Women's History Month: USCIS 100:38. the Supreme Court and Sandra Day O'Connor

Sandra Day O'Connor was the first female member of the highest court in the United States. 

USCIS 100:38. What is the highest court in the United States?

▪ the Supreme Court

Women's History Month: Pat Eng and MAKERS

Pat Eng: Immigrant Women and the Difficulty of Seeking Help (watch more from Pat Eng)

Watch more MAKERS stories...

MAKERS: The Largest Collection of Women's Stories Ever Assemebled

MAKERS is a multi-platform video experience from AOL and PBS, showcasing hundreds of compelling stories from the Women Who Make America. https://www.youtube.com/user/MAKERSWomen/

Women's History Month: USCIS 100:29 the Vice-Presidency and Geraldine Ferraro

Geraldine Ferraro was the first female Vice Presidential candidate representing a major American political party (1984). 

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

▪ Joseph R. Biden, Jr. 
▪ Joe Biden 
▪ Biden

UPDATED 3/26/2011: VOANews: Geraldine Ferraro, US Political Pioneer, Dies at 75

Women's History Month: Press Coverage- 1913 Suffrage Parade in Washington, DC

Women's History Museum: Press Coverage- 1913 Suffrage Parade in Washington, DC

Click the "CC" (closed Caption) button on the lower right corner of the video to see the subtitles.

Women's History Month: Key Figures in the 1913 Suffrage March on Washington, DC

Women's History Museum: Key Figures in the 1913 Suffrage March on Washington, DC

Click the "CC" (closed Caption) button on the lower right corner of the video to see the subtitles.

Women's History Month: USCIS 100:48. Voting Amendments and Alice Paul

Alice Paul led the final campaign to pass the Nineteenth Amendment (1920). 

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

▪ Citizens eighteen (18) and older (can vote).
▪ You don’t have to pay (a poll tax) to vote.
▪ Any citizen can vote. (Women and men can vote.)
▪ A male citizen of any race (can vote).

Women's History Month: Suffrage-Background

Women's History Museum: Suffrage-Background

Click the "CC" (closed Caption) button on the lower right corner of the video to see the subtitles.

ELCivics.com Women's History Month Lessons

ELCivics.com Women's History Month Lessons

• Nancy Pelosi - First female Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.
• Rosa Parks - Rosa Parks was an African American woman who refused to give up her seat on an Alabama bus to a white man. Her act of defiance led to the year-long Montgomery Bus Boycott.
• Sacajawea - Young Indian woman who served as a guide and interpreter for Lewis and Clark.
• Sojourner Truth - African American woman who gave numerous speeches about ending slavery and giving women the right to vote.
• Susan B. Anthony - Co-founder of the National Woman Suffrage Association. Was arrested and fined for voting in a presidential election.

Women's History Month: Biography - JJ - Jane Jacobs - Guru of Urban Planning - Inner City defender

LearnAndReadAlong: Biography - JJ - Jane Jacobs - Guru of Urban Planning - Inner City defender

Today we tell about Jane Jacobs. She was an activist for improving cities. (read more)

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

Lady Liberty: A Century Later, Statue of Liberty Still Attracts Millions

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

VOA Learning English: A Century Later, Statue of Liberty Still Attracts Millions

Today we tell about the Statue of Liberty. The huge, green statue celebrates American freedom. It has served as the guardian of New York Harbor for more than a century. Come along with us, as we visit “Lady Liberty.” (read more)

• download pdf
• download mp3
• online quiz

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).]

Women's History Month: Biography - PR - Rosa Parks - Mother of American Civil Rights

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

ListenAndReadAlong: Biography - PR - Rosa Parks - Mother of American Civil Rights

Until the nineteen sixties, black people in many parts of the United States did not have the same civil rights as white people. Laws in the American South kept the two races separate. These laws forced black people to attend separate schools, live in separate areas of a city and sit in separate areas on a bus.

On December first, nineteen fifty-five, in the southern city of Montgomery, Alabama, a forty-two year old black woman got on a city bus. The law at that time required black people seated in one area of the bus to give up their seats to white people who wanted them.

