Immigration Issue Divides US Republican Hispanics

VOAVideo: Immigration Issue Divides US Republican Hispanics

A new law in the southwestern border state of Arizona requires police to check a person's immigration status while enforcing other laws. A federal judge's ruling now blocks key provisions of the law, but it remains a controversial issue, especially within Arizona's Hispanic community ahead of upcoming state and federal elections. VOA's Greg Flakus reports.

DREAM ACT 2010

The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act (The "DREAM Act") would benefit students who are currently undocumented in the United States of America. The Dream Act is based upon earned legalization. The DREAM Act is Education for our future generation of leaders.

This week the U.S. Senate will vote to attach the Dream Act as an amendment to the Defense Authorization Act. This is our chance to pass the Dream Act now! Take the next ten minutes to make yourself count by calling the following key senators:

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) email
Sen. George LeMieux (R-Florida) email
Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) email
Sen. Scott Brown (R-Massachusetts) email
Sen. Mark Pryor (D-Arkansas) email
en. Ben Nelson (D-Nebraska) email
Sen. Robert Bennett (R-Utah) email
Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kansas) email
Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) email

Dial 1-888-254-5087.
If busy, call switchboard directly at 1-202-224-3121.

Ask to speak with one of the senators on the list and you will be transferred.
Say or leave a message:

"Hi, I am calling to ask that Senator _______ vote for the DREAM Act amendment to the Defence Authorization Act. It is the common sense approach to revitalizing the economy and strengthening our armed forces."

Make no mistake, every single call counts!
Spread the word with your friends and family.

The 'Torn Apart' project

The 'Torn Apart' project

For decades the nation has endlessly debated how to solve the problem of illegal immigration. One side calls for aggressive enforcement of existing laws. The other side calls for "comprehensive immigration reform." But while the debate rages, millions of American children are left with the real possibility that their undocumented parents will be detected and deported.

For the past year, a Mercury News reporter and photojournalist followed a San Mateo family on their emotional journey through the U.S. immigration system. Both parents came here as illegal immigrants, but all six of their children are American citizens.

Read more: San Mateo family struggles to stay together as U.S. deports dad, tries to deport mom By Ken McLaughlin kmclaughlin@mercurynews.com Posted: San Jose Mercury News 09/18/2010 11:55:15 PM PDT

American Volunteering in Civic Activities Remains Strong

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

Milpitas Adult School received a Certificate of Appreciation
from the US Census Dept

VOANews: American Volunteering in Civic Activities Remains Strong

This year marks the first federal government report on Civic Life in America.

USCIS 100:55. 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

Arabic, Farsi Fluency Considered 'Critical' to US National Security

VOAVideo: Arabic, Farsi Fluency Considered 'Critical' to US National Security

Summer vacation is ending and students at American schools and colleges are getting ready to head back to class. In previous years, many of them would have been taking French or Spanish as a second language. But as VOA'S Mana Rabiee reports, knowledge of Arabic or Farsi is now considered "critical" to U.S. national security and more Americans are learning these languages today than ever before.

VOANews: Arabic, Farsi Fluency Considered 'Critical' to US National Security

More Americans learning these languages today than ever before (read more)

West Wing Week: 9/17/10 or "Back to School"

WH: West Wing Week: 9/17/10 or "Back to School"

Welcome to West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. This week, walk step by step with the President as he travels to Arlington, Virginia to attend a wreath laying ceremony at the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial, celebrates the start of a new school year with his second annual 'Back to School' speech in Philadelphia, and holds a Cabinet meeting looking for ways for the Federal Government's agencies to work together to improve the economy.

*NEW USCIS CITIZENSHIP RESOURCE CENTER*

The NEW USCIS Citizenship Resource Center

09/17/2010--In honor of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, the USCIS officially launched the Citizenship Resource Center—a Web-based portal that centralizes citizenship resources for immigrants, educators and organizations. This free, easy-to-use website will help users better understand the naturalization process and gain the necessary skills to be successful during the naturalization interview and test.

Constitution Day: WE SIGNED THE CONSTITUTION!

Since the beginning of the semester, Milpitas Adult School has been studying the US Constitution in preparation for signing the Constitution on Constitution & Citizenship Day, September 16-17, 2010.

Constitution Quiz Based on the USCIS 100

Constitution Week: Thursday

VIVA Mexico's Bicentennial of Independence!
Arago: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage: People, Places and Events on Stamps

Today's Topic: The 15th, 19th, 24th, and 26th Amendments

After the Civil War, the 15th Amendment gave the right to vote to all male US Citizens.

However, some communities refused to allow certain minorities to vote.

Women could not vote until the 19th Amendment (1920).

The Chinese Exclusion Act which took away the right to vote from US native-born citizens of Asian ancestry was repealed in 1943.

