What is a "Lame Duck"?

ESLPod.com Blog:These Ducks Can’t Walk

“This week, the lame ducks are returning to Congress for their last bit of legislating (making laws). But no one seems too excited to see them.” That was the lede (or lead; the first sentence or paragraph) for a news story in the Washington Post last week.

Other newspapers and websites echoed (repeated) those feelings in their headlines (the title of a news story):

• Lamest Lame Duck (Politico)
• How Lame Will The Lame Ducks Be? (The Atlantic)
• Don’t Let Lame Ducks Spend Your Money (American Spectator)

We all probably know what a duck is. But, a lame duck? (read more)

Obama’s Immigration Action Comes Under Attack in Congress

VOANews: Obama’s Immigration Action Comes Under Attack in Congress

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson defended President Barack Obama’s recent executive order on immigration Tuesday before the House Homeland Security Committee. As VOA’s Cindy Saine reports from Capitol Hill, Republican Party anger over what they see as an "executive power grab" might affect a government funding bill that has to be passed by December 11.
Originally published at -http://www.voanews.com/media/video/obama-executive-action-immigration-congress/2543623.html

US Politicians Busy Planning for 2016 Elections

VOA Learning English: US Politicians Busy Planning for 2016 Elections

The Republican Party is preparing to control both houses of the United States Congress in January. Republican candidates won big victories in the recent U.S. congressional elections. The Democratic Party lost its majority in the Senate. The Democrats must now adjust to being the minority party in both houses. (read more)

What Obama's Immigration Action Really Means (On Assignment)

VOAVideo: What Obama's Immigration Action Really Means (On Assignment): http://youtu.be/TCtQ9YxHSPk via @YouTube

VOA National Correspondent Jim Malone chats with On Assignment’s Alex Villarreal about President Barack Obama's executive action on immigration.

Future Uncertain for Asian Immigrants Facing Deportation in US

VOAVideo: Future Uncertain for Asian Immigrants Facing Deportation in US

In the debate about immigration in the United States, one group often overlooked is the estimated 1.3 million illegal immigrants from Asia. President Barack Obama’s recent executive order can provide a temporary reprieve from deportation to about 400,000 of these people, but for many more, the future is uncertain. VOA's Elizabeth Lee reports.
Originally published at - http://www.voanews.com/media/video/future-uncertain-asian-immigrants-facing-deportation-us/2536351.html

West Wing Week: 11/28/14 or, "We Need Turkey

wh.gov: West Wing Week: 11/28/14 or, "We Need Turkey


Welcome to this Turkey Day edition of West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, and beyond. This week, the President traveled to Las Vegas and Chicago to highlight the steps he is taking to reform our broken immigration system, awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and delivered a statement on the Grand Jury's decision in Ferguson, while the Vice President and Dr. Biden visited Ukraine and Turkey. That's November 21st to November 27th or, "We Need Turkey."

Also watch wh.gov: The First Family Participates in a Service Project

Ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, the First Family continued their annual tradition by participating in a service project. This year's project was at Bread for the City — a Southeast Washington, D.C. charity dedicated to providing Washington's most vulnerable residents with food, clothing, and other services.

US Community Kicks Off Thanksgiving With Parade

VOAVideo: US Community Kicks Off Thanksgiving With Parade

Thursday is Thanksgiving in the United States, a holiday whose roots go back to the country's earliest days as a British colony. One way Americans celebrate the occasion is with parades. Anush Avetisyan takes us to one such event on the day before Thanksgiving near Washington, where a community's diversity is on display. Joy Wagner narrates
Originally published at - http://www.voanews.com/media/video/us-community-kicks-off-thanksgiving-with-parade/2536148.html</>

also watch:

VOAVideo: Holiday Shopping Erodes Thanksgiving Tradition, Many Say

Thanksgiving PPTX, Video, and More!