The woman refused to do this and was arrested.
This act of peaceful disobedience started protests in Montgomery that led to legal changes in minority rights in the United States. The woman who started it was Rosa Parks (read more)


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

▪ civil rights (movement)

Stitching WWII Home Front History into Quilts

USCIS 100:81. Who did the United States fight in World War II?

MercuryNews: Stitching WWII Home Front History into Quilts (slide show)

Designs commemorating Rosie the Riveter and the rest of the Home Front movement during World War II are featured in the exhibition, “Voices in Cloth: Extraordinary Quilts by the Bay,” at Richmond’s Craneway Pavilion March 22-23. (read more)

USCIS 100: 81. Who did the United States fight in World War II?

▪ Japan, Germany, and Italy

Women's History Month: Biography - BC - Clara Barton - Founder - American Red Cross

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

ListenAndReadAlong: Biography - BC - Clara Barton - Founder - American Red Cross

Today we tell about a woman who spent her life caring for others. (read more)

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

Hillary Clinton for President? (VOA On Assignment)

VOAVideo: Hillary Clinton for President? (VOA On Assignment)

Will she, or won't she? VOA National Correspondent Jim Malone joins On Assignment's Alex Villarreal to discuss the possibility of a 2016 presidential run by former U.S. Senator and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

President Obama Meets with Women Members of Congress

USCIS 100:17. What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?*

)

wh.gov: President Obama Meets with Women Members of Congress 03/12/2014

President Obama drops by a meeting with women Members of Congress to discuss the administration's economic agenda and minimum wage efforts.

USCIS 100: 17. What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?*

▪ the Senate and House (of Representatives)

USCIS 100:18. How many U.S. Senators are there?

▪ one hundred (100)

USCIS 100:21. The House of Representatives has how many voting members?

▪ four hundred thirty-five (435)

Women's History Month: US Congresswoman Patsy Matsu Takemoto Mink and Title IX

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

Women's History Month: US Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm and Minimum Wage

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

*NEW* VOA Learning English: Shirley Chisholm, 1924-2005: The First Black Woman Elected to the U.S. Congress (03/20/11)

She was an activist who worked to improve the lives of others PEOPLE IN AMERICA (download mp3)

Women's History Month: US Congresswoman Jeannette Rankin and Finding Your US Rep with ZIP+4

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

Women's History Month: Biography - FB - Betty Friedan - Modern Women's Rights Activist - ERA champion

ListenAndReadAlong: Biography - FB - Betty Friedan - Modern Women's Rights Activist - ERA champion

Betty Friedan, 1921-2006: A Leader in the Modern Women's Rights Movement

I'm Faith Lapidus. And I'm Steve Ember with PEOPLE IN AMERICA in VOA Special English. Today we tell about Betty Friedan. She was a powerful activist for the rights of women.

Betty Friedan is often called the mother of the modern women's liberation movement. Her famous book, "The Feminine Mystique," changed America. Some people say it changed the world. It has been called one of the most influential nonfiction books of the twentieth century. (read more)

Listen and Read: Comprehension Quiz

TDLS14 Presentation Citizenship Prep: Resources and Strategies for the USCIS Citizenship Interview

Citizenship Prep: Resources and Strategies for the USCIS Citizenship Interview
Featuring the Revised N-400 and other resources.

Technology and Distance Learning Symposium 2014
March 7–8, 2014
Baldwin Park Adult and Community Education

Jennifer Gagliardi
Milpitas Adult School
jgagliar@musd.org

ppt available at
www.uscitizenpod.com

Follow me on Twitter @uscitizenpod

Notes from Building and Maintaining a Comprehensive Adult Citizenship Education Program

Notes from Building and Maintaining a Comprehensive Adult Citizenship Education Program Feb 19-20, 2014 USCIS San Francisco District Office

Download full pdf

Excerpt from the pdf about the Revised N-400 on Jan 20

USCIS Revised N-400 Application for Naturalization http://1.usa.gov/1dBDEwu

Instructions for the N-400 http://1.usa.gov/1k2LGQB

Video;  USCIS Revises Form N-400, Application for Naturalization http://bit.ly/1cDCByb

USCIS Presentation about the Revised N-400 http://1.usa.gov/1dBCLE5

10:52 AM - Revised #N-400 look at the bottom left. Note "Form  #N-400 09/13/13 N". "N"=No, do not use earlier versions.

