The 2010 US Census in 4 minutes

LISTEN to a 4-min. exerpt of the Census Questions from the Full Census Podcast (25 min)

• Direct download: 2010census-qs.mp3 (4 min)
• Direct download: 2010census.mp3 (25min)

We're growing! The Census 2000 population for Milpitas was 62,840.

2010 US Census questions:

1. How many people were living or staying in this house, apartment, or mobile home on April 1, 2010?


2. Were there any additional people staying here April 1, 2010 that you did not include in Question 1?


3. Is this house, apartment, or mobile home: owned with mortgage, owned without mortgage, rented, occupied without rent?


4. What is your telephone number?


5. Please provide information for each person living here. Start with a person here who owns or rents this house, apartment, or mobile home. If the owner or renter lives somewhere else, start with any adult living here. This will be Person 1. What is Person 1's name?


6. What is Person 1's sex?


7. What is Person 1's age and Date of Birth?


8. Is Person 1 of Hispanic, Latino or Spanish origin?


9. What is Person 1's race?


10. Does Person 1 sometimes live or stay somewhere else?

(source: http://2010.census.gov/2010census/text/text-form.php)

THE 2010 US CENSUS!

25. Why do some states have more Representatives than other states?

Today I got my 2010 Census. Join me as I fill out my census and talk about how the Census is linked to the number of representatives that each state has in the US House of Representatives. for more info, see: 2010.census.gov.

25. Why do some states have more Representatives than other states?

• (because of) the state’s population
• (because) they have more people
• (because) some states have more people

LISTEN to US Citizenship Podcast

• Direct download: 2010census.mp3 (25 min)
• Direct download: 2010census-qs.mp3 (4 min)

Hillary Clinton: 'Women's Progress Is Human Progress'

VOAVideo: Hillary Clinton: 'Women's Progress Is Human Progress'

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Friday urged the world's women to continue building on advancements made over the last 15 years since the Beijing Declaration on empowering women was signed. She told the U.N. Commission on the Status of Women that lasting progress is not possible if women and girls are denied their rights. VOA's Margaret Besheer reports from the conference at U.N. headquarters in New York.

The US Council on Women and Girls

The US Council of Women & Girls is chaired by Valerie Jarrett
and Tina Tchen serves as the Executive Director.

WH.gov: The US Council on Women and Girls

On March 11, 2009, President Obama signed an Executive Order creating the White House Council on Women and Girls. In his remarks at the signing, the President underscored that the purpose of the Council is "to ensure that each of the agencies in which they're charged takes into account the needs of women and girls in the policies they draft, the programs they create, the legislation they support" and that the true purpose of our government is "to ensure that in America, all things are still possible for all people."

In Honor of International Womens Day

WH.gov: In Honor of International Womens Day

The President and the First Lady speak about the achievements of women around the world at a reception marking International Womens Day. March 8, 2010.

Read President Obama's Presidential Proclamation for Women's History Month

UN Conference Looks at Progress in Women's Rights

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



VOAVideo: UN Conference Looks at Progress in Women's Rights

More than 2,000 women gathered this week at the United Nations headquarters in New York to review progress on women's rights since the Beijing Declaration was signed 15 years ago. That document set out a framework for advancing equality and development for the world's women. VOA's Margaret Besheer reports.

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

• freedom of expression
• freedom of speech
• freedom of assembly
• freedom to petition the government
• freedom of worship
• the right to bear arms

Women's Rights ARE Human's Rights!

Happy International Women's Day!

USIS 100:09. What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?



In 1776, Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence which was the first document to talk about the rights of Americans.

In 1948, Eleanor Roosevelt and members of the United Nations wrote the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which protects the rights of all human beings.

Inspired by the work of Thomas Jefferson and Eleanor Roosevelt, Hillary Rodham Clinton, then the First Lady of the United States, spoke to the UN 4th Conference on Women on September 5, 1995 in Beijing, China. She boldly proclaimed "Women's Rights ARE Human's Rights!" uniting the delegates and NGO representatives to work on behalf of all women and girls.

I attended the UN conference in Beijing and Huairou as part of the IGC internet support team and daily posted reports on my listervs BEIJING95-L and BEIJING95-WOMEN.

