: Abdulaziz Osman and Mohamud Mascadde.

      POP QUIZ:

      USCIS 100:11. What is the economic system in the United States?*

      USCIS 100:28. What is the name of the President of the United States now?*

      USCIS 100:29. What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now?

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

      USCIS 100:58. What is one reason colonists came to America?

      BONUS 1: Abdirahman Kahin's home state borders Canada.  Name this state.

      BONUS 2: One of the two longest rivers in the United States starts in Abdirahman Kahin's home state.  Name this river.

      Friday, May 5, 2023

      Thursday, May 4, 2023

      Wednesday, May 3, 2023

      Tuesday, May 2, 2023

      Monday, May 1, 2023

      Sunday, April 30, 2023

      U.S. Citizenship Resources for Arab American Heritage Month


      Arab American Foundation: Arab American Heritage Month, 2023 page

      Arab American institute: Arab American Heritage Month is official! page

      Arab American National Museum: Core Galleries page

      History: Arab American Heritage Month, 2023 page

      News Center Maine: The history behind April becoming National Arab American Heritage Month video

      Now This News: Why We Need Arab American Heritage Month video

      NYC Public School: Arab American Heritage Month page

      Share America: (search for more!)

      • April is National Arab American Heritage Month 2022 article
      • Americans’ desire to learn Arabic continues 2022 article
      • 4 Arab Americans share their insights on the United States 2021 article
      • Get to know 5 notable Arab Americans 2021 article
      • Arab-American women: Making their mark and sharing their stories 2017 article

      NYC Public School: Arab American Heritage Month page

      Thirteen: Arab American Heritage Month page

      US State: Recognizing National Arab American Heritage Month statement | shorts

      White House: A Proclamation on Arab American Heritage Month, 2023 statement

      uscitizenpod:

      • Citizenship Interview Quiz for Esam Omeish (Libya) pdf 
      • Easy Practice U.S. Citizenship Interview with Hafida Elidrissi video
      • Basic U.S. Citizenship Interview with Hafida and Teacher Jennifer video
      • A Typical U.S. Citizenship Interview with Hafida and Teacher Jennifer video
      • A Quick U.S. Citizenship Interview featuring Voting and Taxes video
      • Citizenship Interview Quiz for Louay Safi (Syria) pdf
      • Citizenship Interview Quiz for Mohamed Awad Elhassan (Sudan) pdf
      • Citizenship Interview with Nahil Ireiqat (Jerusalem) and Josefina Rios (Mexico) video
      • Citizenship Interview Quiz for Nimco Ahmed (Somalia) pdf
      • Citizenship Interview Quiz for Rend al-Rahim (Iraq) pdf
      • Citizenship Interview Quiz for Safa Aldabyani (Yemen) pdf
      • Citizenship Interview with Samia Amed (Yemen) mp3

      USCIS:

      Arabic Naturalization Process Presentation (video)

      يمكنك أن تصبح مواطناً أمريكياً بالولادة أو عبر التجنّس. يولد الأفراد مواطنين أمريكيين بصفة عامة إذا ولدوا في الولايات المتحدة أو إذا ولدوا في الخارج لأبوين أمريكيين. يمكنك أيضاً الحصول على الجنسية الأمريكية إذا كنت بعمر يقل عن الثامنة عشر وكنت مقيماً بصفة قانونية دائمة عندما تم تجنيس أحد والديك أو كليهما، أو بعد تبنيك من قبل والد أمريكي.
      ترحب USCIS بالالجئين وطالبي اللجوء
      أسئلة حول التربية المدنية (التأريخ والحكومة) لاختبار التجن  
       أسئلة التربية المدنية للمتمتعين بالإعفاء 20/65 

      Saturday, April 29, 2023

      Chinese Migrants Use Social Media Tips on Trek to US-Mexico Border

      VOA News: Chinese Migrants Use Social Media Tips on Trek to US-Mexico Border

      Some of those arrivals have learned from social media websites and applications about how to make the long and dangerous journey, migrants, immigration experts, attorneys and current and former U.S. officials, told Reuters. (read more)

      More new at VOA News: Immigration

      Friday, April 28, 2023

      N-400 Part 12e Detailed Review: Question 16

      uscitizenpod: N-400 Part 12e Detailed Review: Question 15

      download the pdf

      All Thirty N-400 Section Practice Interviews Based on the USCIS Application for Naturalization

      Download all scripts: https://bit.ly/uscit-30

      Thursday, April 27, 2023

      Wednesday, April 26, 2023

      Tuesday, April 25, 2023

      Monday, April 24, 2023

      Sunday, April 23, 2023

      U.S. Citizenship Resources for National Library Week

      See the original NLW 1958 poster

      In honor of Thomas Jefferson's Birthday (April 13, 1743), US Citizenship Podcast celebrates National Library Week 2023. Libraries help transform immigrants into newUScitizens-to-be by providing including study guides, cds/dvds, online courses, and ESL/Citizenship classes.  Learn more about US Citizenship at your local library!

      POP QUIZ Background:

      After the British burned U.S. capital to the ground (1814), Jefferson donated his personal library to the US government.  Jefferson's library became the core of the Library of Congress, the national library of the United States.


      POP QUIZ Civics Questions
      1. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1800s.
      2. Name one branch or part of the government.*
      3. Who makes federal laws?
      4. What are two rights of everyone living in the United States?
      5. What is the capital of the United States?*
      USCIS.gov: Libraries
      Libraries play a critical role in serving immigrant communities. Through our joint effort with IMLS, we plan to educate librarians, and in turn their immigrant customers, on topics ranging from naturalization, the unauthorized practice of immigration law, and the importance of digital literacy.
      American Library Association: 
      Arlington TV: U.S. Naturalization Ceremony at Arlington VA Central Library (video)
      U. S. General Naturalization Ceremony held April 12, 2018 at the Arlington Central Library, Arlington, VA.