10:58 AM - Revised #N-400 : Bar code store info and helps  process the #N-400 more quickly. More forms will be updated. Chk dates

11:05 AM - Revised #N-400 : filing requirements and fees have  not changed. See M-476 03/2012.

11:06 AM - @uscis RETWEET Visit the Citizenship Resource Center, it provides educational tools and  information for Citizenship preparation. http://www.uscis.gov/citizenship

11:06 AM - 20 Feb 2014 • @USCIS RETWEET: Want to know more about the newly revised Form N-400? Learn more here:  http://ow.ly/thLnM

11:15 AM - Revised #N-400: Intro

11:22 AM - Revised #N-400 : Note Part 2:12 Exemptions from the English Language Test 50/20, 55/15, 65/20 clearly stated.

11:24 AM - Revised #N-400 : Part 5:1,2,3 Info about Your Parents

11:28 AM - Revised #N-400 :  Part 11:14,15 Questions about perpetrator of violence versus victim of violence. Need clarification

11:32 AM - Revised #N-400 : More Questions about Part  11:16,17,18,19,20,21 about street gangs.

11:34 AM - Revised #N-400 : Part 11:37-46 Military Service and Selective Service.

11:41 AM - Revised #N-400 : Part 11:47-52 like old Part 10H  Attachment to the Constitution. NEW Part 11:53 Renounce Royal Title

11:49 AM - Revised #N-400 : Rumor: You must sing the National Anthem during the interview: FALSE!

11:50 AM - Revised #N-400 : No more than 2 to 3 percent of  applicants fail the #Naturalization interview.

11:53 AM - Revised #N-400: I-912 Fee Waiver should be submitted with the #N-400.

12:00  pm - Revised #N-400: FINISHED!  Coming back in 1 hour for the N-600 Oath Ceremony

Four American Women in Honor of Women's History Month

Our celebration of Women's History Month with a simple story about four outstanding American women: Sacagawea, Susan B. Anthony, Rosa Parks, and Dolores Huerta

• Download pdf: Four American Women in Honor of Women's History Month 
• Also download: Happy International Women's Day (Beginning ESL) 

After reading the paper, answer the questions:

Sacagawea

• 100:59. Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?
• 100:87. Name one American Indian tribe in the United States.
• 100:71. What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803?

Susan B. Anthony

• 100:77. What did Susan B. Anthony do?
• 100:48. There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.

Rosa Parks

• 100:84. What movement tried to end racial discrimination?
• 100:55. What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?

Dolores Huerta

• 100:51. What are two rights of everyone living in the United States?
• 100:100. Name two national U.S. holidays.

Women's History Month: In Performance at the White House: Women of Soul

wh.gov: In Performance at the White House: Women of Soul

President and First Lady host "In Performance at the White House: Women of Soul" for music legends and contemporary major female artists at the White House celebrating the great "foremothers" of American music, with songs expressing the struggles and achievements of women. March 6, 2014.

Also watch: Student Workshop: The History of Women in Soul

Women's History Month: The First Lady Honors International Women of Courage

wh.gov: The First Lady Honors International Women of Courage

First Lady Michelle Obama speaks at the Department of State to honor recipients of the Secretary of State's International Women of Courage Award.

The award annually recognizes women around the globe who have shown exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equality, and women's empowerment, often at great personal risk. Since the inception of the award in 2007, the Department of State has honored more than 70 women from 49 different countries.

