Saturday, October 12, 2024

A First-Time Voter’s Complicated Path Navigating Family and Politics


PBS: A First-Time Voter’s Complicated Path Navigating Family and Politics | VOCES: Latino Vote 2024

Jerry Reyes was born and raised in the heart of California’s Central Valley, surrounded by a sweltering expanse of industrial agriculture. He never worked in the fields, but his parents and grandparents did – picking the very grapes that Cesar Chavez once boycotted. And while Jerry is a citizen, his family members were all undocumented and at risk of deportation over the years and administrations. 

Sitting at a crowded taquería, Jerry talks about the upcoming election, and describes what matters to him as a 24-year old, first-time voter: he wants to “make money.” And while he concedes he himself is a product of immigrants, he thinks it’s time to close the border. Jerry sells insurance, is a registered Republican, and is voting for Trump. This decision has meant multiple family members will no longer speak to him, a consequence Jerry believes is an unfortunate necessity of being a “free thinker.”

Also watch:

Friday, October 11, 2024

USCIS Tech Talks - October 8, 2024

USCIS: USCIS Tech Talks - October 8, 2024 

During this engagement, on October 8, 2024, USCIS reviewed the PDF intake filing option and addressed recently received questions on online filing. We also responded to live questions.

Thursday, October 10, 2024

Understanding political polls: From history to interpretation

VOA News: Understanding political polls: From history to interpretation 

During any campaign, it is crucial that voters and candidates have a way to measure the state of public opinion. Polling — surveying representative samples of the electorate — allows everyone to understand and adapt to prevailing sentiments. But it has its flaws.

Sunday, October 6, 2024

Dozens of people become US citizens at Grand Canyon

 
 
Arizona’s Family (3TV / CBS 5): Dozens of people become US citizens at Grand Canyon 

 30 people from 11 countries were sworn in as United States citizens on Friday and it's the first naturalization ceremony there since the pandemic.

Saturday, October 5, 2024

Voting by mail — how does it work?


VOA News: Voting by mail — how does it work? 

America's voting landscape is shifting. While many still cast ballots at local polls, mail-in voting is on the rise. Once limited to military personnel and homebound citizens, it's now the primary method in several states.

Friday, October 4, 2024

The Inside Story | USA Votes 2024: The Vice Presidential Debate

VOA News: The Inside Story | USA Votes 2024: The Vice Presidential Debate 

This week on The Inside Story, we travel to Springfield, Ohio, to capture reactions to the vice presidential debate. We also report on the Haitian community's response to the controversial accusations made by the Republican candidates. Plus, a major milestone for former President Jimmy Carter as he celebrates his 100th birthday.

Thursday, October 3, 2024

Nearly 24M immigrants eligible to vote in U.S. election

VOA News: Nearly 24M immigrants eligible to vote in U.S. election

In the United States, nearly 24 million immigrants are eligible to vote in November’s presidential election, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of U.S. census data. VOA’s Jeff Swicord spoke with two naturalized citizens about the choices they are making in this vote.

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

2024-2025 MAE Citizenship Class 05

 

05 Practice Citizenship Interview based on the USCIS Form N-400 (2024)



¡Viva Boricua! A Citizenship Quiz In Honor of Puerto Rico for Hispanic American Heitage Month pdf 

Voices of Freedom: Ch 6: Early America

Preparing the Oath: A Growing Nation

More Resources

U.S. Citizenship Resources for October


Heritage Months: Hispanic, Italian, German
  • U.S. Citizenship Resources for Hispanic Heritage Month page | video playlist
  • A Citizenship Quiz in Honor of Italian-American Heritage Month mp3 | pdf | audiogram
  • A Citizenship Quiz in Honor of German-American Day mp3 | pdf | audiogram
Holidays

  • U.S. Citizenship Quiz in Honor of Rosh Hashanah pdf
  • U.S. Citizenship Resources for Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day page
  • Two Citizenship Questions for United Nations Day audiogram
  • U.S. Citizenship Resources for Halloween, All Saints, and Day of the Dead page

Vance, Walz prepare for US vice presidential debate

Tim Walz and JD Vance will face off in a vice presidential debate on Oct. 1 9pm EDT in New York City.  Watch it on CBS, PBS, YouTube, or other streaming services.



In the U.S. election, vice presidential candidates JD Vance and Tim Walz meet Tuesday for their first, and only, debate. VOA Correspondent Scott Stearns looks at what to expect when the candidates meet in New York.

Use LWV Bingo cards to keep track of the issues.