Jim Crow laws in the Southern United States which strongly discouraged African-Americans to vote was repealed by the 24th Amendment, 1964 & the Voting Rights Act 1965.

The Nineteenth Amendment gave suffrage (the right to vote) to women.

VOANews: Susan B. Anthony, 1820-1906: She Led the Fight to Gain Equal Rights for Women, Including the Right to Vote
The nineteenth amendment to the U.S. Constitution won final approval in 1920 but she did not live to see it. Transcript of radio broadcast: 14 June 2008

24th Amendment made it illegal to make a citizen pay a voting fee. It is illegal to make a citizen take a reading test to vote. The 24th Amendment (1964) and the Civil Rights Movement led by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. crushed Jim Crow laws which discriminated against African Americans.

VOANews: Civil Rights Movement: In the '60s, a Struggle for Equality in US: Activists marched, held sit-in protests and led "freedom rides" to demand better treatment of black Americans. Martin Luther King Junior lived by the idea of nonviolence, but his murder led to riots in more than 100 cities.

26th Amendment: US citizens who are 18 years old or older have the right to vote. 1971.

VOANews: Nixon Promises to 'Bring the American People Together' After '68 Win
Richard Nixon lost the 1960 election to John Kennedy, but he was known for his ability to fight, to lose, and to keep trying. Those skills would soon be tested.

• 48. There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.
• 49. What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens?*
• 50. Name one right only for United States citizens.
• 54. How old do citizens have to be to vote for President?*
• 55. What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?
• 77. What did Susan B. Anthony do?
• 84. What movement tried to end racial discrimination?
• 85. What did Martin Luther King, Jr. do?*
  

More activities from USCitzenPod:

• Here is a pdf of Voting Rights.
• Here is a pdf of Voting Cloze Essay.

Constitution Week: Wednesday

Today's Topic: The First Amendment

The First Amendment to the United States Constitution is a part of the United States Bill of Rights that protects freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, and the right to petition.

Freedom of speech
A person can say or think anything they want.



Freedom of religion
A person can practice any religion or no religion. The government cannot establish a national religion.



Freedom of assembly
People can come together to have peaceful meetings, rallies, marches, or demonstrations.

Freedom of the press
A person can read, write, publish, or broadcast anything they want.





Right to petition
People can ask the government to change the law.






Here is a (.pdf) or (.doc) of this webpage:
The First Amendment.

Constitution Week: Tuesday

Today's Topic: The Preamble

The Premble lists the reasons that the 13 original colonies separated from their mother ountry, and became an independent nation.

We the People of the United States,

in Order to form a more perfect Union, good government

establish Justice, good laws

insure domestic Tranquility, peace in our homes

provide for the common defence, national security

promote the general Welfare, healthy communities

and secure the Blessings of Liberty freedom

to ourselves and our Posterity, children

do ordain and establish give power to

this Constitution the supreme law of the land

for the United States of America.

Here is class handout of the Preamble Puzzle pdf

Here is class handout of a Summary of the US Constitution.
Direct download: const-summary.pdf

Constitution Week: Monday

Here is a slide show of the US Constituion.

Constitution Day (or Citizenship Day) is an American federal holiday that recognizes the ratification of the United States Constitution. Citizenship Day also recognizes all who have become citizens due to either coming of age or naturalization. It is celebrated on September 17, the day the U.S. Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution in 1787.

Before Constution Day, students study the US Constitution, focusing on the rights and responsibilites of American Citizenship. On Constitution Day, students sign a large copy of the Constitution and are given pocket-sized copies of the Constitution. Many Adult Schools honor the students who were naturalized as American citizen during the previous school year. The school also encourages the students who are preparing for naturalization during the upcoming school year.

For more info, see:

America Reads the Constitution
The National Constitution Center held the first “America Reads the Constitution” on September 17, 2004. A diverse group of people read the Constitution from start to finish, from “We the People” to the final words of the 27th Amendment. “America Reads the Constitution” pdf includes the words of the Constitution for 100 readers.

ELCivics.com: The US Constitution
Learn about the US Constituion with Pictures, Easy Lessons, and Fun Activities

ESLPOD English 92
LISTEN to the Preamble to the US Constitution.

The National Archives
On September 17, 1787, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention met for the last time to sign the document they had created. The National Archives and Records Administration celebrates this important day in our nation's history by presenting the following activities, lesson plans, and information. We encourage teachers and students at all levels to learn more about our Constitution and government.

National Constitution Center: Home
The National Constitution Center, located on Philadelphia's Independence Mall, is the worlds only museum devoted to the US Constitution.

NCC: We the People
Resources to help you celebrate Constitution Day – the birthday of your government – featuring over 200 activities, lessons, books, DVDs and more from over 30 different providers. Plan your Constitution Day celebration here!

