Countdown to Constitution and Citizenship Day: 01

**NEW** US Constitution Quick Quiz
   vocabulary and pictures of 

• the 3 Branches of Government
• the 1st Amendment Freedoms
• the 4 Voting Rights Amendments

use US Constitution Quick Quiz with

• uscitizenpod: US Constitution Slide Show (corrected with new sharing permissions)
• uscitizenpod: The U.S. Constitution (video)

**NEW** A Quick Interview for US Constitution and Citizenship Day 2014
     25 questions based on the new N-400r.  Also check out:

• Quick Interview plus 10Qs about the Constitution
• Twenty-seven N-400 and twenty-seven USCIS 100Qs

**NEW** The Constitution
     Beginning High reading by Elsie Chandler, Milpitas Adult School

Countdown to Constitution and Citizenship Day: 02

uscitizenpod: US Citizenship Alphabet (updated)

Countdown to Constitution and Citizenship Day: 03

USCourts.gov: American Naturalization Ceremonies: The Beautiful Mosaic

Excerpts from naturalization ceremonies conducted by federal judges across the nation show the diversity of America.

USCourts.gov: Naturalization Ceremony Celebrated at Cleveland Museum (short video)
Chief Judge Solomon Oliver, Jr. of the Northern District of Ohio presided over a naturalization ceremony at the Western Reserve Historical Society in Cleveland, OH. Oliver welcomed 119 new citizens from 15 countries.

USCourts.org: New Citizens Welcomed at Aztec Ruins Naturalization Ceremony (short video)
Gathering inside a hallowed Pueblo ceremonial room that is nearly 900 years old, the District of New Mexico's chief judge and 10 new American citizens staged a unique naturalization ceremony.

USCourts.gov: CONSTITUTION DAY AND CITIZENSHIP DAY RESOURCES

• Download the PowerPoint Presentation (ppt) (an excellent resource)
• About the U.S. Constitution
• Naturalization Ceremonies
• Podcast: Naturalization Ceremonies
• Photos: Naturalization Ceremonies Across America
• Naturalizations Highlight National Celebration of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day
  

Countdown to Constitution and Citizenship Day: 04

Bill of Rights Institute

• Constitution Day Resources (very interesting games but small text)
• Free Lesson Plans: K-12 oriented but can be adapted for ESL/Citizenship students
• Being An American: Exploring the Ideals that Unite Us, High School Ed. with ESL Guide lesson plans $35.00

ConstitutionFacts:

• U.S. Constitution Day Toolkit: Celebrate Constitution Day with crossword puzzles, treasure hunts and words finds – and much more! Click on the links below and share these free resources on Constitution Day.
• Read Famous Quotes about the U.S. Constitution and Democracy.
• Try our fun Crossword Puzzles!
• Test Your Knowledge about the U.S. Constitution.
• Explore ConstitutionFacts.com to find answers to the Treasure Hunts.
• Find the hidden words in our Word Finds.
• Check out these important Dates To Remember
• Reference  Glossary of Terms.

National Constitution Center

• Constitution Day 2014: The Bill of Rights
• Constitution Day Resources
• Naturalization Test

USCIS Constitution Day and Citizenship Day

On September 17, 1787, the Founding Fathers signed the U.S. Constitution. For the past 225 years, the Constitution has served as the supreme law of the land. The Constitution, along with the Bill of Rights and other amendments, define our government and guarantee our rights. Each year, on September 17, Americans celebrate Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. In addition, September 17-23 is also recognized as Constitution Week. During this time, USCIS encourages Americans to reflect on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and what it means to be a U.S. citizen.

US Department of Education: Commemorating Constitution Day and Citizenship Day

Each educational institution that receives Federal funds for a fiscal year is required to hold an educational program about the U.S. Constitution for its students. This posting is intended to remind affected educational institutions of this responsibility and to provide resources for them to use in developing their program. To assist in planning Constitution Day programs, we are pleased to provide links to Web sites that contain materials that can be publicly accessed for general use or for use as teaching materials in the classroom.