Also watch:

VOA News: How do JD Vance and Tim Walz differ on foreign policy? 

The foreign policy positions of the two vice presidential candidates are coming into sharper focus. Democratic nominee Tim Walz and Republican nominee JD Vance present distinctly different approaches to global challenges. 

POP Quiz:

 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?

Monday, September 30, 2024

Sunday, September 29, 2024

Saturday, September 28, 2024

The Inside Story | USA VOTES 2024

 VOA News: The Inside Story | USA VOTES 2024 

Join us on The Inside Story as we report on President Biden's final address in NY at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Plus, we report on the potential shifts in foreign policy and what they might look like after Americans vote in the presidential election this coming November. That's this week on The Inside Story USAVOTES 2024.

Friday, September 27, 2024

What is the Electoral College?

VOA News: What is the Electoral College?  

The Electoral College is how we refer to the process by which the citizens of the United States elect the president. Here’s how it works.

US Citizenship Podcast
  • Electoral College Citizenship Quizzes
    • Part 1: U.S. Civics mp3 / pdf
    • Part 2: U.S. History mp3 / pdf

Thursday, September 26, 2024

USCIS' New Insignia

USCIS' new insignia features the Statue of Liberty as a visual depiction of our commitment to upholding America's promise as a nation of welcome and possibility with fairness, integrity, and respect for all we serve.  Read more.

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

2024-2025 MAE Citizenship Class 04

 

Sept 25, 1789 – The United States Congress passes twelve constitutional amendments: the ten known as the Bill of Rights, the (unratified) Congressional Apportionment Amendment, and the Congressional Compensation Amendment.

04 Practice Citizenship Interview based on the USCIS Form N-400 (2024)

A Quick Interview Based on the N-400r plus 10qs about the Branches of Gov’t Part 3 pdf

Voices of Freedom: Ch 5: Type of Gov't, Rule of Law, Fed & State Gov't, Public Officials, US Const, BofR

Preparing the Oath: Government Basics

More Resources
Resources for Constitution and Citizenship Week
USCIS 100: California, SJ/Milpitas

Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Get Out to Vote, Learn About Easy to Use Civic Engagement Resources, Tips and Tricks

 


Participants will identify the latest civics and online voting and 2024 Election resources appropriate for ELL, ABE, and Citizenship adult learners in the form of mobile apps, videos, podcasts, websites, activities, and more. By adapting and incorporating these digital resources, participants will be able to deliver relevant content about voting in online, blended, distance, or directed self-study learning environments.  Check our the  COABE VOTER RESOURCES page.

 Speakers: Jennifer Gagliardi from LINCS, and Chris Myers, Opportunities Industrialization Center of Oklahoma County, and a 2024 SAAEF Fellow

Monday, September 23, 2024

Sunday, September 22, 2024

Naturalization Ceremony - Constitution Day 2024

 


Every September 17 we celebrate Constitution Day as well as Citizenship Day, a holiday meant to honor and celebrate the privileges and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship for both native-born and naturalized citizens. In recognition of this special observance, watch live as the National Constitution Center hosts an annual Naturalization Ceremony as part of our Constitution Day celebrations, during which 50 immigrants from across the globe will take the Oath of Allegiance to officially become citizens of the United States. The Honorable John R. Padova, senior judge of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, will preside over the ceremony. National Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen will offer remarks and MSNBC host and NCC Trustee Ali Velshi will give the keynote address.


USCIS 100:53. What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen? 
  • give up loyalty to other countries 
  • defend the Constitution and laws of the United States 
  • obey the laws of the United States 
  • serve in the U.S. military (if needed) 
  • serve (do important work for) the nation (if needed) 
  • be loyal to the United States 

Saturday, September 21, 2024

The Inside Story | USA VOTES 2024

VOA News: The Inside Story | USA VOTES 2024  

VOA reports on a small town in Ohio at the center of the presidential campaign. Plus, we cover the forces threatening U.S. election integrity. This week on The Inside Story: USA VOTES 2024.

Friday, September 20, 2024

The battleground states that will decide the 2024 presidential race

VOA News: The battleground states that will decide the 2024 presidential race 

Every four years, the US presidential race zeroes in on "swing states." These battlegrounds, unlike states that consistently favor one party, can flip between elections and often determine who wins the White House. Understanding swing states is essential to grasping how America picks its president.

USCIS 100:64.  There were 13 original states.  Name the three swing states that were original states.

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

USCIS 100:93.  Name one swing state that borders Mexico.