Women's History Month: Eleanor Roosevelt and the United Nations

LISTEN to US Citizenship Podcast
mp3: Eleanor Roosevelt and 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

Women's History Month: Biography - RE - Eleanor Roosevelt - Civil rights leader - Presidents Wife

ListenandReadAlong: Biography - RE - Eleanor Roosevelt - Civil rights leader - Presidents Wife

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

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

National Women's History Project (NWHP) teaches people about the important activities of women. NWHP sponsors Women's History Month. This year's theme is Celebrating Women of Character, Courage, and Commitment .  NEW: Women's History Gazette 2014 pdf

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

Women's History Month: Susan B Anthony - Leader of Womens Rights Movement

ListenAndReadAlong: Biography - AS - Susan B Anthony - Leader of Womens Rights Movement

Susan B. Anthony, 1820-1906: She Led the Fight to Gain Equal Rights for Women, Including the Right to Vote

In the eighteen fifties, women in the United States began to try to gain the same rights as men. One woman was a leader in the campaign to gain women the right to vote (read more)

Happy Women's History Month!

Happy Women History Month! During the month of March, US Citizenship Podcast will explore the connection between the USCIS History and Government questions and the history of American Women's. Let's get started!

• Women and USCIS 100 Questions: Civics pdf
• Happy International Women's Day (Beginning ESL) pdf
• USCIS 98:90 Eleanor Roosevelt and the United Nations mp3
• USCIS 100:09 Women's Rights ARE Human Rights! mp3
• USCIS 100:77 National Women's History Month and Susan B. Anthony mp3
• USCIS 100:21 US Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm and Minimum Wage mp3
• USCIS 100:22 US Congresswoman Patsy Matsu Takemoto Mink and Title IX mp3
• USCIS 100:23 US Congresswoman Jeannette Rankin and Finding Your US Rep with ZIP+4 mp3
• USCIS 100:36 Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Passports mp3

15 USCIS Civics Questions in Honor of African-American History Month

Happy African-American History Month! During the month of February, US Citizenship Podcast explores the connection between the USCIS History and Government questions and African American History. Let's get started!

New for 2014: 15 USCIS Civics Questions in Honor of African-American History Month.

• USCIS 100:60 Slaves, Slavery, and Olaudah Equiano mp3
• USCIS 100:61 Colonists, Taxes, Crispus Attuks, Lemuel Haynes, and the American Revolutionary War mp3
• USCIS 100:62 the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson, and Sally Hemings mp3
• USCIS 100:69 George Washington, Phillis Wheatley, and Columbia mp3
• Feb 05 USCIS 100:65 The Constitutional Convention, the Great Compromise, and Slavery mp3
• USCIS 100:94 Washington DC, Benjamin Banneker, and Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson mp3
• USCIS 100:71 Louisiana Territory, Missouri River, and York mp3
• USCIS 100:09 Life, Liberty, and La Amistad mp3
• USCIS 100:77 Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, and Civil Rights mp3
• USCIS 100:99 July 4th, Slavery, and Fredrick Douglass mp3
• USCIS 100:74 Slavery, the Supreme Court, and Dred Scott mp3
• USCIS 100:75 Abraham Lincoln, Harriet Tubman, and the Underground Railroad mp3

Washington Week: In Election Year, Congress Unlikely to Tackle Tough Issues

VOANews: Washington Week: In Election Year, Congress Unlikely to Tackle Tough Issues

The U.S. Congress gets back to work Monday after a weeklong break. VOA's Michael Bowman reports, despite recent action to pass a federal budget and raise the nation's debt ceiling, expectations are low that the politically-divided legislature will tackle momentous - and contentious - legislation to reform America's immigration system and facilitate new international trade pacts.

Economics of Immigration Reform

VOAVideo: Economics of Immigration Reform

Economics. Despite near unanimous agreement that the U.S. immigration system is broken, it appears doubtful that Congress will take up the issue this year. Republicans say they don't trust the president to enforce new rules - a charge many Democrats says is simply a political excuse to deny a Democratic president a legislative victory in an election year. But some say lawmakers are missing the bigger point that immigration reform is not a political issue but an economic one. Mil Arcega has more.

