May 1st: March for Comprehensive Immigration Reform!

*NEW* Photos from today's SJ march.

All over America, people will be marching for Comprehensive Immigration Reform.

Check out the march in San Jose or check Reform Immigration for America for a march near you!

Remembering the Fall of Saigon

USCIS 100:78. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s.*

The Vietnamese and American flags flying together

on the spot of the future Vietnamese Heritage Garden, San Jose

After the fall: Vietnamese remember 'Black April' 35 years later by Bruce Newman, SJ Mercury. The fall of Saigon will be commemorated during the following local events:

• "21 and a Wakeup, A Story of Vietnam," film, screenings begin April 30 at Camera 3, 288 S. Second St., San Jose, for information call 408-998-3300 408-998-3300 .
• Vietnamese American Heritage Project, oral histories featuring Councilwoman Madison Nguyen and others, 6 p.m. April 29, Camera 12, 201 S. Second St., free.
• Panel Discussion on Black April, 5 p.m. April 30, San Jose City Hall, followed by outdoor performances by Vietnamese-American youth on the West Plaza, 200 E. Santa Clara St.
• "35 Years After the Fall of Saigon: A panel discussion," 6 to 8 p.m. May 1 at A3 Couchroom, Old Union Clubhouse, 520 Lasuen Mall, Stanford University.

VOANews: VOA Staff Recounts Drama When Saigon Fell 35 Years Ago

It was 35 years ago that the American presence in Vietnam came to an end with a helicopter airlift from the roof of the U.S. embassy in Saigon. Wayne Corey, Steve Thompson and Pham Tran, affectionately known by his initials P.T., were VOA correspondents in Saigon in those days. Wayne, since retired and P.T., who's still working with us, spoke with VOA's Neil Currie.

• Watch: Full interview with Wayne Corey and Pham Tran MP4

The Smithsonian Vietnamese American Heritage Project

Started in 2004, the Vietnamese American Heritage Project's vision is to commemorate the 30 plus years of mass Vietnamese migration to the United States, telling the story of challenge, sacrifice, and change—an ongoing journey that is changing the face of America.

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

• World War I
• World War II
• Korean War
• Vietnam War
• (Persian) Gulf War

Tough State Immigration Law Could Face Federal Lawsuit

VOAvideo : Tough State Immigration Law Could Face Federal Lawsuit
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder says the federal government is considering a court challenge to the new law in the southwestern state of Arizona that is aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration. There have been protests around the nation for and against the law. VOA's Carolyn Presutti has our story.

May 1st: March for Comprehensive Immigration Reform

SiSePuedeYesWeCan — May 1st

On Saturday, May 1st, people will march in many American cities in support for Comprehensive Immigration Reform. For more information, contact:

• SIREN, Service,Immigrants Rights & Education Network
• Reform Immigration For America
• DREAMACTIVIST

Special thanks to Cesar!

USCitizenPod @ CATESOL

I will be presenting The US Citizenship Interview Featuring the New "100 Questions" at CATESOL 2:30-3:15 p.m. Great America Meeting Room 1

A review of the latest resources and strategies for teaching language skills and content knowledge needed to successfully pass the US Citizenship interview. Presentation will also include a quick discussion about the use of CASAS tests and EL Civic Objectives in support of the US Citizenship Interview process. Come by & say hello!

Some of the slides were "re-arranged" when I uploaded my .ppt to Google Docs (DUH!) Here is the corrected ppt. Any questions or comments: email me at uscitizenpod@gmail.com. Thanks!

USCIS Naturalization Information Sessions

USCIS Naturalization Information Sessions

• Video: Naturalization Information Sessions
• Video: Sesiones Informativas sobre Naturalización

At these events, attendees hear directly from USCIS Officers and have the opportunity to ask questions related to eligibility requirements, processing times, and other important topics. By attending a session, participants will gain a better understanding of what to expect during the naturalization interview.