I will never, ever forget my teammates, the conference attendees, the hospitality of the Chinese governement, and the POWER of Hillary's speech.

USIS 100:09. What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?

• life
• liberty
• pursuit of happiness

LISTEN to US Citizenship Podcast:

• Women's Rights ARE Human Rights!
  

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton

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

Vice President Biden swears in Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Joining Secretary Clinton is her husband, former President Bill Clinton,

their daughter Chelsea Clinton, & the Secretary's mother Dorothy Rodham.

Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton (born October 26, 1947) is the 67th United States Secretary of State, serving in the administration of President Barack Obama.

As the Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton is the President's chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President's foreign policies through the State Department and the Foreign Service of the United States.

Hillary Clinton was a United States Senator for New York from 2001 to 2009.

In the 2008 election, Hillary Clinton was a leading candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination.

As the wife of the 42nd President of the United States, Bill Clinton, she served as First Lady of the United States from 1993 to 2001. Hillary also served as the First Lady of Arkansas when Bill was Governor of the state. She previously worked as a law professor and a lawyer specializing in children advocacy.

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

• Secretary of Agriculture
• Secretary of Commerce
• Secretary of Defense
• Secretary of Education
• Secretary of Energy
• Secretary of Health and Human Services
• Secretary of Homeland Security
• Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
• Secretary of the Interior
• Secretary of Labor
• Secretary of State
• Secretary of Transportation
• Secretary of the Treasury
• Secretary of Veterans Affairs
• Attorney General
• Vice President

LISTEN TO US CITIZENSHIP PODCAST:

• Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Passports

Speaker of the House: Nancy Pelosi!

USCIS 100:47. What is the name of

the Speaker of the House of Representatives now?

Madame Speaker Pelosi has five grown children and seven grandchildren.

Nancy Patricia D'Alesandro Pelosi (born March 26, 1940) is the 60th and current Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.

She is the first female Speaker of the House, the first Californian, and the first Italian-American to hold the post.

As Speaker, Pelosi is second in the line of presidential succession, following Vice President Joe Biden, which makes her the highest-ranking female politician in American history.

A member of the Democratic Party, Pelosi has represented the 8th Congressional District of California, which covers most of the City and County of San Francisco, since 1987.

USCIS 100:47. What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now?

• (Nancy) Pelosi

LISTEN to US Citizenship Podcast

• Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Healcare Reform

US Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm of New York

USCIS 100:21. The House of Representatives

has how many voting members?

Congresswoman Shirley Chihsolm: UNBOUGHT AND UNBOSSED!

Shirley Chisholm (November 30, 1924 – January 1, 2005) was US a Congresswoman, representing New York's 12th Congressional District from 1969 to 1983.

In 1968, she became the first African-American woman elected to Congress. She supported education, health care, social services, and reductions in military spending.

Shirley Chisholm hired only women for her office staff. Chisholm said that during her political career, she faced much more discrimination because she was a woman.

Shirley Chisholm created controversy when she visited George Wallace, the Governor of Alabama, in the hospital soon after his shooting in May 1972. Although they had opposite political views, Wallace deeply appreciated her kindness.

Several years later, when Congresswoman Chisholm worked on a bill to give domestic workers the right to a minimum wage, Governor Wallace helped get the votes of enough Southern congressmen to pass Chisholm's bill.

Shirley Chishom will always be remembered as "Unbought and Unbossed."


21. The House of Representatives has how many voting members?

• four hundred thirty-five (435)

LISTEN to US Citizenship Podcast

• US Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm and Minimum Wage

US Congresswoman Patsy Matsu Takemoto Mink of Hawaii

USCIS 100:22. We elect a U.S. Representative

for how many years?

PATSY MINK: Ahead of the Majority

Patsy Matsu Takemoto Mink (Japanese: パッツィー・T・ミンク; December 6, 1927–September 28, 2002) was the first woman of color and the first Asian American woman elected to Congress.

Mink served in the U.S. House of Representatives for a total of 12 terms, representing Hawaii's first and second congressional districts. She also was the Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs.

In 1972, Congresswoman Mink wrote the Title IX Amendment of the Higher Education Act, which guaranteed equal opportunity for both men and women in education and school sports.