Kahoot.it: Thanksgiving and USCIS Citizenship Question

http://goo.gl/fD0woD 

Questions about the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag inspired USCIS Citizenship questions and answers.

uscitizenpod: Thanksgiving Video
http://youtu.be/_6n3tH9rlvk

uscitizenpod: Thanksgiving pptx  http://goo.gl/Ds42G6

• LearningChocolate.com: U.S. Citizenship 15: Thanksgiving http://goo.gl/cqLhz6 
• LearningChocolate.com: U.S. Citizenship 5: American Indian Tribes http://goo.gl/wq9FfA
• uscitizenpod: Thanksgiving Citizenship Interview 2013 http://goo.gl/75rix9
• uscitizenpod: 10 USCIS Questions in honor of President John F. Kennedy http://goo.gl/edy9cX

Older resources, but still useful:

Thanksgiving! (posted Nov 2007)

Today we will review the 96Qs (50, 53, 68, 69, 70) and the new 100Q (10, 58, 59, 87, 100) related to Thanksgiving.  Note the difference between the old and new sets of USCIS questions.

Handouts:

1. Thanksgiving mp3
2. Q50 and 53 Class Handout
3. Q68-70 Class Handout
4. Thanksgiving Quiz: USCIS 96Qs and new 100Qs
5. Thanksgiving Quiz Answers (Qs with answers--perfect for practice)
6. Thanksgiving Cloze Essay

Dictation:

1. All people want to be free.
2. Many people come to America for freedom.

There are many links listed on the handouts. Of special interest are

1. ELCivics.com: Thanksgiving
2. ELCivics.com: The 13 Original Colonies
3. ELCivics.com: American Indian Tribes
4. TimePage: 13 Original Colonies Time Line

Not on the handouts, but still good practice:

1. Thanksgiving Quiz 1 - Thanksgiving in the USA (Charles Kelly) 35 medium to difficult multiple-choice questions
2. Thanksgiving Quiz 2 - The First Thanksgiving in America (Charles Kelly) 30 medium to difficult multiple-choice questions
3. Thanksgiving Quiz 3 - How Thanksgiving Becomes a National Holiday in the USA (Charles Kelly) 10 medium to difficult multiple-choice questions

U.S. Citizenship 15: Thanksgiving

LearningChocolate.com: U.S. Citizenship 15: Thanksgiving
http://goo.gl/cqLhz6

The Pilgrims were a small group of Europeans from England.
The Pilgrims left Europe to escape persecution.
The Pilgrims wanted freedom to practice their religion.
The Pilgrims decided to go to America to be colonists.
The Pilgrims sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to start a colony.

Before the Pilgrims left the ship, they wrote and signed the Mayflower Compact.
The Mayflower Compact said that the Pilgrims would practice self-government.
The Mayflower Compact said that the Pilgrims would have political liberty and religious freedom..

The Pilgrims landed in the land of the Wampanoag, near present-day Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
The Pilgrims were met by the Wampanoag.
The Wampanoag were a Native American tribe.
The Wampanoag were led by Chief Massasoit.
The Pilgrims were led by William Bradford.

The Pilgrims started the Plymouth Colony.
The Wampanoag helped the Pilgrims grow food.
After the fall harvest of 1621, the Pilgrims and Wampanoag celebrated Thanksgiving.

Americans now celebrate Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November.
We celebrate Thanksgiving with food, family, and friends.
Some people collect food and clothing for the poor.
Others start their Christmas shopping during the Thanksgiving weekend.
Happy Thanksgiving!

• USCIS 100:58. What is one reason colonists came to America?
• USCIS 100:59. Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?
• USCIS 100:100. Name two national U.S. holidays.

"The Mayflower Compact 1620" by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Mayflower_Compact_1620_cph.3g...

"Embarkation of the Pilgrims - Google Art Project" by Robert Walter Weir
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Robert_Walter_Weir_-_Embarkation_...

"The First Thanksgiving" by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6e/The_First_Thanksgivin...
**Note: The painting shows common misconceptions about the event that persist to modern times: Pilgrims did not wear such outfits, and the Wampanoag are dressed in the style of Native Americans from the Great Plains.