Below is a list of upcoming naturalization information sessions for legal permanent residents and interested naturalization applicants. Topics covered at these FREE sessions will include:

• naturalization eligibility requirements
• the naturalization process
• the naturalization test
• rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship

4/22/2010 7 PM-9 PM, Portland, OR
Concordia University2811 NE Holman St.Luther Hall, Room 121
Janna.Evans@dhs.gov

4/23/2010 10 PM-11:30 AM San Francisco, CA
San Francisco City CollegeChinatown Northbeach Campus
Janna.Evans@dhs.gov

4/23/2010 :30 PM-7 PM, Tempe, AZ
Fiesta Resort Conference Center2100 S. Priest Dr.
Janna.Evans@dhs.gov

4/24/2010, 10:30 AM-1 PM, Orlando, FL
Good Shepard Catholic Church5900 Oleander Dr.
SoutheastRegion.CommunityRelations@dhs.gov

4/24/2010, 1 PM-4:00 PM, Fremont, CA
Fukaya Room Fremont Main Library2400 Stevenson Blvd.
Janna.Evans@dhs.gov

4/26/2010, 9:30 AM-12 NOON, Cupertino, CA
Cupertino Senior Center21251 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Janna.Evans@dhs.gov

4/28/2010, 5:30 PM-7 PM, Garden City, NY
Nassau County Bar Association Between 15th and West St.
Please RSVP to 516-747-4070

4/29/2010, 10 AM-12:30 PM, Salinas, CA
Salinas Adult School, 20 Sherwood Dr.
Janna.Evans@dhs.gov

4/29/2010, 6 PM-8 PM, Winooski, VT
O'Brien Community Center32 Malletts Bay Ave.
USCIS-NER-Community-Relations@dhs.gov

4/30/2010, 5 PM-8 PM, Mobile, AL
Providence Hospital DePaul Center6801 Airport Blvd.
SoutheastRegion.CommunityRelations@dhs.gov

4/30/2010, 5:30 PM-7 PM, San Francisco, CA
Valencia Community Center, 843 Valencia St.
Janna.Evans@dhs.gov

May schedule....

Happy Earth Day!

VOANews Special Report: EARTH DAY

VOANews Special Report: EARTH DAY

On Earth Day, April 22, 1970 the modern environmental movement was born. 2010 marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, an occasion for people to celebrate and raise awareness of the natural world. (read and listen to many stories)

VOAvideo — April 18, 2010 — Weeklong activities to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day in the United States have kicked off with an eco-village on the National Mall in Washington D.C. and green volunteer service around national monuments. VOA's Nico Colombant reports from Washington.

VOA Learning English News: Events Set Around the World as Earth Day Turns 40

Sting is expected to perform in Washington on Thursday at a rally to call for action on climate change EXPLORATIONS

Get Ready Cause We're Coming Back (May 1st)

SiSePuedeYesWeCan — April 21, 2010 — May 1st

On Saturday, May 1st, people will march in many American cities in support for Comprehensive Immigration Reform. For more information, contact:

• SIREN, Service,Immigrants Rights & Education Network
• Reform Immigration For America
• DREAMACTIVIST

Special thanks to Cesar!

In five years, more than half of births may be non-white

VOAVideo: In five years, more than half of births may be non-white

VOAvideo — April 21, 2010 — Demographers say the ethnic makeup of the United States is evolving. They expect to see more Hispanics in the 2010 census. And they say the idea of a majority group in the U.S. will disappear within the next few decades. In fact, the Census Bureau has said that by 2050 minorities will be the majority. Many parents and schools in the U.S. are preparing their children for a new reality when they grow up. VOA's Elizabeth Lee has details on what that means. (Read more...)

VOANews: Latino Leaders, Census Officials Work to Count Hispanics

But some Hispanics are reluctant to fill out the census form

Nationwide Census Expected to Report Big Changes in American Heartland

VOAVideo: Nationwide Census Expected to Report Big Changes in American Heartland

VOAvideo — April 19, 2010 — America's founding fathers decided that a count of all the country's inhabitants should take place every 10 years. The 2010 census is now underway, and people all over the country are being asked to provide information about themselves. VOA's Jerome Socolovsky reports from Charlotte, North Carolina, that this year's census will show dramatic changes in America.