Countdown to Constitution and Citizenship Day: 05

AmericanHistory.si.edu/Citizenship/ for Constitution and Citizenship Day

1. Government Basics USCIS 100: 2, 1, 3, 13
2. Writing the Constitution: USCIS 100: 65, 66, 67, 4, 7, 5
3. Transcripts & Words Lists: download pdfs for study and create handouts

West Wing Week: 9/12/14 or, "Meeting Those Threats with Strength and Resolve"

wh.gov: West Wing Week: 9/12/14 or, "Meeting Those Threats with Strength and Resolve"

This week the President concluded a summit in Wales with NATO allies, hosted a White House meeting with Congressional leadership on foreign policy, addressed the nation in primetime and commemorated the 13th anniversary of the September 11th attacks

Countdown to Constitution and Citizenship Day: 06

Heritage.org: We the People: Honoring Constitution Day

As we celebrate another Constitution Day, we should take time to reflect on the awesome gift of the Constitution and work to commit ourselves further to the principles of the Founding.

Obama, Families of September 11 Victims Pause to Remember

VOANews: Obama, Families of September 11 Victims Pause to Remember

Politicians, dignitaries, relatives of those who died gather in New York, Washington, Pennsylvania commemorate nearly 3,000 people killed in al-Qaida's attack on US.

Also watch:

• VOAVideo: 9/11 The Day That Was A video montage of how that fateful day unfolded 10 years ago
• VOAVideo: 9/11 - Ten Years Later How did the September 11, 2001 attacks on the US change life for Americans and the world? VOA attempts to answer that question in this series of reports.
• VOAVideo: Public Reacts to 9/11 Museum The general public now has access to the 9-11 Museum in New York - at the site of the 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. But the opening comes with some key issues

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

a.  Capitalists attacked China.
b.  Communists attacked Afghanistan.
c.  Fascists attacked India.
d.  Terrorists attacked the United States.

Countdown to Constitution and Citizenship Day: 07

USCIS: Oath of Allegiance - Constitution Week 2013

**NEW** USCIS: Naturalization Ceremony at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on 8-28-2014, August 28, 2014
Naturalization ceremony held at the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial. Featured USCIS Director Leon Rodrigeuz.

USCIS: Citizenship Day Naturalization Ceremony at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, September 17, 2013
Join us in welcoming 25 new U.S. citizens during a special Constitution Day and Citizenship Day naturalization ceremony at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. U.S. Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Rand Beers will administer the Oath of Allegiance. USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas will present the candidates for citizenship and Danielle Gray, Cabinet Secretary and Assistant to the President, will provide remarks. Sree Sreenivasan, Chief Digital Officer for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, will give the keynote speech. While you watch the ceremony we encourage you to express your thoughts and congratulations with your fellow Americans by following us on Twitter @USCIS and using #newUScitizen.

USCIS: Gettysburg Dedication Day Ceremony a Naturalization Ceremony & remarks from Steve Spielberg, Nov 20, 2012
Since 1938, the Lincoln Fellowship of Pennsylvania has been commemorating the anniversary of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address with their Dedication Day program. November 19th was officially designated as Dedication Day by a Joint Resolution of Congress on the anniversary of the Gettysburg Address in 1946. In recent years, the National Park Service and the Civil War Institute at Gettysburg College have joined with the Lincoln Fellowship in sponsoring the ceremonies. This ceremony was held in Gettysburg PA on November 19th, 2012.

USCIS: Naturalization 6-21-2012
USCIS Naturalization ceremony at the U.S. State Department.

USCIS: Oakland Naturalization - 02/15/12
On February 15th, USCIS Deputy Director Lori Scialabba naturalized 1,268 candidates from 114 countries at the historic Paramount Theater in Oakland, California. Anni Chung was recognized as an "Outstanding American by Choice" for her 36 years of service with the organization "Self Help for the Elderly".

USCIS: Naturalization Ceremony with Outstanding American by Choice, Madeleine Albright, Sept. 23, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011, 50 U.S. permanent residents took the Oath of Allegiance to become U.S. citizens in the heart of our nation's capital.

USCIS: USCIS Naturalization at Basic Training: Fort Sill, Oklahoma, May 20, 2011

USCIS: Veterans Day Iraq Naturalization, Nov 30, 2010
Stephanie Ostapowich visits Iraq to cover the Veterans day naturalization ceremonies.

USCIS: Iraq Naturalization Video, Nov 11, 2010
USCIS Public Affairs Officer Stephanie Ostapowich covers the USCIS military expedited citizenship program in Iraq.

USCIS: Military Naturalization at the Pentagon, Nov 2, 2010

USCIS: Chicago Naval Naturalization, Nov 1, 2010
Video coverage of a large naval naturalization in Chicago.

Happy Birthday, California!

Today is California Admissions Day.