For more info about influence of Patsy Mink and Title IX, see

• VOANews: Studies Link Girls' Sports to Gains in Life

USCIS 100:22. We elect a U.S. Representative for how many years?

• two (2)

LISTEN to US Citizenship Podcast

• US Congresswoman Patsy Matsu Takemoto Mink and Title IX

US Congresswoman Jeannette Rankin of Montana

USCIS 100:23. Name your U.S. Representative.

Congresswoman Jeannette Rankin speaks out for women's right to vote.

On March 3, 1917, Jeannette Rankin of Montana became the first woman to be elected to the United States House of Representatives and the first female member of the Congress. Because she loved peace and hated war, she voted against the entry of the United States into both World War I and World War II.

On Feb. 23, 2009 Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-9) introduced H. R. 1124: Honoring Female Pioneers Act that creates a U.S. postage stamp honoring four female Congressional pioneers: Jeannette Rankin (R-MT), Mary Teresa Norton (D-NJ), Patsy Mink (D-HI), and Shirley Chisholm (D-NY). The bill is awaiting a commitee vote. Thanks to Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur for honoring out political foremothers!

USCIS 100:23. Name your U.S. Representative.

• Answers will vary. [Residents of territories with nonvoting Delegates or Resident Commissioners may provide the name of that Delegate or Commissioner. Also acceptable is any statement that the territory has no (voting) Representatives in Congress.]
• Check www.house.gov/ for the name of your US Representative.
• Also see USPS Zip+4.

LISTEN to US Citizenship Podcast

• US Congresswoman Jeannette Rankin and Finding Your US Rep with ZIP+4

Eleanor Roosevelt

USCIS 96:90 Name of the purposes of the United Nations.

Must See: Women's Stamp on History,

a special 4-part online exhibit from Arago,

the Smithsonian Postal Museum--AMAZING!

VOANews: Eleanor Roosevelt, 1884-1962: She Was the Most Influential Wife of Any American President

On PEOPLE IN AMERICA: She became one of the most important people in America. She fought for equal rights for all people -- workers, women, poor people, black people. And she sought peace among nations. 20 September 2008

• MP3 - Download (MP3)
• MP3 - Listen to (MP3)
• RealAudio - Download

VOAVideo: First Lady's Role Shaped by Tradition and the Individual

ESL Discussions: United Nations

• How has the United Nations changed the world?

USCIS 96:90 Name of the purposes of the United Nations.

• For countries to discuss and try to resolve world problems or to provide economic aid to many countries

LISTEN to US Citizenship Podcast

• Eleanor Roosevelt and the United Nations

March is National Women's History Month

The National Women's History Project (NWHP) teaches people about the important activites of women. NWHP sponsors Women's History Month. This year's theme is Writing Women Back into History .

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

• fought for women’s rights
• fought for civil rights

LISTEN to US Citizenzenship Podcast:

• National Women's History Month and Susan B. Anthony

President Obama Holds Health Care Summit

VOAVideo: President Obama Holds Health Care Summit

U.S. President Barack Obama and his Republican Party rivals argued their cases Thursday about reforming health care at a summit broadcast live on television for millions of Americans to watch. Elizabeth Lee has this report.

Toyota's Head of US Operations Acknowledges Mistakes

USCIS 100:16. Who makes federal laws?

VOAVideo: Toyota's Head of US Operations Acknowledges Mistakes

The president of Toyota's U.S. operations acknowledged Wednesday his company cannot rule out electronic problems as the cause for the sudden acceleration in its cars. And he also told congressional lawmakers that his company took too long to address problems that led to a worldwide recall. VOA's Robert Raffaele has more.

More from VOANews about Toyota's testimony before the US Congress

• Toyota CEO Apologizes for Safety Lapses
  Testifying in US Congress Akio Toyoda says company's rapid growth caused its priorities to 'become confused'
• US Lawmakers Chastise Toyota Over Recalls
• US Demands Toyota's Safety Documents

USCIS 100:16. Who makes federal laws?