US Citizenship Podcast
Check back every day for updated materials for Constitution Day. Here are some pictures from last year's celebration 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.

President Obama Addresses Quran Controversy, Relations With Muslims

VOAVideo: President Obama Addresses Quran Controversy, Relations With Muslims

In a White House news conference Friday, President Barack Obama said that nine years after the 2001 terror attacks on the United States, he wants Muslims around the world to understand that America is not at war with Islam. VOA chief White House correspondent Dan Robinson reports, Mr. Obama spoke about controversies involving religion, the planned closing of the US facility at Guantanamo Bay, upcoming Israeli-Palestinian peace talks and the US economy - during a long exchange with the media.

September 11th Memorial Ceremonies in Washington, New York and Pennsylvania

WH.gov: September 11th Memorial Ceremonies in Washington, New York and Pennsylvania

The President, The First Lady and the Vice President attend memorial ceremonies in remembrance of September 11th. The emotional ceremonies are conducted at Twin Tower site in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington D.C. and the Flight 93 crash site, a National Memorial in Shanksville, PA.

September 11 Victims Said to Include More Than 60 Muslims

VOAVideo: September 11 Victims Said to Include More Than 60 Muslims

The ongoing controversy over construction of an Islamic Center near Ground Zero in New York has focused attention on Islam and Muslim Americans. But few Americans are aware that more than 60 Muslims are believed to have perished in the September 11 attacks, most of them in the World Trade Center.

West Wing Week: 9/10/10 or "The Year 5771"

West Wing Week: 9/10/10 or "The Year 5771"

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. This week, walk step-by-step with the President as he celebrates Labor Day in Milwaukee, welcomes the Secretary-General of NATO, outlines plans to grow the economy in Cleveland and much more.

Happy California Admissions Day!

VOANews: California and Its People

Many people consider California the land of dreams; the state population grew almost five percent between 2000 and 2003. 30 January 2005

Archived audio files take a couple of minutes to load. Please be patient!

• Stream (in RealPlayer)
• Download (in RealPlayer)
• MP3 (in QuickTime)

Here is handout about the State of California.

Also see EL Civics.com's excellent lessons on the State of California.

Labor Day Holiday in US Sets Stage For Ideological Debate

VOAVideo: Labor Day Holiday in US Sets Stage For Ideological Debate

As the Labor Day (September 6) holiday approaches in the US, two widely differing views arethe subjects of an intense debate about the state of American workers. The US Chamber of Commerce claims the Obama administration's economic policies have created barriers to job creation. But prominent labor groups blame corporate greed and lax regulations for hurting the prospects of middle class Americans. Mil Arcega reports.

VOANews: Domestic, Global Economic Shifts Force US Organized Labor to Change
Monday is Labor Day in the United States, a day set aside to honor American workers and the dignity of labor. The organized labor movement of the late-19th century that spawned the national holiday has waxed and waned over the years. (read more)

The 2nd Annual National Immigrant Integration Conference (NIIC)

The 2nd Annual National Immigrant Integration Conference (NIIC) will be held in Boston, Massachusetts September 29-Oct 1, 2010. The 1st NIIC was an extremely successful event bringing together over 300 stakeholders: policy makers and community based organizations, service providers and the government sector. The Denver conference focused on moving integration efforts forward at the local, state, and national level. The Boston conference will have a similar focus, emphasizing promising practices around integration initiatives, citizenship, language, workforce development and public education. Outstanding leadership will explore the impact of immigrants on the economy, public schools, public safety and elections among a host of keynote speeches and workshops. A fun city for a fall conference, Boston invites you to discover its ethnic neighborhoods and historic sites and take part in a naturalization ceremony held at the opening reception on Wednesday, September 29.

Our Changing Environment

• How is immigrant integration emerging as a national agenda?
• With an increasing number of states and municipalities addressing their changing demographics, what are the successful practices and positive impacts emerging from communities across the country?
• What are the implications of the current federal government priorities for addressing immigrant integration and immigration reform?
• What does an uncertain fiscal environment mean for integration efforts?
• Why is the naturalization rate relatively low and what can or should be done?
• What is an American and who is shaping the next generation?

This September - A Celebration of Citizenship

USCIS Children's Art Gallery 2010: "We Are America" by Freedom, age 8

USCIS.gov The Beacon: This September - A Celebration of Citizenship

The United States honors Constitution Day and Citizenship Day each year on September 17. I can't think of a better opportunity to celebrate our newest citizens and the importance of citizenship to this nation... The USCIS plans to dedicate the month of September to the celebration of citizenship. Throughout the month, the USCIS has several special events and announcements scheduled. A few highlights include:

• The launch of a free online Citizenship Resource Center to help applicants and educators prepare for the naturalization process and test.
• Special naturalization ceremonies at national park sites such as the Lincoln Memorial, Grand Canyon National Park, and the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial in St. Louis, MO.;
• The announcement of approximately 50 new grant recipients as part of the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program; and

September promises to be an exciting month. Please join us in celebrating Constitution Day and Citizenship Day this year and take a moment to reflect on the enduring promise of America and what it means to you.