      Arlington County Library: Special US Naturalization - Arlington VA 
      with Deaf Performance of the Star Spangled Banner by Mayari Loza

      Burton Barr Library Youth Naturalization Ceremony 2012
      Phoenix area residents take the Oath of Allegiance and become U.S. citizens during a special ceremony at Burton Barr Central Library in Phoenix. Members of the Library Teen Council facilitate the event.

      Hartford Public Library: The American Place (TAP) 
      HPL/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.  Check out HPL/TAP course: Citizenship on the Go.

      Folsom Library Helps Welcome New US Citizens
      The Folsom Library hosts the swearing in of 25 new US Citizens. This is the ninth year that the US Citizenship Immigration Services has partnered with the library to present this ceremony.

      200 New Citizens Take Oath At JFK Library
      Two hundred immigrants became American citizens at JFK Library in Boston. WBZ-TV's Ken MacLeod reports. Published on Feb 9, 2017.

      The Jones Library Study Guides for The Citizenship Test
      The Jones Library E.S.L. Center is an award winning program providing volunteer tutors, tutoring space, study materials, computer-assisted instruction, citizenship classes, English classes and referrals to adult immigrants in the Amherst area. Check out their pdf/audio study guides.

      US Naturalization Oath Ceremony, Jones Library, September 4, 2019

      The recording of a naturalization and citizenship ceremony at the Jones Library in Amherst, Massachusetts.

      The Kansas City Public Library: Naturalization Ceremony at Central Library
      On Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016 about 110 applicants from 45 countries were sworn in as citizens of the United States.


      KMBC: KC library hosts naturalization ceremony (2019)
      Sixty immigrants from 32 different countries took the oath of citizenship Tuesday at the Kansas City Library downtown.

      King County Library: Becoming a U.S. Citizen
      Learn how to become a U.S. Citizen and study for the naturalization test.

      Los Angeles Public Library - Community Member Testimonial by Sergio Sanchez
      I have always had a dream to one day become a citizen of the United States because this country opens doors for everyone who wants to be successful and build a family.  I am so grateful to the Los Angeles Public Library for helping me and my family reach our dreams.  The library helped me—and my wife—become citizens, it helped me improve my English, and it helped my son with his education so he could go to college to become a chemical engineer.

      Louisville Free Public Library (FaceBook post)
      On March 1, 2019, we welcomed 99 new American citizens from 35 home countries today at the Naturalization Ceremony!

      New York Public Library
      Pima Library: Welcome to America 
      Pima County Public Library recognizes, welcomes, and celebrates immigrants for their contributions to our shared success.   

      Otis Library: Naturalization Ceremony at Otis Library on April 13, 2018
      Otis Library leads in our community by hosting a Naturalization Ceremony for 19 New US Citizens from 13 different countries during National Library Week

      Salt Lake City Public Library's President's Day Naturalization Ceremony
      Salt Lake City welcomed 29 new citizens to the United States at the Downtown library, with remarks from President Obama and Mayor Biskupski.

      San Francisco Public Libraries 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. Check out their SFPL multilingual citizenship videos.

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

      West Irving Library Citizenship Classes (video)
      In a special class offered at the West Irving Library, some people are getting help in their quest to become U.S. citizens.


      Santa Clara County Library Citizenship Resources
      Prepare for U.S. citizenship with these helpful resources, including a guide to naturalization, detailed practice materials for the citizenship exam, and a list of web resources that can help you with the naturalization process.

      Does your library provide information on U.S. citizenship? Are you looking for ways to improve your services to your immigrant communities?  Join a representative from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to learn about the citizenship process and what free resources are available.  The presentation will give a background on USCIS, the mission, the local field offices, IMLS Partnership, why libraries should be involved, setting up Citizenship Corners, and resources available online and in print to better assist patrons inquiring about the naturalization process.


      updated 2023-04-01

      Saturday, April 22, 2023

      U.S. Citizenship Resources for Earth Day



      uscitizenpod: Three quick Citizenship Questions in Honor of Earth Day

      uscitizenpod: 10 Citizenship Questions in Honor of Earth Day (pdf)

      More Earth Day, Arbor Day, and National Parks Weeks Resources



      uscitizenpod: GO GREEN with USPS Stamps

      In honor of Earth Day 2011 and in celebration of the new USPS GO GREEN Forever stamp series, US Citizenship Podcast presents a collection of stamps reflecting America's ongoing commitment to make EARTH DAY, EVERY DAY!


      Family Fun
      updated 2023-04-02

      Friday, April 21, 2023

      U.S. Citizenship Lesson 75| 2023

      Kulwinder Singh PASSED his interview, but there were some tense moments: the USCIS officer said there was another person with the same name and case details who had been deported!  Mr. Singh kept his cool and answered all of the officer's questions about deportation.  Most interviews go smoothly, but you still need to prepare how to answer awkward questions.  Good job, Mr. Singh!

      Here are his practice interviews:

      Kulwinder Singh’s 1st Practice Citizenship Interview

      Kulwinder Singh’s 2nd Practice Citizenship Interview

      Kulwinder Singh’s 3rd Practice Citizenship Interview

      Kulwinder Singh’s 4th Practice Citizenship Interview

      Kulwinder Singh’s 5th Practice Citizenship Interview

      Kulwinder Singh’s 6th Practice Citizenship Interview

      Kulwinder Singh Talks about his Citizenship Interview

      N-400
      USA Learns 
      Learn More:
      • U.S. Citizenship Resources for the April page
      • April 18: Income Tax Day page (postponed because of Passover, Easter, and DC Emancipation Day)

      Thursday, April 20, 2023