I have created and uploaded a simple fact sheet about the State of California. I also included info about our local government officials for the students of Milpitas Adult School.

I uploaded this as a .doc file instead of .pdf so you can easily modify the .doc with the info/pictres of your own state and local officials. Have fun!

USCIS 100:20. Who is one of your state’s U.S. Senators now?*

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

USCIS 100:43. Who is the Governor of your state now?

USCIS 100:44. What is the capital of your state?*

Countdown to Constitution and Citizenship Day: 08

Constitution and Citizenship Day is on Wednesday, Sept. 17--just a week away.

Prep your students and staff with this slideshow and handout.

What is US Constitution and Citizenship Day?  (Google Slides)

What is US Constitution and Citizenship Day? handout pdf

Countdown to Constitution and Citizenship Day: 09

Today we are featuring the Constitution resources ELCivics.com--perfect for beginning and intermediate ESL/Citizenship student.  Area of particular interest for Constitution and Citizenship Day:

• The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution
• U.S. Constitution
• Constitution notes for Students
• Bill of Rights
• Rights and Freedoms
• Voting Amendments
• Three Branches of Government 
• Civics Education
• The Federalist Papers
• Civics Test PowerPoint, Citizenship Questions 1-50
• Civics Test PowerPoint, Citizenship Questions 51-100

Kudos to Christina Niven for all her good works!

s. 

I Love You, California

The Star-Spangled Banner is the name of the national anthem.
What is the name of state anthem of California?

Get ready for California Admissions Day (Sept 9) by learning California's state anthem!

State Song of California — "I Love You, California" by Rafael Florént

I.
I love you, California, you're the greatest state of all.
I love you in the winter, summer, spring and in the fall.
I love your fertile valleys; your dear mountains I adore.
I love your grand old ocean and I love her rugged shore.

Chorus
Where the snow crowned Golden Sierras
Keep their watch o'er the valleys bloom,
It is there I would be in our land by the sea,
Every breeze bearing rich perfume.
It is here nature gives of her rarest. It is Home Sweet Home to me,
And I know when I die I shall breathe my last sigh
For my sunny California.

II.
I love your red-wood forests - love your fields of yellow grain.
I love your summer breezes and I love your winter rain.
I love you, land of flowers; land of honey, fruit and wine.
I love you, California; you have won this heart of mine.

III.
I love your old gray Missions - love your vineyards stretching far.
I love you, California, with your Golden Gate ajar.
I love your purple sun-sets, love your skies of azure blue.
I love you, California; I just can't help loving you.

IV.
I love you, Catalina, you are very dear to me.
I love you, Tamalpais, and I love Yosemite.
I love you, Land of Sunshine, half your beauties are untold.
I loved you in my childhood, and I'll love you when I'm old.

Also see bendstunde49: "I Love You, California" - Prince's Orchestra (1914) California State Song (instrumental--great old pictures)

Countdown to Constitution and Citizenship Day: 10

ListenAndReadAlong: THE MAKING OF A NATION -- American history in VOA Special English

• American History - Part 015 - Birth of the Constitution Start at minute 2:10
• American History - Part 016 - Birth of the Constitution - Part 2
• American History - Part 017 - Birth of the Constitution - Part 3 - Making of a Nation
• American History - Part 018 - Birth of the Constitution - Part 4 - Executive Branch
• American History - Part 019 - Birth of the Constitution - Part 5 - Big State vs Small State
• American History - Part 020 - Birth of the Constitution - Part 6 - Slaves
• American History - Part 021 - Birth of the Constitution - Part 7 - States Ratify
• American History - Part 022 - Bill of Rights

Countdown to Constitution and Citizenship Day: 11

The Constitution of the United States with a Side-by-Side Translation in Simple English
by Elizabeth Claire, MA TESOL, Editor, Easy English NEWS
Download the free PDF!

Citizenship Questions and Answers 
from elizabethclaire.com 
Download the free PDF!

***Teacher Jennifer's comments: My students and I love the Easy English News monthly newspaper and resources.  Kudos to Elizabeth Claire for all her good works!

West Wing Week 09/05/14 or, "Every Gray Hair Is Worth It"

wh.gov: West Wing Week 09/05/14 or, "Every Gray Hair Is Worth It"

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. This week, the President celebrated Labor Day and American Economic Patriotism at Milwaukee's Laborfest, then traveled East for a three day, two country trip to Estonia and then on to the NATO summit in Wales.