West Wing Week: "Dispatches from Iraq"

WH.gov: West Wing Week: "Dispatches from Iraq"

This week the President announced the end of America's combat mission in Iraq and West Wing Week takes you there, on the ground, with an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at the change of mission. We spent a week on the ground with our troops and civilians , some coming home, some staying for the next mission, training and supporting the Iraqis now that they have the lead in protecting their own country.

Ready to go to the Interview

Mrs Noor is ready to go to her interview!

Handouts for Class 09/02/10:

• Before the Interview
• Intro Citizenship Interview
• Civics (History and Government) Questions for the Naturalization Test (The 100 Questions)

US Combat Operations Come to Close in Iraq

VOAVideo: US Combat Operations Come to Close in Iraq

A change of command ceremony was held in Baghdad Wednesday (September 1) to mark the end of U.S. combat operations in Iraq. Vice President Biden and Defense Secretary William Gates were on hand to mark the transition to what the military calls stability operations. VOA's Jeff Swicord reports.

Welcome to Citizenship class!

West Wing Week: "Dispatches from Iraq" - Preview

West Wing Week: "Dispatches from Iraq" - Preview

New Life in America No Longer Means Finding a New Name

New Life in America No Longer Means Finding a New Name by Sam Roberts, NYTimes

Newcomers see less reason to Anglicize surnames and have a desire to retain their ethnic heritage in their adopted country. (read more)

Open for Questions: 90th Anniversary of Women's Right To Vote

WH.gov: Open for Questions: 90th Anniversary of Women's Right To Vote

Tina Tchen of the White House Council on Women And Girls takes your questions on women's issues on the 90th Anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. August 25, 2010.

USCIS.gov: Check My Case Status

USCIS.gov: Check My Case Status

ushomelandsecurity October 19, 2009

See how to check your case status on USCIS.gov, the official Web site of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

See more videos from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services on YouTube

West Wing Week: 8/20/10 or "Turkey Turkey and a Jammer"

WH.gov: West Wing Week: 8/20/10 or "Turkey Turkey and a Jammer"

This week, travel with the First Family to Panama City Beach, Florida for a weekend of swimming, mini-golf, and meeting with local business owners. Next up, the President hits the road traveling to Milwaukee, Seattle and Columbus to talk to business owners and families about the economy.

Welcoming our Troops Coming Home from Iraq

**In the video, Dr Biden refers to their son, Beau, who is an Army Judge Advocate serving in Iraq.

WH.gov: Welcoming our Troops Coming Home from Iraq

The Vice President and Dr. Jill Biden visit Fort Drum in upstate New York to welcome home the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, from Iraq. One of the most deployed brigades in the U.S. Army, the 2nd Brigade Combat Team has participated in three deployments to Afghanistan and four deployments to Iraq. The Vice President speaks off stage about the end of the combat mission in Iraq, and the future of the American mission in that country.

Milpitas Adult School ESL/Citizenship Registration and Placement Test August 16—19

**Citizenship students must take the ESL placement test

1. Bring a picture ID and a $20 non-refundable test fee (exact change only).
2. Plan to be here approximately 3 hours.
3. No children please.

Milpitas Adult Education Center
1331 E. Calaveras Blvd , Bldg 400 Milpitas , CA 95035
Office Phone: (408) 635–2692 Fax: (408) 635–2611
OFFICE HOURS August 2 - 27 Office Hours 8 am - 4 pm

Testing for Morning Classes 9 am - 12 noon
Begins promptly at 9 am (come early to line up)
No Late Entry
If your last name begins with:

• A—F come August 16
• G—L come August 17
• M—S come August 18
• T—Z come August 19

Morning Students will be placed in one of the following classes:

• ESL - Career & College Students / M-F 8:45 am-12
• VESL - for the working student / M/W/F 8:30-10am
• ESL Older Adult - 55 and older / M-F 10 am-12
• Multi-Level ESL - Non-Career & Non-College Students / T/Th 8:30 - 10 am

Testing for Evening Classes 5:45 - 9 pm
Begins promptly at 5:45 pm (come early to line up)
No Late Entry
If your last name begins with:

• A—K come August 16
• L—R come August 17
• S—Z come August 18

Evening Students will be placed in one of the following classes:

• ESL - Career & College Students / T/Th 5:45 - 9pm
• Citizenship-/ T/Th / 5:45 - 9 pm (Citizenship students must take the ESL placement test)

See you there!