Exhibit Recalls Different Struggles for Justice

Rosa Parks (1983) by M. Rumbaugh is on display at the Nat'l Portrait Gallery.

VOANews: Exhibit Recalls Different Struggles for Justice

In Washington, there is a new exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery, part of the Smithsonian Institution. "The Struggle for Justice" explores American human rights movements through the activists and leaders who took part.

• download MP3
• watch video (new)

Santa Clara County Citizenship and Immigrant Pride Day

Santa Clara County residents are invited to the free Citizenship and Immigrant Pride Day on Saturday, April 17, to receive an initial free screening, assistance with filing fees, an appointment to submit their application, and information on the Census and immigration reform.

There will be free orientation in 14 languages and guidance for the Saving for Citizenship Program, which considerable reduces the cost of naturalization by two thirds.

In San Jose, orientations will be at CET, 701 Vine Street. For information call (408) 534-5215 (408) 534-5215 .

Orientations will also be in Gilroy at Rebekah Children’s Services at 290 I.O.O.F. Ave. Call (408) 914-8337 (408) 914-8337 for more information.

US Immigration Reform Legislation on Hold

VOAVideo: US Immigration Reform Legislation on Hold

VOAvideo — April 12, 2010 — As the US Congress moves beyond the issue of health care, some lawmakers are pushing for an overhaul of the nation's immigration system. At the heart of the debate is a proposal to give legal status to millions of illegal immigrants living in the United States. The issue engenders strong feelings from both sides and recently tens of thousands of supporters of reform marched in Washington. VOA's Chris Simkins has more on the story.

April 15--Income Tax Day!

USCIS 100:56. When is the last day

you can send in federal income tax forms?*

Happy Income Tax Day!

Today we will talk about the IRS, federal income tax forms (1040, 1040a, 1040ez), tax questions asked during the citizenship interview, and USCIS 100:56.

• Direct download: taxes.mp3

SF External Stakeholder Meeting with USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas

Welcome USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas!

Hello from the SF External Stakeholder Meeting with USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas. My fellow teacher from Milpitas Adult School, Judy Connell, and I attended a stakehholder meeting drawn from the immigration law and citizenship education communities. Director Mayorkas had just come from a general meeting of USCIS employees, during which they discussed their concerns with immigration and naturalization policies, procedures, and budget issues. After such a lively meeting, many high-level would pass on meeting with the outside community, however Director Mayorkas seemed to be energized by his meeting with the USCIS employees, and seemed to be genuinely delighted to hear from the "external stakeholders" who work with the immigrant communities.

Director Mayorkas opened with a brief childhood story about visiting his Cuban granddparents in New York. He ate a sandwich they offered, and the tossed away the paper. He then watched his grandmother retrieve the wax paper, carefully smoothed it out, to be used again. He made the connection between government waste and how it effects the immigrant community--the USCIS "cases" are real lives of real people.

The immigration lawyers in the audience, heartened by Director Mayorkas' epression of sympathy, talked about cases in which the USCIS could have responded in a more just and compassionate way. The lawyers were especially concerned about marriage and work problems. Director Mayorkas and his associates took notes, commented on the concerns raised by the lawyers, and provided direct email/phone numbers to the specific government officials who could help resolve the case or policy questions.

One community organizer said that the immigration fees are too high and pleaded with the Director not to raise the fees. Director Mayorkas said that when he took charge of the USCIS, he was advised to raise fees to maintain their level of service. Director Mayorkas acknowledged that raising fees would be very, very, very difficult for the immigrant community. He has told the USCIS departments to cut costs and is looking for new ways to provide better customer service. He wants the USCIS to save money by cutting their costs before he asks taxpayers--especially immigrant taxpayers--to spend more of their own money.

A teacher asked about schools issuing a "Certificate of Citizenship Education." In the past, students who attended Citizenship classes could bring a letter or certificate to their Citizenship Interview stating that they had studied the US History and Government questions, and the USCIS examiner could skip these questions. Director Mayorkas said that he would review this idea.