• Congress
• Senate and House (of Representatives)
• (U.S. or national) legislature

Community Group Continues King Legacy to Help Poor

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

VOAVideo: Community Group Continues King Legacy to Help Poor

February is Black History Month in the United States. The national observance pays tribute to people and events that have helped to shape African American history. In April 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, the preeminent leader of the country's civil rights movement, was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee as he worked to eliminate poverty in the city. After his death, community leaders formed a group to address the lingering economic inequities in the city. VOA's Chris Simkins has more.

• For more info, see Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association (MIFA)

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

• vote
• join a political party
• help with a campaign
• join a civic group
• join a community group
• give an elected official your opinion on an issue
• call Senators and Representatives
• publicly support or oppose an issue or policy run for office
• write to a newspaper

In African American History Month, Martin Luther King's Final Campaign Remembered

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

VOAVideo: In African American History Month, Martin Luther King's Final Campaign Remembered

February is Black History Month in the United States. It's a time when Americans pay tribute to people and events that shaped the history of African Americans. Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated almost 42 years ago in Memphis, Tennessee. He was there to support striking sanitation workers who wanted higher wages and union representation. Their strike lasted more than two months and ended soon after Dr. King's assassination. VOA's Chris Simkins reports that during Black History Month, Dr. King is being remembered for his efforts to help millions of poor people.

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

• fought for civil rights
• worked for equality for all Americans

Washington's Birthday

"Speaking of Washington and cherry trees, maybe you have heard the story about America's first president. As a boy George Washington supposedly told his father: "I cannot tell a lie. I chopped down the cherry tree."

Is the story true? "Probably not," says the Web site for his home at Mount Vernon, Virginia.



Monday was George Washington's birthday. But not much is known about his childhood. So it seems that a biography written shortly after his death included several invented stories about his early life. These were meant to show where he got his heroic qualities. Children then learned the story of the cherry tree in a school book, and it became rooted in popular history.

--from VOANews: Winter Gives a Hard Chop to Washington's Cherry Trees

See more Patriotic Ephemera

U.S. President Barack Obama Meets with Dalai Lama Meets

VOAVideo: U.S. President Barack Obama Meets with Dalai Lama Meets

U.S. President Barack Obama met Thursday at the White House with the Dalai Lama, the exiled spiritual leader of Tibet, despite diplomatic protests from China. The meeting took place amid growing tensions between Washington and Beijing. Elizabeth Lee has this report.

Feb. 15 is Susan B. Anthony Day

The Susan B. Anthony dollar is a United States coin minted from 1979 to 1981, and again in 1999. It depicts women's suffrage campaigner Susan B. Anthony. The reverse depicts an eagle flying above the moon (with the Earth in the background), a design adapted from the Apollo 11 mission insignia that was also present on the previously issued Eisenhower dollar (Source: Wikipedia: SBA).

77. What did Susan B. Anthony do?

• fought for women’s rights
• fought for civil rights

Susan B. Anthony was born in Massachusetts on February 15, 1820. She is known for campaigning for the right of women to vote. She spoke out publicly against slavery and for equal treatment of women in the workplace.
In 1920, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution gave women the right to vote. Susan B. Anthony died 14 years before the adoption of the 19th Amendment, but it was still widely known as the Susan B. Anthony Amendment.

In 1979, she became the first woman whose image appeared on a circulating U.S. coin. The coin is called the Susan B. Anthony dollar and is worth one dollar. (source: USCIS M-638)

See also:

• America's Story: Susan B. Anthony
• EL Civics: Susan B. Anthony
• Rutgers: Papers of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony
• The Susan B. Anthony House
• Susan B. Anthony Amendment (Video)
• Wikipedia: Susan B. Anthony
• Wikipedia: The Susan B. Anthony Dollar
• Wikipedia: (International) Timeline of Women's Sufferage
• VOANews: Susan B. Anthony, 1820-1906: She Led the Fight to Gain Equal Rights for Women, Including the Right to Vote

The Presidents: a slide show from WH.gov

100. Name two national U.S. holidays.

WhiteHouse.gov has an outstanding slideshow entitled "The Presidents" complete with links to each president's biography.