West Wing Week: Mailbag Day Summer Edition

WH.gov: West Wing Week: Mailbag Day Summer Edition

Mailbag Day! This West Wing Week the administration responds to the letters and emails sent in by you. Find out whether the President gets stamps in his passport, learn about pre-existing conditions and the Affordable Care Act from Secretary of Health and Human Services, Katleen Sebelius, and see who gets to keep the President's bill signing pens.

USCIS Customer Service Enhancements

USCIS is launching four new online features to give you more accessibility to your case information.

1. Online Inquiry Tool for Select Forms: If your case is outside the posted processing times and you filed an Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Form I-90) or an Application for Naturalization (Form N-400), you can now submit an electronic inquiry directly to the appropriate Field Office or Service Center instead of calling the National Customer Service number or making an InfoPass appointment with the local office. Additionally, once the electronic inquiry is received, USCIS now commits to a 15-day customer response, reduced from the previous commitment to respond within 30 days.


2. Specific Adjudication Steps by Form Type on My Case Status: Now when you check your case status online, the steps you see will be specific to your petition or application.


3. E-mail Notification in Spanish: When you register to receive e-mail updates on your case status, you can now elect to receive messages in English or Spanish.


4. Change of Address Online in Spanish: You will now be able to submit a Change of Address Online in English or Spanish.

For more information visit USCIS.

source: USCIS blog: The Beacon

Elena Kagan Sworn in as US Supreme Court Justice

VOANews: Elena Kagan Sworn in as US Supreme Court Justice

Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath Saturday

West Wing Week: 8/06/10 or "Dispatches from the Gulf"

WH.gov: Welcome to a special Gulf Coast episode of West Wing Week. We spent this week traveling through communities on America's Gulf Coast to give you a special behind the scenes look at the federal government's historic and unprecedented effort to contain and clean up after the BP oil spill.

Join responders as they skim sheen off the ocean and respond to oiled wildlife. Stop by a town hall with Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, as he hears the concerns of locals. Join engineers as they pump mud into the well itself, creating a more permanent seal and much more.

The 2010 Presidential Citizen's Medal

WH.gov: The 2010 Presidential Citizen's Medal

President Obama honors the 13 recipients of the Presidential Citizen's Medal in a ceremony at the White House. The Citizens Medal recognizes Americans who perform "exemplary deeds of service."

2010 Presidential Citizens Medal Winners

Dr. Roberta Diaz Brinton (Los Angeles, Calif.): Dr. Brinton volunteers as Director of the USC Science, Technology, and Research (STAR) program, which provides South Central LA high school students with an integrated science education pipeline that includes education, hands-on research, mentoring and summer jobs.

Dr. Daisy Brooks (Chicago, Ill.): Dr. Brooks founded Daisy's Resource and Development Center, which helps pregnant girls 12-21, providing education and vocational training.

Betty Chinn (Eureka, Calif.): Ms. Chinn came to the U.S. after fleeing Communist persecution that left her mute; in the U.S. she found her voice and a life where, for over twenty years, she has provided food and clothing to the needy twice a day.

Cynthia Church (Wilmington, Del.): A breast cancer survivor, Ms. Church founded Sisters on a Mission, which assists women of color who have breast cancer.

Mary K. Hoodhood (Grand Rapids, Mich.): Ms. Hoodhood engages in a variety of volunteer activities, including founding Kids’ Food Baskets, which provides brown bag dinners to elementary school children living in poverty.

Kimberly McGuiness (Cave Spring, Ga.): Ms. McGuiness is an advocate on behalf of deaf children in Georgia.

Jorge Muñoz (New York City, N.Y.): Mr. Muñoz is a naturalized citizen who drives a school bus by day and at night serves food to the homeless from his truck.

Lisa Nigro (Chicago, Ill.): Ms. Nigro founded Inspiration Café, a restaurant for the homeless, which has grown into an organization that provides holistic services to help the homeless.

Mary Ann Phillips (Star Valley Ranch, Wyo.): Ms. Phillips volunteers in Germany with Soldiers’ Angels, a nonprofit that provides support to soldiers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Elizabeth Cushman Titus Putnam (Shaftsbury, Vt.): Ms. Putnam founded the Student Conservation Association, which places volunteers in conservation service positions around the U.S. and in several foreign countries.

Susan Retik (Needham, Mass.): After the death of her husband on September 11th, Ms. Retik founded Beyond the 11th, which helps Afghani widows and their children.

Myrtle Faye Rumph (Inglewood, Calif.): Following the drive-by shooting death of her son, Ms. Rumph founded the Al Wooten Jr. Heritage Center to provide a safe haven and intervention programs for South Central LA youth.

George Weiss, Jr. (Marine, Minn.): Mr. Weiss founded the Fort Snelling Memorial Rifle Squad, which performs final military honors for deceased veterans (over 55,000 to date).