US Citizenship Study Booklet - Q86 to Q100 - EZ Civics Lessons

ListenAndReadAlong: US Citizenship Study Booklet - Q86 to Q100 - EZ Civics Lessons http://youtu.be/jzvMccEmeWk

This is a continuation of the US Citizenship Booklet 2014: Learn about the United States.

The Civics Test.
This rovie concludes American History: Part B: 1800s and start of Part C: 1900s.. and includes

INTEGRATED CIVICS

An understanding of America’s geography, symbols, and holidays is important. They provide background and more meaning to historical events and other landmark moments in U.S. history. The following section offers short lessons on our country’s geography, national symbols, and national holidays. The geography of the United States is unusual because of the size of the country and the fact that it is bordered by two oceans that create natural boundaries to the east and west. Through visual symbols such as our flag and the Statue of Liberty, the values and history of the United States are often expressed. Finally, you will also learn about our national holidays and why we celebrate them. Most of our holidays honor people who have contributed to our history and to the development of our nation. By learning this information, you will develop a deeper understanding of
the United States and its geographical boundaries, principles, and freedoms.

Parts A(Geography), B(Symbols) and C(holidays)
This concludes the Civics Portion of the Booklet

The President Speaks on Fixing America's Broken Immigration System

wh.gov: The President Speaks on Fixing America's Broken Immigration System

In an address to the nation, President Obama lays out the executive action he's taking to fix our nation's broken immigration system, November 20, 2014.

Infographic: President Obama Is Taking Steps to Fix Our Broken Immigration System

wh.gov: Infographic: President Obama Is Taking Steps to Fix Our Broken Immigration System

US Geography and Symbols Quiz for the USCIS Citizenship Test

Kahoot.it: US Geography and Symbols Quiz for the USCIS Citizenship Test
http://goo.gl/GjMAoY

U.S. Citizenship 14: Geography--The United States and Its Neighbors

LearningChocolate: U.S. Citizenship 14: Geography--The United States and Its Neighbors
http://goo.gl/lp577D

US Citizenship Study Booklet - Q71 to Q85 - EZ Civics Lessons

ListenAndReadAlong: US Citizenship Study Booklet - Q71 to Q85 - EZ Civics Lessons

This is a continuation of the US Citizenship Booklet 2014: Learn about the United States.
The Civics Test.

This part is on American History: Part B: 1800s and start of Part C: 1900s..

For more than 200 years, the United States has strived to become a “more perfect union.” Its history has been one of expansive citizenship for all Americans. By learning about our shared history, you will be able to understand our nation’s traditions, milestones, and common civic values. Our country is independent because of the strength, unity, and determination of our forefathers. It is important for future Americans to know this story.

We are people working toward great ideals and principles guided by equality and fairness. This is important to keep our country free. As Americans, we have been committed to each other and our country throughout our history. The following section will help you understand American history from the colonial period and independence to the Civil War and other important events during the 1800s, 1900s, and today.

Constitutional Showdown Looms Over Obama Immigration Order

VOAVideo: Constitutional Showdown Looms Over Obama Immigration Order

President Barack Obama is expected to announce a controversial decision soon to issue an an executive order that would save millions of undocumented immigrants from deportation. VOA's Carolyn Presutti shows us who would be affected by the order and how it sets up a showdown with Republican lawmakers.
Originally published at - http://www.voanews.com/media/video/2525652.html

U.S. Citizenship 13: Geography--U.S. Territories

LearningChocolate.com: U.S. Citizenship 13: Geography--U.S. Territories
http://goo.gl/lp577D

US Citizenship Study Booklet - Q58 to Q70 - EZ Civics Lessons

ListenAndReadAlong: US Citizenship Study Booklet - Q58 to Q70 - EZ Civics Lessons

This is a continuation of the US Citizenship Booklet 2014: Learn about the United States.
The Civics Test.
This part is on American History: Part A: Colonial Period and Independence.