100. Name two national U.S. holidays.

• New Year’s Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Presidents’ Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Columbus Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving
• Christmas

President Obama Extends Best Wishes for Lunar New Year

VOAVideo: President Obama Extends Best Wishes for Lunar New Year

The President wishes peace, prosperity and good health to Americans and people across the world who are celebrating the Lunar New Year and welcoming the Chinese Year of the Tiger. February 12, 2010.

USPS Celebrates Lunar New Year with Year of the Tiger Stamp

USPS: On January 14, 2010, in Los Angeles, California, at the El Pueblo Historical Monument, the Postal Service™ issued a 44–cent, Celebrating Lunar New Year: Year of the Tiger commemorative stamp in a souvenir sheet of 12 stamps, designed by Ethel Kessler of Bethesda, Maryland. The $5.28 Celebrating Lunar New Year: Year of the Tiger souvenir sheet may not be split, and the stamps may not be sold individually.

Art Director Ethel Kessler and artist Kam Mak, who grew up in New York City’s Chinatown and now lives in Brooklyn, worked on the new series and decided to focus on some of the common ways the Lunar New Year Holiday is celebrated. To commemorate the Year of the Tiger, which begins February 14, 2010, they chose narcissus flowers, considered auspicious at any time of the year and, thus, especially appropriate at this time of renewed hope for the future. The illustration was originally created using oil paints on a fiberboard panel. Kessler’s design also incorporates elements from the previous series of Lunar New Year stamps, using Clarence Lee’s intricate paper–cut design of a tiger and the Chinese character — drawn in grass–style calligraphy by Lau Bun — for “Tiger.”

New Presidents' Day Quiz from USCitizenpod

New Presidents' Day Quiz from USCitizenpod

Illegal Haitian Immigrants in US Benefit from Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

VOAVideo: Illegal Haitian Immigrants in US Benefit from Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

The US government has granted special immigration status to Haitians now living illegally in the United States, protecting them from deportation for 18 months and allowing them to work. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano says the US considers the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) measure a form of economic assistance for Haiti. Roxana Romero has more for VOA from Miami, Florida.

Raw Footage: Snowmageddon at the White House

WH.gov: Raw Footage: Snowmageddon at the White House

Record-setting snowfall blankets 1600 Pennsylvania Ave on February 10, 2010.

Chúc Mừng Năm Mới!!!

Chúc Mừng Năm Mới (Happy New Year)
from the Milpitas Adult School Citizenship class!!!

Black History Month Has Its Own History, Future

VOANews Special Report:
February: National African American History Month

VOAVideo: Black History Month Has Its Own History, Future

Americans commemorate the heritage of African Americans every February in what is known as Black History Month, yet little is known about the association that started the tradition and what it is doing now. VOA's Nico Colombant reports from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The Making of Presidential Football Helmet

USCIS 100:28. What is the name of the

President of the United States now?*

WH.gov: The Making of Presidential Football Helmet

The good folks at Riddell All American in Elyria, Ohio make a special helmet for their soon-to-arrive guest. (more photos)

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

• Barack Obama
• Obama

President Obama Answers Internet Questions about State of the Union Address

VOAVideo: President Obama Answers Internet Questions about State of the Union Address

President Barack Obama is again demonstrating his embrace of new technology. Last week, the White House announced its own IPhone application. On Monday, Mr. Obama answered questions on multiple Internet platforms in response to his State of the Union address. VOA's Brian Allen has more.

Sarah's Citizenship Interview

USCitizenPod: Sarah's Citizenship Interview

Sarah's inteviewer was very concerned about the current or legal name of Sarah and her children. Sarah was also questioned about her financial support. Although Sarah got angry during the interview, she kept her cool and answered carefully. She and her husband passed! Congratulations!

New Year, New Citizens!

New Citizens from Milpitas Adult School, January 2010!

*Do Thi Hue really has 9 children: 3 sons & 6 daughters!

You can download these photos from Flickr.

50th Anniversary of Historic Civil Rights Sit-In

USCIS 100: 84. What movement

tried to end racial discrimination?