West Wing Week 02/21/14 or "Don't Make Small Plans, Make Big Plans"

wh.gov: West Wing Week 02/21/14 or "Don't Make Small Plans, Make Big Plans"

This week, the President traveled to the North American Leaders Summit in Toluca, Mexico, to California to address the current drought and to meet with the King of Jordan, and to Upper Marlboro, Maryland to announce an increase in fuel efficiency standards for heavy trucks.

Happy Birthday George Washington!

More Vintage Presidential Postcards

• USCIS 100:69. Who is the "Father of Our Country"?
• ___________________ was the “Father of Our Country.”
• USCIS 100:70. Who was the first President?*
• _____________________ was the first president of the United States.

USCIS SF N600 Citizenship Ceremony

Teacher Jennifer--here is a slightly edited transcript of my live tweeter feed during the USCIS SF N600 Citizenship Ceremony.  These young adults (YAs) acquired citizenship through their parents.  

• Children under 18 automatically acquire US citizenship when their parents naturalize. 
•  Although the Certificate of Citizenship (N-600) is optional (cost: $600!), it is useful for college apps, military, etc. 
• Better to get early because citizenship derived through parents is more difficult to prove later.

Note: I will be posting my note from the USCIS Building and Maintaining a Comprehensive Adult Education Program Day 1 and 2 later.

1:43 PM - 20 Feb 2014 · #USCIS SF #N600 #Citizenship Ceremony for Children of #Naturalized  #newUScitizen. YAs have been filing in w/ parents, checking ID. Ready!

1:49 PM - 20 Feb 2014 · #USCIS SF #N600 Officer Pham introduces the teachers, festivities, and 63 YAs

1:50 PM - 20 Feb 2014 · #USCIS SF #N600 Presentation of USCIS video: Faces of America.

1:52 PM - 20 Feb 2014 · #USCIS SF #N600 "America is my peaceful refuge." --Faces of #America video

1:53 PM - 20 Feb 2014 · #USCIS SF #N600 "Whatever I have dreamed, #America has fulfilled." USCIS Faces of #America video

1:56 PM - 20 Feb 2014 · Be generous; Vote; Make your dreams come true!

1:58 PM - 20 Feb 2014 · #USCIS SF #N600 teachers lead the singing of The Star Spangled Banner. (Ok, we need to practice).

2:00 PM - 20 Feb 2014 · #USCIS SF #N600 link between Citizenship, Valentine's Day, and marriage: more privileges and more responsibilities. --USCIS Officer

2:01 PM - 20 Feb 2014 · #USCIS SF #N600 YAs are the future of the country: “You form what our identity will become.”

2:02 PM - 20 Feb 2014 · #USCIS SF #N-600 Roll call of the home countries. Everyone is standing up when their country is called.

2:04 PM - 20 Feb 2014 · #USCIS SF #N600  #newUScitizen YAs reciting the Citizenship Oath pic.twitter.com/qif9n8SWh4

2:05 PM - 20 Feb 2014 · #USCIS SF #N600  #newUScitizen parents are so happy.   Cameras go crazy!

2:07 PM - 20 Feb 2014 · #USCIS SF #N600  #newUScitizen Brother and sisters lead the crowd in the #Pledge of #Allegiance pic.twitter.com/YJn1UVvNce

2:08 PM - 20 Feb 2014 · #USCIS SF #N600  #newUScitizen An invitation to get a passport.

2:11 PM - 20 Feb 2014 · #USCIS SF #N600  #newUScitizen USCIS video: "I am Proud to be an American!" GOD BLESS THE USA!

2:12 PM - 20 Feb 2014 · #USCIS SF #N600 GOD BLESS THE YA #newUScitizen and their parents!

2:13 PM - 20 Feb 2014 · #USCIS SF #N600 GOD BLESS THE USCIS! Thanks Rosemarie Fan, Natasha Lester, and Paul Kim!

USCIS Workshop in SF Day 2

I am live-tweeting the USCIS SF Workshop on Twitter @uscitizenpod. Later this evening, I will edit the tweets and post the edited tweets to uscitizenpod.com. Day 2 Highlights: in depth discussion of the new N-400 and the N-600 Citizenship ceremony

Hello from the SF USCIS Office! I am here for the Building and Maintaining a Comprehensive Adult Education Program. Yay!