Countdown to Constitution and Citizenship Day: 12

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

US Workers, Politicians Debate Low Wages

VOAVideo US Workers, Politicians Debate Low Wages

Thousands of protesters gathered at fast food restaurants around the United States on Thursday to demand a higher minimum wage for American workers. Mike O'Sullivan reports from Los Angeles that in the absence of action by Congress, the debate over raising the minimum wage is taking place city by city and state by state. Originally posted at http://www.voanews.com/media/video/2439210.html

Countdown to Constitution and Citizenship Day: 13

uscitizenpod: The U.S. Constitution (video)

A basic introduction to the Constitution for ESL/Citizenship students. This video is based upon a ppt that I made in 2005 and modified in 2008. Thanks for studying the U.S. Constitution--I know that you will be a great American citizen!

Countdown to Constitution and Citizenship Day: 14

uscitizenpod: US Constitution Slide Show (corrected with new sharing permissions)

Countdown to Constitution and Citizenship Day: 15

Constitution and 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 Constitution Day, students study the US Constitution, focusing on the rights and responsibilities 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. For example, watch our video US Constitution.

USCIS Citizenship Resource Center
Benjamin Franklin and the U.S. Constitution - Beginning Level

Benjamin Franklin and the U.S. Constitution lesson plan and handouts for literacy students and low beginners covering civics test items 1, 2, 3, 12, 13, 14, 65, 66, 67, and 68.

Download file (255.8 KB)  | 08/07/12

Download handouts (424.5 KB) 
Download answer key (210.9 KB) 

One Family Faces the Immigration Debate | The New York Times

NYTimes: One Family Faces the Immigration Debate | The New York Times

With comprehensive immigration reform on hold in Congress, Nancy Paredo’s family is waiting on a promise from President Obama to take executive action. Here’s a look at some steps he might take.

Produced by: Emily B. Hager and Natalia V. Osipova

Read the story here: http://nyti.ms/1pIHKsN

Subscribe to the Times Video newsletter for free and get a handpicked selection of the best videos from The New York Times every week: http://bit.ly/timesvideonewsletter

Subscribe on YouTube: http://bit.ly/U8Ys7n

Watch more videos at: http://nytimes.com/video

Labor Day Quiz

Citizenship? WE CAN DO IT!

Ten Labor Day questions which combines US Labor History with the USCIS 100qs (download quiz)

Why do Americans and Canadians celebrate Labor Day? - Kenneth C. Davis

TED-ED: Why do Americans and Canadians celebrate Labor Day? - Kenneth C. Davis

View full lesson: http://bit.ly/1yZVuly

In the United States and Canada, the first Monday of September is a federal holiday, Labor Day. Originally celebrated in New York City's Union Square in 1882, Labor Day was organized by unions as a rare day of rest for the overworked during the Industrial Revolution. Kenneth C. Davis illustrates the history of Labor Day from Union Square to today.

Activists Urge President to Act Alone on Immigration

VOAVideo: Activists Urge President to Act Alone on Immigration

New York immigration activists are calling on President Barack Obama to unilaterally end deportations and allow undocumented immigrants to work legally by the end of the summer. Daniela Schrier has more from New York.

GCFLearnFree.org Simple English GOVERNMENT

GCFLearnFree.org Simple English GOVERNMENT

West Wing Week 08/29/14 or "Choose the Harder Right Instead of the Easier Wrong"

wh.gov: West Wing Week 08/29/14 or "Choose the Harder Right Instead of the Easier Wrong"

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, and beyond. This week, the White House honored two important anniversaries, for Women's Rights and Civil Rights, and the President announced new actions to improve access to quality healthcare for veterans.

NEW: N-400r Quiz 01

New: N-400r Quiz 01

• Children
• Citizenship
• Constitution
• Country
• Crime
• Date
• Eligibility (eligible)
• Email Address
• Home Address
• Legal Permanent Resident Card
• Marital Status
• Name
• Phone Number
• School
• Signature
• Taxes
• Terrorist
• Trips outside of the U.S.
• Vote
• Work

Revised N-400 Section 3 Interview

Revised N-400 Section 3 Interview

US Business Leaders Argue for Immigration Reform

VOANews: US Business Leaders Argue for Immigration Reform

U.S. President Barack Obama’s proposed comprehensive immigration reform remains stalled in a politically divided Congress, but business leaders around the country say immigration reform is needed to keep the economy growing. The situation was the focus of a recent business forum in Houston, where VOA’s Greg Flakus filed this report. Originally published at http://www.voanews.com/media/video/2423991.html