VOAVideo: 50th Anniversary of Historic Civil Rights Sit-In

February is Black History Month in the US. It pays tribute to people and events that shaped the history of African Americans. A pivotal moment happened 50 years ago when four black university students in North Carolina sat down at a whites-only lunch counter to get something to eat. They were denied service, but their actions re-ignited the U.S. civil rights movement and the struggle by millions of African Americans to achieve racial equality and justice. VOA's Chris Simkins reports from Greensboro, North Carolina on the anniversary of America's most celebrated sit-in and three of the four men who came back to commemorate it. Read more...

USCIS 100: 84. What movement tried to end racial discrimination?

• civil rights (movement)

US Churches Collecting Aid for Haiti

USCIS 100:51. What are two rights of everyone

living in the United States?

VOAVideo: US Churches Collecting Aid for Haiti

Churches in the United States are collecting relief aid for Haiti. Many of them waited until the aid could be brought into the country. VOA's Deborah Block went to one church outside of Washington that is taking donations of food, water and medical supplies.

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

• freedom of expression
• freedom of speech
• freedom of assembly
• freedom to petition the government
• freedom of worship
• the right to bear arms

For Buddhists, San Francisco Offers Many Places to Worship

USCIS 100:10. What is freedom of religion?



VOAVideo: For Buddhists, San Francisco Offers Many Places to Worship

Situated on the West Coast of the United States, the city of San Francisco has long been home to many generations of Asians who immigrated to the United States. In a lot of cases, they are Buddhists, but since they are from a variety of cultures and countries, the way they practice Buddhism also varies. VOA Mandarin reporter Suli Yi filed this story of the many different forms of Buddhism in San Francisco. It is narrated by Ruth Reader.


10. What is freedom of religion?

• You can practice any religion, or not practice a religion.
  

State of the Union: Building Infrastructure and Creating Jobs at Home

This is a 3 minute exerpt from the recent State of the Union speech.

You can watch the full State of the Union speech

on WhiteHouse.gov's YouTube Channel.

WH.gov: State of the Union: Building Infrastructure and Creating Jobs at Home

President Obama details how the Recovery Act and other funding is providing needed repairs and upgrades to the nations infrastructure, encouraging clean energy alternatives and creating new jobs across the country. January 27, 2010 (Public Domain)

A Museum Better Known as the US Capitol

VOANews: A Museum Better Known as the US Capitol

On EXPLORATIONS: The building's art and sculpture collections tell a story about the country's history.

• Listen to Show (Tip: Left-click, or right-click and choose "Save...") Download (MP3)
• Listen to Show Stream (MP3)
• Print Version

Works of Art in the Capitol Complex
The works of art in the Capitol Complex reflect the development of the United States and the Congress.

U.S. Senate: Art & History Home > Explore the Senate's Art
The art in the Senate wing of the U.S. Capitol and the Senate office buildings has been acquired principally for its public, patriotic, and commemorative

Obama Prepares For State of the Union Address

President Barack Obama delivers the State of the Union Address to Congress and the American people Wednesday, 27 January 9 PM Wednesday Washington time, 6pm Pacific time.

VOANews:

• Text of President Obama's Address (new)
  
• Obama State of the Union Speech Focuses on Economy (new plus windows video)
• Obama Prepares For State of the Union Address
• Obama Prepares for State of Union in Evolving Political Landscape
• Obama to Unveil New Plan to Fight Bioterrorism
• Bleak Economic Projections as Obama Prepares for State of the Union Address
• Obama Puts Economic Focus on the Middle Class
• Obama at Political Turning Point as Major Speech Draws Near
• Obama Vows to Stay the Course

DREAM TV - The Story of the Undocumented Students

DREAM TV - The Story of the Undocumented Students

The DREAM Act is a bipartisan proposal, which would create a pathway to citizenship for thousands of young students who were brought to the United States years ago as children. If Congress fails to act this year, another entire class of outstanding, law-abiding high school students will graduate without being able to plan for the future, and some will be removed from their homes to countries they barely know. This tragedy will cause America to lose a vital asset: an educated class of promising immigrant students who have demonstrated a commitment to hard work and a strong desire to be contributing members of our society. For more info, see DREAM TV on YouTube or DREAMActivist.

Guam Braces for Military Buildup in Plan to Cut Troops in Japan

91. Name one U.S. territory.

VOAVideo: Guam Braces for Military Buildup in Plan to Cut Troops in Japan

Four years from now, thousands of US Marines are expected to move to the US territory of Guam from Japan's southern island of Okinawa. The move will sharply increase the Pacific island's population and strain its infrastructure. Akiko Fujita reports from Guam.