USCIS Workshop in SF

I am live-tweeting the USCIS SF Workshop on Twitter @uscitizenpod

Hello from the SF USCIS Office! I am here for the Building and Maintaining a Comprehensive Adult Education Program. Yay!

#newUScitizen

Presidents Day celebrates the birth of our nation’s first president, George Washington, and all presidents who have led this country. USCIS marks this occasion each year by holding special naturalization ceremonies across the country.

This year, we will welcome approximately 17,800 new citizens during 148 naturalization ceremonies between Feb. 14 and 22, 2014. Check out inspirational Naturalization tweets, photos, and videos on Twitter, using the hashtag #newUScitizen. 

For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit www.uscis.gov or follow us on Facebook (/uscis), Twitter (@uscis),YouTube (/uscis) and the USCIS blog The Beacon.

Happy Presidents' Day from USCitizenPod

Presidents' Day Resources from USCitizenPod

• The Presidential Valentine's Day Quiz 2014
• This year, Valentine's Day kicks off an extra-long Presidents' Day weekend. Practice for your "special day" (ie your citizenship interview) with a quiz celebrating the Presidents and their beloved First Ladies.
• A Presidents' Day Quick Interview Quiz 2013           
• This test is based on USCitizenPod’s Citizenship Interview 15--Angelica Mendoza
• Presidents' Day Quiz 2012
• Presidents’ Day Quiz 2011 Part A: Washington and Lincoln
• Presidents’ Day Quiz 2011 Part B: Executive Branch and Federalist Period
• Presidents’ Day Quiz 2011 Part C: The 1800s
• Presidents’ Day Quiz 2011 Part D: Recent History
• Presidents' Day Quiz 2010
• The Founders Quiz
• Coin Quiz
• Listen to Interview 15: Angelica Mendoza (recorded on Presidents' Day 2011) or watch the video
• Pictures of the Lincoln Memorial from Teacher Jennifer's trip to Washington DC, April 2013

Learn more at

• USCIS Citizenship Resource Center: George Washington - Beginning Level
• USCIS Citizenship Resource Center: Abraham Lincoln - Beginning Level
• SI: Preparing for the Oath: Famous Citizens

West Wing Week 2/14/14 or, "The Red, White, and Blue -- and the Blue, White, and Red"

wh.gov: West Wing Week 2/14/14 or, "The Red, White, and Blue -- and the Blue, White, and Red"

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. This week, the President hosted the first State Visit for the French President in 20 years, signed the farm bill and raised the minimum wage for federal contractors. That's February 7th to February 13th or, "The Red, White, and Blue -- and the Blue, White, and Red."

Happy Susan B. Anthony Day!

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

Susan B. Anthony, 1820-1906: She Led the Fight to Gain Equal Rights for Women, Including the Right to Vote

ISusan 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:

• ListenAndReadAlong: Biography - AS - Susan B Anthony - Leader of Womens Rights Movement
• 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
• uscitizenpod: USCIS 100:77 Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, and Civil Rights mp3
• VOANews: Susan B. Anthony, 1820-1906: She Led the Fight to Gain Equal Rights for Women, Including the Right to Vote

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

          ▪ fought for women’s rights

          ▪ fought for civil rights

A Presidential Valentine's Day Quiz

This year, Valentine's Day kicks off an extra-long Presidents' Day weekend. Practice for your "special day" (ie your citizenship interview) with a quiz celebrating the Presidents and their beloved First Ladies.

Download The Presidential Valentine's Day Quiz 2014

USCIS Training Seminars

USCIS offers free training for adult educators, program directors, volunteers, and representatives from immigrant-serving organizations. These seminars are designed to enhance the skills needed to teach U.S. history, civics, and the naturalization process to immigrant students and to administer comprehensive adult citizenship education programs. (more info)

Teacher Jennifer's note: Today is the last day to sign up for the  USCIS San Francisco workshop on Feb 19-20. Hope to see you there!