Americans who go above and beyond for their community and country don't go unrecognized. For more than 40 years, extraordinary citizens and public figures have been honored with the Presidential Citizens Medal, which recognizes “citizens of the United States of America who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens.”
-- Executive Order 11494 (Nov. 13, 1969)

Kudos to the Honorees!

Happy Birthday, President Obama!

VOANews: President Obama Turns 49 Wednesday

US president is expected to have a private celebratory dinner at his Chicago home

US Judge Overturns California Gay Marriage Ban

VOANews: US Judge Overturns California Gay Marriage Ban

Decision comes nearly two years after approval of Proposition 8, which defines marriage as union between a man and a woman

Visitors to Colonial Williamsburg Get a History Lesson in the Roots of US Democracy

VOAVideo: Visitors to Colonial Williamsburg Get a History Lesson in the Roots of US Democracy

From http://voaspecialenglish.com/ http://facebook.com/voalearningenglish Colonial Williamsburg is a living history center in the state of Virginia. More than 1,000 of its employees work as historical interpreters. They demonstrate how 18th century Americans lived. One of them is Bill Rose.

National Night Out 2010

VOANews: Neighbors Fight Crime with a National Night Out

An estimated 34 million Americans take part in the National Night Out, which has been held in early August since 1984 -- organized by a non-profit, grassroots group called the National Association of Town Watch. Matt Peskin,the group's spokesman, said the event has been growing year by year. "In the early days, it was very symbolic - front porch lights on, front porch vigil -- that was about it. People liked that - the unity part of it, that '99 percent of us are law-abiding, that we're all out [one night] showing our support for fighting crime.'

• San Jose, Milpitas celebrate national night out to combat crime, students urged to participate

Arizonans React to Court Ruling as Limited Immigration Law Takes Effect

VOAVideo: Arizonans React to Court Ruling as Limited Immigration Law Takes Effect

Residents of the Western U.S. state of Arizona reacted Thursday to a federal judge's ruling that blocked key parts of a controversial state immigration law. VOA's Mike O'Sullivan reports from Nogales, Arizona, some applauded and others criticized Wednesday's ruling by Judge Susan Bolton, as a restricted version of the law went into effect.

Signing the Tribal Law and Order Act

WH.gov: Signing the Tribal Law and Order Act

President Obama signs the Tribal Law and Order Act, a law that gives tribal authorities greater authority to prosecute and punish criminals. July 29, 2010.

100th Anniversary of the Angel Island Immigration Station

AssociatedPress January 27, 2009 : The Angel Island Immigration Station, once known as the "Ellis Island of the West," is reopening after a multimillion-dollar restoration of the historical landmark.

100th Anniversary of the Angel Island Immigration Station on July 31

Join Friends of Angel Island on Saturday, July 31 at Angel Island State Park for a spectacular array of speakers, cultural performers, and free self-guided tours of the Immigration Station. Several new exhibits were installed in May including the granite Interrogation Table, audio kiosks which allow the visitor to hear several of the poems in English and Cantonese, and new photographic displays. It’s truly a brand-new look at the Angel Island immigration experience.

KPIX Raw Video: SF Naturalization Honors Angel Island

West Wing Week: 7/30/10 or "The Men in Blue Jumpsuits"

WH.gov: West Wing Week: 7/30/10 or "The Men in Blue Jumpsuits"

Thanks for checking out the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. This week, walk step by step with the President as he fights for campaign finance reform, boosts small business, meets with Space Shuttle Atlantis astronauts, commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, welcomes the 2009 Softball World Series champions, makes an appearance on The View and much more.

US Leaders Mark 20th Anniversary of Americans With Disabilities Act

VOAVideo: US Leaders Mark 20th Anniversary of Americans With Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act, also called ADA, is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. It regulates federal and local programs, transportation, public accommodations and commercial facilities, and has, by wide accounts, transformed the lives of the disabled. On Monday, as one disabled activist commemorated the passage of the act, she also dreamed of what more can be done. VOA's Laurel Bowman has the story.

Judge Blocks Controversial Provisions in Arizona Immigration Law

VOANews: Judge Blocks Controversial Provisions in Arizona Immigration Law

Law's opponents are applauding ruling, while Arizona governor Jan Brewer, who supports it, calls it a bump in the road

New Law Would Help Immigrants Facing Female Circumcision

VOAVideo: New Law Would Help Immigrants Facing Female Circumcision

Gender-based violence is a problem facing millions of women worldwide.

Forced marriage, honor killing and female genital mutilation are just a few of the human rights abuses directed against women solely because of their gender.

In the United States, a number of organizations are trying to help women who are trying to flee their country to escape this gender-based persecution, using the judicial system to help them get asylum.