91. Name one U.S. territory.

• Puerto Rico
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• American Samoa
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Guam

Clinton Urges Global Internet Freedom

VOAVideo: Clinton Urges Global Internet Freedom

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in a policy speech Thursday, said the United States supports an uncensored global Internet to which all people have an assured "freedom to connect." She warned that Internet freedom is threatened by governments trying to build electronic barriers to the World Wide Web. VOA's David Gollust reports from the State Department.

US Immigration Service Grants Reprieve to Haitian Immigrants

VOAVideo: US Immigration Service Grants Reprieve to Haitian Immigrants

Thousands of Haitians in the New York area, reeling from the devastation of last week's earthquake to family back home, found some help Wednesday at a briefing by U.S. immigration officials. VOA's Bernard Shusman explains.

Weighing the First Year of Obama as President

Vist Phil Fung’s website

VOANews: Weighing the First Year of Obama as President

On IN THE NEWS: He angered conservatives, yet some liberals saw him as too willing to compromise. Many Americans think his push on health care takes his attention from the economy.

• Listen to Show (Tip: Left-click, or right-click and choose "Save...") Download (MP3)
• Listen to Show Stream (MP3)
• Print Version

Obama's First Year Gets Mixed Reviews

USCIS 100:28. What is the name of

the President of the United States now?*

VOANews: Obama's First Year Gets Mixed Reviews

Barack Obama entered the presidency one year ago amid sky-high public approval ratings and great expectations for change, in both domestic and foreign policy. But Mr. Obama's first year in office has proven to be politically challenging. The president's push for health care reform stoked fierce grassroots opposition on the right while some of his most loyal liberal supporters expressed disappointment that he has not been able to achieve more in his first year in office. VOA National Correspondent Jim Malone has more on Mr. Obama's political impact as he begins his second year in office.

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

• Barack Obama
• Obama

DC Children Study, Remember Martin Luther King Jr.

VOAVideo: DC Children Study, Remember Martin Luther King Jr.

This week, America celebrates the life of one of its most revered leaders, the late civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Each January, his birthday is observed as a national holiday. MacKenzie Babb in Washington has a report on how schoolchildren in the U.S. capital are commemorating Dr. King's work by memorizing his "I Have a Dream" speech, delivered 47 years ago on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

. . . I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.

This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring."

And if America is to be a great nation this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania!

Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado!

Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California!

But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia!

Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee!

Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"

Martin Luther King, Jr Holiday a Time for Tributes

100. Name two national U.S. holidays.

VOAVideo: Martin Luther King, Jr Holiday a Time for Tributes

On January 18th, Americans will pay tribute to the legacy of slain civil rights leader The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the annual national holiday that celebrates his birthday (January 15th). Reverend King would have been 80 years old if he were alive today. More than 50 years ago, Dr. King campaigned across the United States, leading non-violent marches and demonstrations for equal rights for African Americans. VOA's Chris Simkins looks back at his life and the impact his work had on the country.

100. Name two national U.S. holidays.

• New Year’s Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Presidents’ Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Columbus Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving
• Christmas

President Obama on Dr. King's Legacy

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

WH.gov: President Obama on Dr. King's Legacy

The President speaks about the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the importance of persistence in achieving broader goals in remarks at the Vermont Avenue Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. January 17, 2010.

VOANews: Obama Honors Martin Luther King, Jr.

U.S. President Barack Obama is leading the nation in honoring the life and legacy of the slain civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr.

• Listen: Wolfson Report MP3
• Print This Article

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

• fought for civil rights
• worked for equality for all Americans

MLK Day Special

84. What movement tried to end
racial discrimination?

Colorful people for a Better World, Barack Obama, Martin Luther King

by Ben Heine (Note : If you wish a print of this image, click "Buy This Print" )

USCitizenpod's MLK Day Special!

Today we will review the 96Qs (45) and the new 100Q (48, 84, 85, 100) related to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. You can get the MLK Day handout here. Also check out the following links.