US Immigrant Families Push for Reform

VOANews: US Immigrant Families Push for Reform

Advocates for immigrant rights are calling on President Barack Obama to suspend deportations of otherwise law-abiding residents who are undocumented while Congress considers reforming the nation's immigration laws. Allies of the president are criticizing the Obama administration for deporting more than 1.9 million undocumented immigrants. VOA's Cindy Saine spoke to two women who are fighting their husbands' deportations.

US Prayer Breakfast Draws World Leaders

USCIS 100:10. What is freedom of religion?

VOANews: US Prayer Breakfast Draws World Leaders

Several world leaders were among more than 3,000 guests at the annual National Prayer Breakfast, held Thursday in Washington. As VOA's Kent Klein reports, leaders often see the gathering as an opportunity to encourage the use of religious values as a basis for political leadership.

USCIS 100:10. What is freedom of religion?

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

West Wing Week 02/07/14 or "POTUS Cam!"

wh.gov: West Wing Week 02/07/14 or "POTUS Cam!"

This week, the President urged action on long term unemployment, hung out on Google for his first virtual road trip, announced major private sector commitments to expand broadband internet for students, spoke with both House and Senate Democrats, and joined the First Lady for the National Prayer Breakfast, while she helped students get a leg up with filing for financial aid, and the Vice President unveiled Amtrak's new Cities Sprinter electric locomotive.

USCIS Revises Form N-400, Application for Naturalization

For a quick overview of the new N-400 and its comparison to the old N-400, download uscitizenpod: New USCIS N-400--a quick overview!

USCIS: USCIS Revises Form N-400, Application for Naturalization

For more info, see http://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/uscis-revises-form-n-400-application-naturalization

• Form N-400 (1.20 MB PDF)
• Instructions for Form N-400 (424 KB PDF)
• Document Checklist, Current Fees, Naturalization Eligibility Worksheet (608 KB PDF)
• Naturalization Requirements Information (220 KB PDF)
• Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance (239 KB PDF)

As part of its form improvements initiative, USCIS is today releasing a revised Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Through the Federal Register, USCIS received numerous comments from the public that helped inform this revision.

The revisions to Form N-400 provide USCIS with additional tools to make important eligibility determinations, present customers with clearer instructions, and incorporate technology that improves efficiency and accuracy for both USCIS and our customers. Although the form is now revised, the eligibility requirements for naturalization have not changed. For information on the requirements, see A Guide to Naturalization.

The revised Form N-400 (see an introductory video here) now includes:

• Additional questions to conform with the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (IRTPA) of 2004 and Child Soldier Prevention Act of 2007. The additional information is important for USCIS to make a complete and informed determination of an applicant's eligibility for U.S. citizenship. The questions relate not only to concerns surrounding good moral character but also to issues relating to the security of the United States.

• Clearer and more comprehensive instructions now highlight general eligibility requirements and help customers understand the naturalization application process by providing specific instructions on how to complete each part of the application.

• 2D barcode technology at the bottom of each page that greatly enhances USCIS's ability to more efficiently scan data for direct input to USCIS systems. This feature results in improved data quality, efficiency in processing, and overall integrity of the naturalization program. USCIS now has a dedicated Web page for vendors so that third-party software products may also share in the benefits of this technology.

The revised form is now available at www.uscis.gov/n-400. Customers may continue to use previous versions of the form for a 90-day transition period. On Monday, May 5, 2014, USCIS will no longer accept older versions of Form N-400. USCIS will reject and return previous versions of Form N-400 submitted after May 5, 2014.

Customers are encouraged to access the revised form at www.uscis.gov/n-400, fill it out electronically, print, sign and then mail it to USCIS according to the form instructions. Individuals who are unable to fill out the revised Form N-400 electronically may instead print the form and complete it by hand in black ink. Customers can also call 1-800-870-3676 to order the revised form by mail.

USCIS has additional resources online at www.uscis.gov/n-400 to introduce the revised form. USCIS will also hold a national stakeholder engagement on February 20, 2014 to inform the public about the revised Form N-400 in more detail. For information on how to participate in these events, please visit www.uscis.gov/outreach.