I praised the USCIS for all of the new study materials (Have you seen the new USCIS interview video, yet?). However, the explanations of the 100 questions in the M-638 (The Quick Civics Lessons) was too difficult for advanced ESL students, and that they should be rewritten for ESL Students. I also said that it was difficult for ESL students to find study materials on the USCIS website and perhaps the USCIS Offfice of Citizenship should have a separate website in simple English for all the new study materials like the old WelcometoUSA.gov website.

All in all, it was a great meeting. Thanks to Director Mayorkas for addressing our concerns. Thanks to all of the participants at the meeting, especially my fellow teacher from Milpitas Adult School, Judy Connell. Last but not least, special thanks to the USCIS Community Relations Offices, Lucee Rosemarie Fan, for once again making this event happen!

"Warehoused" Refugee Builds New Life in the US: Part 2

VOAVideo: "Warehoused" Refugee Builds New Life in the US — April 08, 2010

The United States resettles the largest number of refugees worldwide, allowing roughly 70,000 to enter the U.S. each year. Currently, large numbers of Bhutanese refugees, who lived for decades in camps in Nepal, are being resettled in the United States. VOA's Laurel Bowman visited with one of them and filed this report, the second in a two-part series on warehoused refugees, those confined to camps for decades and denied basic rights.

VOAVideo: 'Warehoused' Refugee Builds New Life in US

Expelled from his home in Bhutan, Dhuni Raj spent 17 years in a refugee camp in Nepal

Aid Groups Advocate Solution to Warehousing of Refugees: Part 1

VOAVideo: Aid Groups Advocate Solution to Warehousing of Refugees: Part 1

VOAvideo — April 07, 2010 — More than 10 million people worldwide have crossed borders, becoming refugees. Of these, aid groups say a large percentage are denied legal rights and are confined to camps for decades. It's called the "warehousing" of refugees, and they say it should stop. But solutions to protracted displacement aren't simple. VOA's Laurel Bowman looks at the conflict in Western Sahara and the refugees it has created, in this first of a two-part series on "warehoused" refugees.

VOANews: Aid Groups Advocate Solution to Decades-Old Warehousing of Refugees

Activists say refugees from Western Sahara have been 'warehoused' for more than 30 years

Remembering Cherokee Nation Chief Wilma Mankiller

VOANews: Remembering Cherokee Nation Chief Wilma Mankiller

This past Tuesday, the Cherokee Nation and the United States lost a powerful leader. Wilma Mankiller, former chief of the Cherokee Nation, died of cancer at her home in Adair, Oklahoma. She was sixty-four. Faith Lapidus tells about her life. download MP3

*NEW* USCIS Mock Interview Video

The USCIS Naturalization Interview and Test

The USCIS Naturalization Interview and Test was developed as an informational resource for individuals interested in learning more about the naturalization process. The 16-minute video provides an overview of the naturalization process including the eligibility requirements, the application process, preliminary steps, the naturalization interview, the English tests and the U.S. history and government test (civics). The video includes two simulated interviews between applicants and USCIS Officers. Individuals applying for naturalization may use this video as a reference tool to prepare for the naturalization interview. Teachers and volunteers can use this video to complement classroom instruction.

US Economy Posts Largest Job Gains in Three Years

VOAVideo: US Economy Posts Largest Job Gains in Three Years

VOAvideo — April 05, 2010 — New figures released on Friday suggest the U.S. economic recovery is gaining traction. The Labor Department says employers added 162,000 jobs in March. That's the biggest monthly gain since the recession began. Despite the improving jobs picture, the nation's unemployment rate held steady at 9.7 percent. VOA's Mil Arcega has more.

VOANews: Obama Welcomes Job Report, Says More Work Ahead

US economy registers largest increase in jobs in three years in March; critics say figures well below expectations

Immigration Rally - March for America - California

SiSePuedeYesWeCan — April 02, 2010 — People gathered at four catholic churches and walked to Plaza de Cesar Chavez to demand comprehensive immigration reform. Special thanks to J. Gagliardi (uscitizenpod) and all the people who let us use their images.