Easy Interview based on the Revised N-400

Easy Interview based on the Revised N-400 (via Google slides--corrected)

Easy Interview based on the Revised N-400 (handout pdf)

#citizenshipinterview USCIS_100:01-10

#citizenshipinterview will resume on Monday, Aug 25, 9 am (PST) with USCIS_100:01-10 on Twitter @uscitizenpod

Keep track with Quiz 10q-01-10

Citizenship Interview on Twitter

I am trying an experiment:

• On Sunday, August 24, I am tweeting the N400 Easy Interview
•  Available on:Twitter https://twitter.com/uscitizenpod #citizenshipinterview 
• On Monday, Aug 25, 9 am #citizenshipinterview will resume with 10 US History and Government questions 

Please check it out!

Revised N-400 Section 2 Interview

• Revised N-400 Section 2 Interview

West Wing Week 08/22/14 or, “The Summer Social Media Mailbag Edition”

wh.gov: West Wing Week 08/22/14 or, “The Summer Social Media Mailbag Edition”

Also check out Google Art Project: The White House

Revised N-400 Section 1 Interview

• Revised N-400 Section 1 Interview

US Citizenship Class Orientation Fall 2014--UPDATED!

uscitizenpod: Citizenship Class Orientation Fall 2014--UPDATED!

Simple Interview based on the Revised N-400

uscitizenpod: Simple Interview based on the Revised N-400

Easy Interview based on the Revised N-400

uscitizenpod: Easy Interview based on the Revised N-400

The Star Spangled Banner Presented by the United States Air Force Band

USCIS 100:98. What is the name of the national anthem?

ListenandReadAlong: The Star Spangled Banner Presented by the United States Air Force Band

Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Information presented on the United States Air Force Band site is considered public information and may be distributed or copied. Use of appropriate byline/photo/image credits is requested.

This media file is a work of a U.S. Department of Defense employee, made during the course of the person's official duties. As a work of the U.S. federal government, the media file is in the public domain.

Generally speaking, works created by U.S. Government employees are not eligible for copyright protection in the United States. See Circular 1 "COPYRIGHT BASICS" PDF from the U.S. Copyright Office.

This Composition is in the public domain because its copyright has expired. This applies to the United States, where Works published prior to 1978 were copyright protected for a maximum of 75 years. See Circular 1 "COPYRIGHT BASICS" PDF from the U.S. Copyright Office. Works published before 1923 are now in the public domain.

This composition is also in the public domain in countries that figure copyright from the date of death of the artist (post mortem auctoris) in this case Francis Scott Key (August 1, 1779--January 11, 1843) and John Stafford Smith (March 30, 1750 -- September 21, 1836), and that most commonly runs for a period of 50 to 70 years from December 31 of that date.

USCIS 100:98. What is the name of the national anthem?

1. America, the Beautiful
2. God Bless, America
3. The Star-Spangled Banner
4. This Land Is Your Land

How States Got Their Nicknames series

VOA Learning English: How States Got Their Nicknames series

Buckeyes, Sooners, Quakers, Volunteers and Cowboys
Come to Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Wyoming | Words and Their Stories (listen)

The Garden State, the Granite State and the Empire State
Also, the Show Me State, the Land of Enchantment, and even more state nicknames | Words and Their Stories (listen)

The Gem State, the Land of Lincoln and the Crossroads of America...
America's 50 states have some of the most historically interesting nicknames. In this part two of nicknames of the states, you will learn about the Gem state, the Land of Lincoln and more in the Crossroads of America. | Words and Their Stories (listen)

Heart of Dixie, The Last Frontier, The Aloha State and More...
From the "Golden State" of California to the "Sunshine State" of Florida | Words and Their Stories (listen)

West Wing Week 08/15/14 or, “Mikey Goes to Washington"

wh:gov: West Wing Week 08/15/14 or, “Mikey Goes to Washington"

Welcome to a special Summer Edition of the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. This week, while the President focused on the developing situations both in Iraq and in our nation's heartland, in Ferguson, Missouri, West Wing Week tagged along for the first few hours and days of one of the newest employees here at the White House, and for the launch of the newly created US Digital Service (more info here). That's August 8th to 15th or...Mikey Goes to Washington.