New Year, New Citizen, New Remix: Citizenship 2014--USCIS "Fours"

New Year, New Citizen, New Remix: Citizenship 2014--USCIS "Fours" 04 USCIS Remix: 04, 14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 64, 74, 84, 94

Happy Lunar New Year! Prepare to become a US Citizen with a new REMIX of the audio recording of the USCIS 100 question plus dictation.

First, you will hear USCIS 100:04, 14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 64, 74, 84, 94 questions only; then you will hear the questions and all of the possible answers plus 2 dictation sentences.

Download mp3: http://traffic.libsyn.com/uscitizenpod/2014-04s.mp3

New Year, New Citizen, New Remix: Citizenship 2014--USCIS "Threes"

New Year, New Citizen, New Remix: Citizenship 2014--USCIS "Threes" 03 USCIS Remix: 03, 13, 23, 33, 43, 53, 63, 73, 83, 93

Happy Lunar New Year! Prepare to become a US Citizen with a new REMIX of the audio recording of the USCIS 100 question plus dictation.

First, you will hear USCIS 100:03, 13, 23, 33, 43, 53, 63, 73, 83, 93 questions only; then you will hear the questions and all of the possible answers plus 2 dictation sentences.

Download mp3: http://traffic.libsyn.com/uscitizenpod/2014-03s.mp3

New Year, New Citizen, New Remix: Citizenship 2014--USCIS "Twos"

New Year, New Citizen, New Remix: Citizenship 2014-- USCIS "Twos" 02 USCIS Remix: 02, 12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62, 72, 82, 92

Happy Lunar New Year! Prepare to become a US Citizen with a new REMIX of the audio recording of the USCIS 100 question plus dictation.

First, you will hear USCIS 100:02 USCIS Remix: 02, 12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62, 72, 82, 92 questions only; then you will hear the questions and all of the possible answers plus 2 dictation sentences.


Download mp3: http://traffic.libsyn.com/uscitizenpod/2014-02s.mp3

New Year, New Citizen, New Remix: Citizenship 2014--USCIS "Ones"

New Year, New Citizen, New Remix: Citizenship 2014--USCIS "Ones" 01, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, 91

Happy Lunar New Year! Prepare to become a US Citizen with a new REMIX of the audio recording of the USCIS 100 question plus dictation.

First, you will hear USCIS 100:01, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, 91 questions only; then you will hear the questions and all of the possible answers plus 2 dictation sentences.

Download mp3: http://traffic.libsyn.com/uscitizenpod/2014-01s.mp3

President Obama's Lunar New Year Message

wh.gov: President Obama's Lunar New Year Message

The President and First Lady send their best wishes to everyone celebrating the Lunar New Year. In this Year of the Horse, we hope that all of us can pursue opportunity and success. We wish you and your loved ones happiness, prosperity, and good health.

Text:

Michelle and I join millions of people of Asian and Pacific Islander descent – here in the United States and around the world – in welcoming the Lunar New Year.

The Lunar New Year reminds us that this country has always drawn strength from the rich cultures and traditions of people from all different backgrounds.  It’s at the heart of who we are.  It’s why we’re fighting to make sure everyone has a chance to get ahead.  And it’s why we’ll continue to make sure that new ideas and new people are always welcome in America.

Today, my Administration is working harder than ever to fix an immigration system that doesn’t serve America as well as it should.  We’re committed to a comprehensive plan that will continue to strengthen border security and reunite families, while creating a pathway to earned citizenship and a stronger system moving forward.  We’ve already taken an important step by lifting the fear of deportation from young people, DREAMers, who are Americans in every way but on paper – kids who just want a chance to study and serve and contribute to the nation they love.  And if you’re a young person who feels like you’re living in the shadows, take advantage of this opportunity.  Because America needs your talent. 

It’s the aspiration and optimism of the next generation of New Americans that inspires us – and gives us hope for this Year of the Horse.  So, I want to wish everyone celebrating a Happy New Year.  May this be a year of prosperity for you and your families, and a year of progress for this country that we love.