Presidential Weekly Address: Holiday Greetings

WH.gov— April 02, 2010 — In this week of Easter, Passover, and faithful celebration, the President uses his address to offer his holiday greeting and to call on people of all faiths and nonbelievers to remember our shared spirit of humanity.

VOANews: Obama Sends Easter Wishes
US president also reaches out to Jewish communities, whose celebration of Passover ends next week, and to people of other faiths

April is National Poetry Month!

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

1983horizons1: "The New Colossus" March 07, 2010

"The New Colossus" is a poem written by Emma Lazarus in 1883 and was engraved inside the Statue of Liberty. The poem talks about the millions of immigrants who came to the United States (many of them through Ellis Island at the port of New York).

The title of the poem, "The New Colossus" and the first two lines refer to the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The "air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame" refers to New York City and Brooklyn, which were two separate cities in 1893.

The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus, 1893

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

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).]
  

Cesar Chavez Day!

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



UFW: Cesar Chavez: Embrace the Legacy (5 min. UFW video)

Learn about the legacy of Cesar Chavez from Martin Sheen, Edward James Olmos, Edward James Olmos and others and get involved in keeping Cesar's dream alive!

Cesar Chavez started the United Farm Workers union, because farmworkers did not have

"the legal right to organize and to vote for collective bargaining.
They didn't have the right to have clean drinking water,
access to portable toilets, lunch breaks, or short rest breaks during workdays.
And they were not entitled to the minimum wage or unemployment insurance."

*NEW* César E. Chávez Memorial Walkway Opens in San Jose.

For more info, visit the United Farm Workers website.

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

LISTEN to US Citizenship Podcast:

• Cesar Chavez and Civil Rights mp3
  

Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day

March 30th is the official Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day, as declared in the United States Congress.

Recovery Act Tax Savings Tool

USCIS 100:56. When is the last day you can send in federal income tax forms?*



WH.gov: Recovery Act Tax Savings Tool

Did you know that there are more than a dozen Recovery Act tax cuts working families can take advantage of this tax season? Check out this online tool www.whitehouse.gov/recovery and find out how much you can save. (Public Domain)

USCIS 100:56. When is the last day you can send in federal income tax forms?*

• April 15
  

President Obama's Message to Immigration Marchers

WH.gov: President Obama's Message to Immigration Marchers (March 21, 2010)

The President reaffirms his commitment to forging a bipartisan consensus on a framework to repair the nation's immigration system in a message to those participating in the immigration march in Washington, DC.

What Health Reform Does This Year: In 3 Minutes

WH.gov: What Health Reform Does This Year: In 3 Minutes

While it will take about 4 years for health reform to be fully implemented, there are several benefits you can expect to see this year. Learn about them in just 3 minutes. See: www.whitehouse.gov/healthreform

Health Care Reform

VOANews: US Congress Passes Health Care 'Fixes'

The U.S. Congress has passed legislation to fix problems with the health care reform bill President Barack Obama signed into law on Tuesday. The corrections measure cleared both the House and Senate Thursday.

VOA Special English: Historic Measure Expands Health Coverage

The bill aims to insure 32 million additional Americans. But costs worry health care providers.

• Listen: ECONOMICS REPORT MP3

VOANews: Obama Promotes Health Care Reform in Iowa March 25, 2010

President Barack Obama traveled across the country Thursday to promote the landmark health care reform plan he signed into law this week. His first stop was in Iowa City where he was met with support and opposition.

• Listen: Farabaugh reportMP3

The Iowa Independent: Text of Obama’s Iowa City speech March 25, 2010

Full text of the speech given Thursday in Iowa City by President Barack Obama.

• YouTube video of the Iowa City from WH.gov

Obama Signs Historic Health Care Bill

VOA Learning English: Obama Signs Historic Health Care Bill

"Everybody should have some basic security when it comes to their health care," the president said. The measure will require Americans to have insurance.

• Listen: HEALTH REPORT MP3


• Email This Article


• Print This Article

All the President's Pens

USCIS 100: 33. Who signs bills to become laws?



WH.gov: All the President's Pens

Why do presidents use so many pens to sign legislation? White House Staff Secretary Lisa Brown explains.