Obama Expected to Act on Undocumented Immigrants

VOAVideo: Obama Expected to Act on Undocumented Immigrants

President Barack Obama is expected to take executive action to address the plight of millions of undocumented immigrants in the United States -- provoking cheers from immigrant rights groups and condemnation from those who see it as amnesty for law-breakers. VOA’s Michael Bowman reports from Washington, where Congress has not passed comprehensive immigration reform or approved funds to deal with a surge of child migrants at America's southern border. Originally published at http://www.voanews.com/media/video/2413532.html

VOA Learning English Word of the Day: Independent

VOA Word of the Day 08/14/2014:  Independent
VOA Word of the Day 08/13/2014:  Candidate

You can also download the FREE the gorgeous 2014 VOA Calendar and the VOA Special English Word Book-- a list of 1500 words and their definitions.

Use VOA’s Pro•nounce to correctly pronounce names and places quickly and easily. VOA's pronunciation guide has helped people around the world pronounce challenging words in the news since 2000.

Confessions of an English Learner is a place for you to practice your writing and share the joys and pains of learning the language. We will post a weekly prompt, to give you a chance to practice your writing and to comment on others’ writing.

Angel Island US Immigration Station

I took a "bus man's holiday" and visited Angel Island Immigration Station, August 10, 2014.

From 1910 to 1940, the Angel Island Immigration Station processed approximately 1 million Asian immigrants entering into the US, leading to it sometimes being referred to as "The Ellis Island of the West". Due to the restrictions of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, many Chinese immigrants spent years on the island, waiting for entry. While waiting for entry into the United States, many of those at Angel Island began carving poetry in the walls of their barracks. Officers of the station puttied over the walls as many as seven times between 1910 and 1940 to cover over the poetry. In time, the putty flaked off and the poetry was visible again. A fire destroyed the administration building in 1940, and subsequent immigration processing took place in San Francisco.

In 1964, the Chinese American community successfully lobbied the State of California to designate the immigration station as a State Landmark. Today, the Angel Island Immigration Station is a federally designated National Historic Landmark. It was renovated by the California State Parks, which re-opened February 16, 2009.

Plan your trip and visit Angel Island ASAP!

US Border Patrol Members Discuss Dangers Facing Migrants

VOAVideo: Border Patrol Members Discuss Dangers Facing Migrants

As young, undocumented immigrants from Central America continue to come across the U.S.-Mexican border - in many cases fleeing poverty, crime and gang violence in their home countries - the men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol are on the front lines of the effort to deal with the situation. VOA's Celia Mendoza and Ramon Taylor recently rode along with members of the Border Patrol in Texas' Rio Grande Valley to talk about the dangers migrants encounter when attempting to cross the border.
Originally published at - http://www.voanews.com/media/video/2407698.html

You’ve Got Money (VOA On Assignment August 8, 2014)

VOAVideo: You’ve Got Money (VOA On Assignment August 8, 2014)

There are some 200 million migrants across the world who have left home to find work in other countries. Each year, they send home hundreds of billions of dollars to their families back home – enough money to shape the economies of their native nations. VOA’s Laurel Bowman talks with Philip Alexiou about the economic game changing nature of these remittances
Originally published at http://www.voanews.com/media/video/2406138.html

A Most Dangerous Journey (VOA On Assignment August 8, 2014)

VOAVideo: A Most Dangerous Journey (VOA On Assignment August 8, 2014)

Tens of thousands of children and teens from Mexico and Central America have been surging into the U.S. illegally, driven by the mistaken belief that they will not be returned home should they make it across the border. The trip is full of hardship and danger, and Alex Villarreal talks with VOA’s Brian Padden, who went to Honduras recently to see the hope and heartache firsthand.
Originally published at http://www.voanews.com/media/video/2406141.html

West Wing Week 8/8/14 or, "To the New Africa"

wh.gov: West Wing Week 8/8/14 or, "To the New Africa"

This week, the President hosted about 50 African Heads-of-State for the first-ever U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, signed a bill to improve care for America's veterans, and expanded flexibility for cell phone users.

ESL Podcast 1022 – Being Cited for a DUI

N-400 Part 11:30a: Have you ever been a habitual drunkard?