Now, legislation recently introduced in the U.S. Congress aims to strengthen current asylum laws for immigrant women, which will be of tremendous assistance to these groups.

The Tahirih Justice Center is an innovative, efficient, and strategic nonprofit organization that works to protect immigrant women and girls from gender-based violence through legal services, advocacy, and public education programs.

Video of Independence Day Naturalization Ceremonies

USCIS: Video of Independence Day Naturalization Ceremonies

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) commemorated America's 234th birthday by naturalizing more than 3,800 new citizens at approximately 55 special ceremonies held across the United States and abroad. Nine of these ceremonies were specifically for members of the U.S. armed forces and military spouses.

We have created a video highlighting five of the 4th of July naturalization ceremonies celebrating "A Spirit of Independence." The ceremonies include:

• Ellis Island, NY
• Kennedy Space Center, FL
• USS Midway, San Diego, CA
• Independence Hall, PA
• Mt. Vernon, VA

'Try to Remember' Explores Young Latina Caught Between Two Cultures

VOANews: 'Try to Remember' Explores Young Latina Caught Between Two Cultures

Immigration attorney's debut novel explores challenges and hidden problems of Colombian immigrant family

VOANews: Helping Refugees Ease into US Way of Life

VOANews: Helping Refugees Ease into US Way of Life

Advocacy groups promote understanding to avoid cultural clashes

• Burmese Advocacy Center

West Wing Week: 7/23/10 or "A Sensible Mid Westerner"

WH.gov: West Wing Week: 7/23/10 or "A Sensible Mid Westerner"

Thanks for checking out the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. This week, walk step by step with the President as he speaks up for unemployed Americans, congratulates this year's WNBA champs, talks with astronaut John Glenn about space exploration, meets with British Prime Minister Cameron, signs the historic Wall Street Reform bill into law and much more!

Historic Documents Trace Chinese Immigrants' Remains

Unfinished Journey: Chinese Remains Slideshow by Colin Fogarty

VOANews: Historic Documents Trace Chinese Immigrants' Remains

For some, long journey home from Oregon to China ended too soon

What Wall Street Reform Means for You

WH.gov: What Wall Street Reform Means for You

A quick and simple animated explanation of how Wall Street Reform will work and what the strongest consumer protections in history will mean for you and your family.

VOANews: Obama Signs US Financial Reform into Law

President says regulations on major financial firms will protect consumers, prevent abuses that many say led to global recession

VOAVideo: Obama Signs Financial Reform Into Law

The most sweeping changes to the U.S. financial system since the 1930's officially became law on Wednesday. President Barack Obama declared the newly-passed financial reform bill a major victory for consumers, saying American taxpayers will never again have to foot the bill for risky bets made by large financial firms. But others argue the new law is too far-reaching and could hurt rather than help American consumers and businesses. Mil Arcega has more.

VOANews: Financial Reform Law Aims to Change Some Ways of Wall Street

A new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is at the heart of the bill signed by President Obama

Native American Lacrosse Team Refused Entry to Britain over Passport Issue

USCIS 100:87. Name one American Indian tribe in the United States.

USCIS 96:91. Name one benefit of being a citizen of the United States.

VOAVideo: Native American Lacrosse Team Refused Entry to Britain over Passport Issue

A sports team from the US and Canada is being excluded from an international lacrosse tournament in Britain because of a passport dispute. Players on the Iroquois Nationals team have passports issued by the Iroquois Confederacy rather than by the US or Canada. So Britain is refusing them entry, and they've been stuck in New York for days. As VOA's Carolyn Presutti reports, the U.S. Secretary of State got involved.

USCIS 100:87. Name one American Indian tribe in the United States.
[USCIS Officers will be supplied with a list of federally recognized American Indian tribes.]

• Cherokee
• Navajo
• Sioux
• Chippewa
• Choctaw
• Pueblo
• Apache
• Iroquois
• Creek
• Blackfeet
• Seminole
• Cheyenne
• Arawak
• Shawnee
• Mohegan
• Huron
• Oneida
• Lakota
• Crow Teton
• Hopi
• Inuit

USCIS 96:91. Name one benefit of being a citizen of the United States.

• to obtain Federal government jobs
• to travel with a U.S. passport
• or to petition for close relatives to come to the United States to live

Colonial Williamsburg Breathes Life into US History

VOANews: Colonial Williamsburg Breathes Life into US History

Colonial Williamsburg, in the eastern U.S. state of Virginia, is an open-air living museum, populated by historical re-enactors, also called interpreters.

West Wing Week: 7/16/10 or "6 Principals"

WH.gov: West Wing Week: 7/16/10 or "6 Principals"

Thanks for checking out the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. This week, walk step by step with the President as he speaks about the economy in Las Vegas, celebrates 100 years of the Boy Scouts of America, meets with President Fernandez of the Dominican Republic, visits with the 2010 Principal of the Year award winners, announces the new Director of the Office of Management and Budget and much more.