1. MLK Center
2. Simple Wikipedia: MLK
3. VOA News: MLK Remembered (many stories)
4. Enchanted Learning: Martin Luther King, Jr.

Sean Banville is a busy, busy man. He writes free ESL lessons for his four ESL websites: Breaking News English, ESL Discussions, Famous People Lessons, and his new website: ESL Holiday Lessons.

ESLHolidayLessons.com for Martin Luther King Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a U.S. holiday that celebrates the birth date of one of America’s greatest civil rights leaders.
Word Doc PDF MP3 Listening Online Exercise

Famous People Lessons.com English Lesson Plan on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was the most important leader of the American civil rights movement.
Word Doc PDF MP3 Listening Online Exercise

ESL Discussions.com Conversation Questions on Racism
What kind of world would it be if there was no racism?

84. What movement tried to end racial discrimination?

• civil rights (movement)

First Lady Michelle Obama Supports Survivors of Earthquake in Haiti

Send a $10 donation by texting ‘Haiti’ to 90999

First Lady Michelle Obama Supports Survivors of Earthquake in Haiti From: AmRedCross

In response to the destruction and devastation caused by the earthquake in Haiti, First Lady Michelle Obama has joined The Advertising Council and the American Red Cross to launch a series of national public service advertisements (PSAs). The television and radio PSAs are designed to encourage all Americans to support relief efforts for the Haitian citizens impacted by the earthquake.

President Obama Pledges Support for Haiti

WH.gov: President Obama Pledges Support for Haiti

The President expresses his condolences to the people of Haiti after a devastating earthquake and promises a swift, coordinated effort to aid rescue efforts and provide humanitarian relief. January 13, 2010.



American Red Cross Pledges Initial $1 Million to Haiti Relief

Send a $10 donation by texting ‘Haiti’ to 90999

USCIS 100:88-95 Geography Puzzle & Quiz

1. Circle the names of the Countries, States, Territories, Rivers, & Oceans.
2. Write the name of the State next to its 2-letter Postal Code.
3. Answer the USCIS 100:88-95 Geography questions.

Download USCIS 100:88-95 Puzzle and Quiz

USCIS 100:08-09 Quick Civics Lessons and N-400 Practice

USCIS 100:08-09 mp3

Today we continue our series based on the USCIS Quick Civics Lessons (M638). Each episode, we will review two questions plus practice a section from the N-400 related to the USCIS questions. Lets begin!

• LISTEN: USCIS 100:08-09 mp3
• READ: USCIS 100:08 document
• READ: USCIS 100:09 document
• Direct download: m638-08-09.mp3

Words and Their Stories: Nicknames for New York City

USCIS 100:95. Where is the Statue of Liberty?*

VOANews: Words and Their Stories: Nicknames for New York City

A few years ago, some marketing and advertising experts were asked to name the best nickname for an American city. The winner was the nation’s largest city, New York. The top nickname was The Big Apple. You might wonder how New York got this nickname...

• Listen to Show (Tip: Left-click, or right-click and choose "Save...") Download (MP3)
• Listen to Show Stream (MP3)
• Print Version

USCIS 100:95. Where is the Statue of Liberty?*

• New York (Harbor)
• Liberty Island
• Also acceptable are New Jersey, near New York City, and on the Hudson (River).

US Immigration Advocates Cheer End of 'Widow Penalty'

VOAVideo: US Immigration Advocates Cheer End of 'Widow Penalty'

U.S. lawmakers have approved a measure that would end what has become known as the -widow penalty- the government's practice of annulling foreigners' applications for permanent residency when their American spouses die within the first two years of the marriage. Immigrants' rights advocates are cheering the vote. Paige Kollock reports on one woman's struggle to gain legal status in the U.S.

US Passes Sweeping Food Safety Reform

VOAVideo: US Passes Sweeping Food Safety Reform

Congress has passed sweeping legislation aimed at making the U.S. food supply safer.

The bill gives the government broad new powers to inspect processing plants, order recalls and impose stricter standards for imported foods. And, rather than having to waiting for an outbreak to start before it can order a recall, the Food and Drug Administration will now require producers to draw up detailed food safety plans to reduce contamination risks before food goes to market.