ESL Podcast 1022 – Being Cited for a DUI 
  It’s really not complicated, guys: Don’t drink and drive. Learn what happens when you do in this episode. Download Podcast 

• attorney
• DUIs
• handled
• cases
• penalties
• first offense
• fined
• probation
• restricted
• mandatory jail time
• driver's license
• suspended
• severe
• revoked
• alcohol treatment program
• deterrent
• behind bars

Also checkout ESLPodcast's audio course: Introduction to the United States

JenniferESL: Oral Reading Fluency 6: "Who Can Lead a Nation?"

USPS 100:15. Who is in charge of the executive branch?

JenniferESL: Oral Reading Fluency 6: "Who Can Lead a Nation?"

Published on Apr 15, 2014
Practice Text 6 "Who Can Lead a Nation?"
Word count: 73

TEACHERS: You can use the text for a dictation, a gapped text, or other form of classroom practice. For your convenience, here is the text you can copy and paste into a Word document.

Who can lead a nation? Who can govern a people? Would you want to be president if you could?

What is good for one isn't always good for many. A leader should care about the young and the old. A leader must think about families and businesses. To run a country, you need to be a person of action. You must know the law and do what's right for your people.

Words from General Service List (GSL) #1-300
http://jbauman.com/gsl.html

Vocabulary Profiler:
98.63% high frequency (#1-1000)
1.37% high frequency (#1001-2000) "govern"
http://www4.caes.hku.hk/vocabulary/profile.htm

Gunning Fox Index
5.240 on http://gunning-fog-index.com/
5.2 on https://readability-score.com/

USPS 100:15. Who is in charge of the executive branch?
▪ the President

National Night Out Is August 5!

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

National Night Out, “America’s Night Out Against Crime”, in 1984 began an effort to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

NATW’s National Night Out program culminates annually, on the first Tuesday of August. To find a National Night Out celebration in a neighborhood near you, go to NATW.org






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

Happy Birthday President Obama!

Happy Birthday to our 44th president, Barack Hussein Obama!
President Obama was born on August 4, 1961, in Honolulu, Hawaii

"Yes We Can!" Cake decorated by the Larson Family of San Jose, CA
in honor of the Inauguration of President Barack Obama, January 2009.

N-400 Practice:

• What is your first name?
• What is your middle name?
• What is you last name?
• What is your date of birth?
• What is your place of birth?

Celebrating America in Song

USCIS 100:98. What is the name of the national anthem?

VOANews: Celebrating America in Song

Americans celebrate the Fourth of July with family gatherings, parades, speeches and fireworks. They also celebrate with patriotic music | American Mosaic | LISTEN

• VOA Learning English Quiz: CELEBRATING AMERICA

USCIS 100:98. What is the name of the national anthem?
▪ The Star-Spangled Banner

USCIS 100:99. When do we celebrate Independence Day?*
▪ July 4

USCIS 100:100. Name two national U.S. holidays.
▪ New Year’s Day
▪ Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
▪ Presidents’ Day
▪ Memorial Day
▪ Independence Day
▪ Labor Day
▪ Columbus Day
▪ Veterans Day
▪ Thanksgiving
▪ Christmas

New USPS Stamp: THE CIVIL WAR: 1864

New USPS Stamp: THE CIVIL WAR: 1864

One of the new Civil War: 1864 stamps that will be late July 2014 depicts Adm. David G. Farragut’s fleet at the Battle of Mobile Bay (Alabama).

See the whole USPS CIVIL WAR SESQUICENTENNIAL series illustrating moments from the war-torn years of 1861 to 1865, issued around the time of the Civil War’s 150th anniversary.

USPS 100:72. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1800s.
▪ War of 1812
▪ Mexican-American War
▪ Civil War
▪ Spanish-American War

USPS 100:73. Name the U.S. war between the North and the South.
▪ the Civil War
▪ the War between the States

USPS 100:74. Name one problem that led to the Civil War.
▪ slavery
▪ economic reasons
▪ states’ rights

USPS 100:75. What was one important thing that Abraham Lincoln did?*
▪ freed the slaves (Emancipation Proclamation)
▪ saved (or preserved) the Union
▪ led the United States during the Civil War

USPS 100:76. What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?
▪ freed the slaves
▪ freed slaves in the Confederacy
▪ freed slaves in the Confederate states
▪ freed slaves in most Southern states

West Wing Week 08/01/14: A Walk Down Main Street with President Obama

wh.gov: West Wing Week 08/01/14: A Walk Down Main Street with President Obama

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, and beyond. This week, the President hosted the inaugural Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, reaffirmed America's commitment to Ukraine, and continued responding to Americans' letters - this time in Kansas City