Ethical Imperative for Reform of our Immigration System

Zoe Lofgren addressing new citizens at a Oath Ceremony in San Jose.

On that day, more than 3000 people became US citizens!

Today, the House of Representative's Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law is holding a public hearing on the Ethical Imperative for Reform of our Immigration System.

The subcommitee chairman is Zoe Lofgren (D) (CA 16) who represents south San Jose, home to vibrant Vietnamese- and Hispanic-American immigrant comunities. Good luck with the hearings!

You can checkout a YahooNews photo gallery of the hearing. I will post more info as it becomes available.

Witness List (click name to read their testimony)

• Richard D. Land, Ph.D.
  President
  Ethics and Religious Liberty Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention
  Washington, DC
  
• Gerald F. Kicanas, D.D.
  Bishop
  Archdiocese of Tucson, Arizona; and
  Vice-President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
  Tucson, AZ
  
• Mathew D. Staver, J.D.
  Founder and Chairman
  Liberty Counsel; and
  Dean and Professor of Law
  Liberty University School of Law
  Lynchburg, PA
  
• James R. Edwards, Jr., Ph.D.
  Fellow
  Center for Immigration Studies
  Washington, DC
  
  

US Civil Rights Group Launches New Century with Focus on Recruiting Young People, Minorities

VOAVideo: US Civil Rights Group Launches New Century with Focus on Recruiting Young People, Minorities

Thousands of African Americans are in (the midwestern US city of) Kansas City, Missouri this week (July 10-15) as the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization holds its annual convention. The organization known as the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) is beginning the first year in its second century of being a leading voice for African Americans. Today, the group is trying to attract young people while pushing for better paying jobs and educational opportunities for minorities. VOA's Chris Simkins with more on the history of the organization and its young leaders.

Citizenship: “I’m Truly Home Now”

SouthWest Airlines Spirit: Citizenship: “I’m Truly Home Now”

Spirit welcomes an incoming class of fellow Americans and offers a refresher on citizenship, while Jay Heinrichs grapples with life, liberty, and changing his wife's vote. (pdf)

ON THE COVER Kassegn Befekadu celebrates passing the citizenship test. Photography by Andy Anderson

West Wing Week: 7/09/10 or "Independence"

WH.gov: West Wing Week: 7/09/10 or "Independence"

Thanks for checking out the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. This week, walk step by step with the President as he speaks about 6 straight months of job growth, celebrates America's Independence Day with Military Families, watches a firework extravaganza with the First Lady, meets with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, tours Smith Solar Vehicles in Kansas City and much more.

US Justice Department Files Lawsuit Against Arizona Over Immigration Law

VOANews: US Justice Department Files Lawsuit Against Arizona Over Immigration Law

Law would require police to ask for proof of legal status in United States

US Government to Challenge Arizona Immigration Law

"In sum, the system is broken.

And everybody knows it."

--Barack Obama

VOA Learning English: Obama Urges Congress: Reform Immigration Rules

One reason for the speech was the state of Arizona's recent passage of its own law against illegal immigration. That law has led to protests around the country. However, in public opinion surveys a majority of Americans support it. Mr. Obama criticized the law, but said such laws are the understandable result of inaction at the federal level. download MP3 (Right-click or option-click and save link)

VOANews: US Government to Challenge Arizona Immigration Law

Sources with justice department say suit will argue that enforcing immigration is federal responsibility

VOAVideo: Obama Calls for Immigration Reform

U.S. President Barack Obama is calling on Congress to rise above partisan divisions and fix the country's immigration system. In a speech Thursday, Mr. Obama said the failure of lawmakers in Washington to act makes the problem of illegal immigration worse. VOA's Kent Klein has more.

Washington, DC Celebrates the 4th of July

VOAVideo: Washington, DC Celebrates the 4th of July

A visual tour of Washington DC on the Fourth of July.

Debate Continues over US Gun Laws

VOAVideo: Debate Continues over US Gun Laws

New local gun laws follow a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that Americans' Constitutional right to gun ownership applies nationwide. Legal challenges and debate continue a week after the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling that Americans have a right to own a gun for self defense anywhere they live. The Court said the Constitutional right to gun ownership applies nationwide, in response to a challenge of a gun ban in the Midwestern U.S. state of Illinois. But the court also said the ruling limits - but does not eliminate - the ability of states to devise solutions to social problems that, in the decision's words, "suit local needs and values." So gun rights supporters and those who favor more restrictions on firearms are vowing to fight on. VOA's Chris Simkins has more on the story.

'Little Obama' Movie Opens in Indonesia

VOANews: 'Little Obama' Movie Opens in Indonesia

Director says film based on actual events, but also delivers message