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Shift in women’s voter demographics could favor Democrats


VOA News: Shift in women’s voter demographics could favor Democrats 

American women are poised to play an important role in deciding the 2024 U.S. presidential election. In recent years, women have registered to vote and cast votes at higher rates than men. Although women are not a monolithic voting bloc, the trends favor one major party over the other.

POP Quiz:

USCIS 100:45.  What are the two major political parties in the United States?*

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

USCIS 100:77.  What did Susan B. Anthony do?


Wednesday, September 18, 2024

2024-2025 MAE Citizenship Class 03

 

More Resources

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

We Signed the Constitution 2024!

 Scan the QR Code

Or click this link

Or share this link: bit.ly/maeconst24

This is the original link to the Constitution padlet.




1, Go to the padlet (scan qr code or click link)


2. Click the YELLOW BUTTON (with +) 


3. Click Green Button (camera)


4. Take a selfie with

  • The Constitution
  • The Flag
  • Your Name (printed and signed)
  • Friends
5. Upload it and virtually Sign the Constitution


Resources for Constitution Day:

Made with Padlet

Saturday, September 14, 2024

The Inside Story | USA Votes 2024: The Candidates Debate


VOA News: The Inside Story | USA Votes 2024: The Candidates Debate 

 This week on The Inside Story, American voters react to the first presidential debate between Republican candidate, Donald Trump, and Democratic candidate, Kamala Harris. Hear the details of what happened and what voters want from the candidates. Plus, we follow the path to freedom of our colleague, Alsu Kurmasheva, and hear from her husband about the journey to bring her back home. Join us this week on The Inside Story.

POP QUIZ

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

USCIS 100:27.  In what month do we vote for President?* 

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 100:45.  What are the two major political parties in the United States?*

USCIS 100:46.  What is the political party of the President now?

USCIS 100:49.  What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens?* 

USCIS 100:50.  Name one right only for United States citizens.

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?

Friday, September 13, 2024

USCIS to Celebrate Constitution Day and Citizenship Day

 

USCIS: Citizenship Day and Constitution Week

WASHINGTON — On Sept. 17, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will celebrate Constitution Day and Citizenship Day as part of Constitution Week (Sept. 17 to 23). The commemoration honors both the signing of the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787, and an observance that began in 1940 as “I Am an American Day.” Citizenship Day began in 1952, signed into law by President Harry Truman and, in 1955, President Dwight Eisenhower proclaimed the first Constitution Week.

“We continue to work in communities to raise awareness about citizenship in line with our mission to uphold America’s promise as a nation of welcome and possibility with fairness, integrity, and respect, and Constitution Week provides the opportunity to highlight this mission,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. “We are committed to removing barriers to immigration benefits and ensuring that we operate fairly and efficiently.” 

Each year, USCIS celebrates Constitution Week by celebrating the connection between the Constitution and citizenship, reflecting on what it means to be a citizen of the United States and holding special naturalization ceremonies across the country. The Constitution plays a meaningful role in the lives of all Americans, but particularly for those who are Americans by choice. The Constitution not only establishes the rule of law, but it also creates the framework for an immigration system that enables immigrants to become citizens.

As part of Constitution Week, USCIS will welcome more than 17,000 new citizens in over 400 naturalization ceremonies across the nation from Sept. 14-23. Among the special naturalization ceremonies taking place is the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation event on Sept. 17, where USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou will administer the Oath of Allegiance. For additional venues, please view a list of highlighted 2024 Constitution Week themed ceremonies.

USCIS is committed to educating underserved or vulnerable populations about the benefits and opportunities of citizenship, and about the naturalization process. New U.S. citizens invigorate and contribute to their adopted country, and USCIS encourages eligible immigrants to naturalize. Since the beginning of the Biden-Harris Administration, we have taken steps to support the implementation of Executive Order 14012: Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems and Strengthening Integration and Inclusion Efforts for New Americans, including the USCIS Ambassador Initiative in which USCIS collaborates with immigrant community leaders.

The 2024 Constitution Week caps a year of notable accomplishments for USCIS in promoting citizenship and upholding our mission by making the naturalization process accessible to all who are eligible, including:
Decreasing the naturalization backlog by 60 percent and returned to processing times under six months. Learn more about backlog reduction on our immigration data page.
Issuing a new edition of the Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, with new features:
For more information about USCIS’ Constitution Day and Citizenship Day activities, please see the USCIS Celebrates Constitution Day and Citizenship Day 2024 Fact Sheet (PDF, 5.23 MB).

Eligible lawful permanent residents go through a comprehensive, multi-step process to become U.S. citizens. The final step in the naturalization process is the most important one, the Oath of Allegiance.