For more than 200 years, the United States has strived to become a “more perfect union.” Its history has been one of expansive citizenship for all Americans. By learning about our shared history, you will be able to understand our nation’s traditions, milestones, and common civic values. Our country is independent because of the strength, unity, and determination of our forefathers. It is important for future Americans to know this story.

We are people working toward great ideals and principles guided by equality and fairness. This is important to keep our country free. As Americans, we have been committed to each other and our country throughout our history. The following section will help you understand American history from the colonial period and independence to the Civil War and other important events during the 1800s, 1900s, and today.

A Veterans Day Kahoot and more!

Kahoot.it: A Veterans Day Kahoot! http://goo.gl/buAFBe

More Veterans Day Resources:

• uscitizenpod: Veterans Day video for Beginning Level ESL/Citizenship Students http://youtu.be/0wz6ctrnvIY
• LearningChocolate.com U.S. Citizenship 12: Veterans Day http://goo.gl/mNOs2O
• Veterans Day Quiz 2014 http://goo.gl/UlNQ6D
• Veterans Day 2014 pptx http://goo.gl/Ca5QzU
• Kahoot.it: A Veterans Day Kahoot! http://goo.gl/buAFBe
• Veterans Day Quiz 2013: A 21-Question “Salute” for Veterans Day Quiz based on the USCIS 100qs (PDF) http://goo.gl/26JpWO
• Veterans Day Salute 2012 http://youtu.be/-iH3vIAI9Ko
• Thank You Women Vets! 2012 http://youtu.be/mWsyh9jwp40

Check out more Veterans Day Kahoots! at Lest We Forget: Remembering Our Veterans Around the World http://goo.gl/uZyFMA

Also check one of the best ESL sites on the web: ELCivics.com: Veterans Day http://goo.gl/mcIm2y

Veterans Day Video and more!

uscitizenpod: Veterans Day video for Beginning Level ESL/Citizenship Students http://youtu.be/0wz6ctrnvIY

More Veterans Day Resources:

• LearningChocolate.com U.S. Citizenship 12: Veterans Day http://goo.gl/mNOs2O
• Veterans Day Quiz 2014 http://goo.gl/UlNQ6D
• Veterans Day 2014 pptx http://goo.gl/Ca5QzU
• Kahoot.it: A Veterans Day Kahoot! http://goo.gl/buAFBe
• Veterans Day Quiz 2013: A 21-Question “Salute” for Veterans Day Quiz based on the USCIS 100qs (PDF) http://goo.gl/26JpWO
• Veterans Day Salute 2012 http://youtu.be/-iH3vIAI9Ko
• Thank You Women Vets! 2012 http://youtu.be/mWsyh9jwp40

Veterans Day Learning Chocolate

LearningChocolate.com U.S. Citizenship 12: Veterans Day http://goo.gl/mNOs2O

More Veterans Day Resources:

• uscitizenpod: Veterans Day video for Beginning Level ESL/Citizenship Students http://youtu.be/0wz6ctrnvIY
• LearningChocolate.com U.S. Citizenship 12: Veterans Day http://goo.gl/mNOs2O
• Veterans Day Quiz 2014 http://goo.gl/UlNQ6D
• Veterans Day 2014 pptx http://goo.gl/Ca5QzU
• Kahoot.it: A Veterans Day Kahoot! http://goo.gl/buAFBe
• Veterans Day Quiz 2013: A 21-Question “Salute” for Veterans Day Quiz based on the USCIS 100qs (PDF) http://goo.gl/26JpWO
• Veterans Day Salute 2012 http://youtu.be/-iH3vIAI9Ko
• Thank You Women Vets! 2012 http://youtu.be/mWsyh9jwp40

Check out more Veterans Day Kahoots! at Lest We Forget: Remembering Our Veterans Around the World http://goo.gl/uZyFMA

Also check one of the best ESL sites on the web: ELCivics.com: Veterans Day http://goo.gl/mcIm2y

Veterans Day pptx

uscitizenpod: Veterans Day pptx http://goo.gl/Ca5QzU

US Citizenship Study Booklet - Q41 to Q57 - EZ Civics Lessons

ListenAndReadAlong: US Citizenship Study Booklet - Q41 to Q57 - EZ Civics Lessons

This is a lesson in United States Civics. This Reading Movie will help you understand the principles of American democracy, the U.S. system of government and the important rights and responsibilities of US citizenship. This the booklet which accompanies the Naturalization Quiz. This contains Question 41-Question 57.