USCIS 100: 33. Who signs bills to become laws?

• the President

Obama Signs Health Care Reform Into Law

VOANews: Obama Signs Health Care Reform Into Law

Measure intends to extend health insurance coverage to 32 million Americans currently without it

• Read: Article
• Watch: Video report by Kent Klein Windows Media
• Watch: Video report by Kent Klein mp4 video
  

Victory in Hand, Obama Must Now Sell Healthcare Changes to the Public

VOAVideo: Victory in Hand, Obama Must Now Sell Healthcare Changes to the Public

The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly approved a Senate-passed healthcare bill late Sunday. The bill is designed to make health insurance available to an additional 32 million Americans. How big a win this was for President Obama is a matter for the analysts. VOA's Laurel Bowman has more.

Health Care Reform Clears US Congress

VOAVideo: Health Care Reform Clears US Congress

Health care reform has cleared the U.S. Congress after roughly a year of legislative drama on Capitol Hill. VOA's Paula Wolfson reports the necessary legislation passed the House of Representatives on a tight, party-line vote - handing President Barack Obama a crucial victory.

VOANews: Obama to Soon Sign Major Health Care Reform

Health care reform has cleared the U.S. Congress after roughly a year of legislative drama on Capitol Hill. The House of Representatives passed the necessary legislation, on a tight, party-line vote, handing President Barack Obama a crucial victory. Mr. Obama is to soon sign the bill into law.

• Watch: Congress Health Care Windows Media
• Listen: Wolfson report MP3
• Print This Article

President Obama On the Passage of Health Reform

WH.gov: President Obama On the Passage of Health Reform

President Obama speaks moments after the historic passage by the House of Representatives of the Senate's health reform legislation.

HEALTHCARE PASSES!

The House passes the healthcare reform bill,
219-212, and sends it to President Obama to sign into law!

San Jose March for Comprehensive Immigration Reform

San Jose March for Comprehensive Immigration Reform

In support of the 03/21/10 MARCH FOR AMERICA in Washington DC, cities across America held their own marches for COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM.

Here are some pictures from the March from San Jose. Plaza de Cesar Chavez was packed!

US Congress Waging Fierce Final Battle over Health Care Reform

VOAVideo: US Congress Waging Fierce Final Battle over Health Care Reform

U.S. President Barack Obama and his Democratic Party allies in Congress are making one last push for health care reform after more than a year of debate. Republicans and grass roots conservative activists are making their own last ditch attempt to block the health care bill, and the passionate battle over reform has spread from the halls of Congress into the streets surrounding the Capitol. VOA National correspondent Jim Malone reports from Washington.

Health Reform By the Numbers

WH.gov: Health Reform By the Numbers

Counting the reasons why health insurance reform cannot wait.

The 2010 US Census Multimedia Resources

US Census Bureau: It's Easy (English)

The 2010 Census is easy, important and safe. This English-language video shows you how to fill out and mail back your census form. When you take 10 minutes to answer 10questions, you help your community get what it needs for the next 10 years.

The US Census Bureau has a collection of OUTSTANDING videos about the 2010 US Census. Please visit the US Census Bureau Channel on YouTube for videos in multiple languages about every aspect of the 2010 Census.

• Census and the Constitution
• Fill Out Your Form (multiple languages)
• Protecting Your Data
• Public Service Announcements
• New 2010 Census TV Ads
• Real Life Stories

The 2010 US Census Story Wall is an AMAZING collection of short videos. Watch the real life stories which make up America. You can also watch these videos individually on the Real Life Stories playlist of the US Census Bureau Channel on YouTube.

Policies, Politics and Dollars Rest on US Census

Milpitas was founded in 1954.

Some of the historical artifacts on display at the Great Mall

include a US flag with 48 stars (Alaska & Hawaii are added in 1959)

and a city limit signs--Milpitas, population: 834!

VOANews: Policies, Politics and Dollars Rest on US Census

Every 10 years the government has to count the population. But some people would rather not be counted

• Listen: IN THE NEWS MP3

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