To help applicants prepare to become U.S. citizens, USCIS provides study materials and resources, including a mobile app, USCIS: Civics Test Study Tools, which is currently available in the Apple App and Google Play Store. To find it, search for “USCIS civics test” or “USCIS.” In addition to being the only official USCIS Civics Test application, the app keeps old practice tests for review, has a game to challenge users’ civics knowledge, and lists all 100 questions and answers that could be asked in the actual civics test. Applicants can also access a civics practice test on the Citizenship Resource Center.

Following each naturalization ceremony, we encourage new U.S. citizens and their families and friends to share their naturalization photos on social media using the hashtags #NewUSCitizen, #ConstitutionWeek, and #WeThePeople. 
Release Date 

Thursday, September 12, 2024

Young voters could make difference in US presidential election, say analysts


VOA News: Young voters could make difference in US presidential election, say analysts 

This year, about 8 million young people will turn 18 and become eligible to vote. In all, an estimated 41 million members of Gen Z — people under age 27 — will be able to vote in the 2024 presidential election.

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

USCIS 100:54.  How old do citizens have to be to vote for President?*

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

2024-2025 MAE Citizenship Class 02

 

source

More Resources
  • Resources for Constitution and Citizenship Week

9/11

USCIS 100:86. What major event happened on September 11, 2001, in the United States?

 


Also see:
More Resources:
USCIS 100:86. What major event happened on September 11, 2001, in the United States?
  • Terrorists attacked the United States.

Monday, September 9, 2024

California Admissions Day



uscitizenpod: Love and Citizenship from the Heart of California: An US Citizenship Interview with Rene Smith ESL/Citizenship Instructor Madera Adult School

Teacher Jennifer does a practice US Citizenship interview with Teacher Rene (Madera Adult School), then Rene about her own experience about becoming a US citizen and preparing students to become US Citizens.



Today is California Admissions Day!

I have created and uploaded a simple .docx about the State of California. I included info about our local government officials for the students of Milpitas Adult School.  Edit the docx for your own officials.

  • USCIS 100:20. Who is one of your state’s U.S. Senators now?*
  • USCIS 100:23. Name your U.S. Representative.
  • USCIS 100:43. Who is the Governor of your state now?
  • USCIS 100:44. What is the capital of your state?*
Also check out the US Census: Stats for California

Sunday, September 1, 2024

Local woman finishes 25-year journey to US citizenship

 KOB 4: Local woman finishes 25-year journey to US citizenship 

Imagine taking 25 years to complete one task. Ana Yadira Aparicio Calderon, who goes by Yayo, took more than two decades of tears, fear, and community support to complete her task of becoming a U.S. citizen. (read more)

Saturday, August 31, 2024

NEW USCIS VIDEO: Apply for Citizenship Online: How to File Your Application for Naturalization Online

USCIS: Apply for Citizenship Online: How to File Your Application for Naturalization Online

On August 28, 2024 USCIS posted a new video: Apply for Citizenship Online: How to File Your Application for Naturalization Online which illustrates how to complete and submit Form N-400 2024, Application for Naturalization through your USCIS Online Account. Kudos USCIS! 

Friday, August 30, 2024

10 Practice Citizenship Interview based on the USCIS Form N-400 (2024)

Generated with MS Designer AI Sept 4, 2024 11:15 pm

Monday through Friday for the next several weeks, I will be posting new practice interview scripts based on the new USCIS N-400.  These scripts are for Citizenship and English Language Learners to help them prepare for their naturalization interviews.  

The pdfs are fillable (to encourage digital literacy and support distance learning).   Additionally, I have made every effort to make the pdfs accessible to people of all abilities.  

Although the pdfs are secure, you can use this work by Jennifer Gagliardi under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at uscitizenpod@gmail.com 

Thanks for visiting.  I know that you will be a great American citizen!


Thursday, August 29, 2024

09 Practice Citizenship Interview based on the USCIS Form N-400 (2024)

Generated with MS Designer AI Aug 31, 2024 1:04 am

Monday through Friday for the next several weeks, I will be posting new practice interview scripts based on the new USCIS N-400.  These scripts are for Citizenship and English Language Learners to help them prepare for their naturalization interviews.  

The pdfs are fillable (to encourage digital literacy and support distance learning).   Additionally, I have made every effort to make the pdfs accessible to people of all abilities.  

Although the pdfs are secure, you can use this work by Jennifer Gagliardi under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at uscitizenpod@gmail.com 

Thanks for visiting.  I know that you will be a great American citizen!