US Citizenship Study Booklet - Q13 to Q40 - EZ Civics Lessons

listenandreadalong: US Citizenship Study Booklet - Q13 to Q40 - EZ Civics Lessons

This is a lesson in United States Civics. This Reading Movie will help you understand the principles of American democracy, the U.S. system of government and the important rights and responsibilities of US citizenship. This the booklet which accompanies the Naturalization Quiz. This contains Question 13-Question 40.

Republicans Sweep US Midterm Elections

VOAVideo: Republicans Sweep US Midterm Elections

Republicans are celebrating after convincing election victories to recapture control of the U.S. Senate and widen their majority in the House of Representatives for the final two years of President Barack Obama's presidency. VOA's Chris Simkins has more on the midterm election results.
Originally published at - http://www.voanews.com/media/video/republicans-sweep-us-midterm-elections/2509478.html

Voting Kahoot

Kahoot.it: Voting http://goo.gl/d7rtDl

Voting Video and Quiz for Beginning ESL Citizenship Students

uscitizenpod: Voting Video for Beginning ESL Citizenship students http://youtu.be/_akuQZLhdHA

uscitizenpod: Voting Video Quiz http://goo.gl/5qYJ8M (updated)

Voting pptx for Beginning ESL Citizenship Students

uscitizenpod: Voting pptx for Beginning ESL Citizenship Students http://goo.gl/GdYlmk

uscitizenpod: Voting Quiz http://goo.gl/YjaIZF

LearningChocolate.com: U.S. Citizenship 10: Voting Part 1 and Part 2

LearningChocolate.com: U.S. Citizenship 10: Voting Part 1 http://goo.gl/drn9S2

LearningChocolate.com: U.S. Citizenship 11: Voting Part 2 http://goo.gl/ud1rLT

uscitizenpod: Voting Quiz http://goo.gl/YjaIZF

Naturalization Interview--Beginning Level Pod

Naturalization Interview—Beginning Level Pod (Oct-Nov 2014)

• LearningChoccolate
• PPTX
• Video
• Vocabulary Quiz
• Quiz based on Video transcript
• Kahoot

Kahoot.it: NATURALIZATION INTERVIEW—BEGINNING LEVEL

Kahoot.it: NATURALIZATION INTERVIEW—BEGINNING LEVEL 
http://goo.gl/N7FHco

Preparing for Naturalization Beginning Level Video Quiz

uscitizenpod: Naturalization Interview Beginning Level Video Quiz 
http://goo.gl/kxzSuT

First, watch Naturalization Interview Beginning Level video http://youtu.be/PxStG4OUfuY , then take the quiz.

Preparing for Naturalization--Beginning Level video

uscitizenpod: Preparing for Naturalization--Beginning Level video

Naturalization Interview—Beginning Quiz

uscitizenpod: Naturalization Interview—Beginning Quiz http://goo.gl/TXQhuX

Naturalization Interview--Beginning

uscitizenpod: Naturalization Interview--Beginning pptx
(via Google slides) http://goo.gl/WyIWBJ

U.S. Citizenship 8: Naturalization Interview--Beginning

LearningChocolate: U.S. Citizenship 8: Naturalization Interview--Beginning http://goo.gl/pSIIZF

US Citizenship Study Booklet - Q1 to Q12 - EZ Civics Lessons

Listen and Read Along: US Citizenship Study Booklet - Q1 to Q12 - EZ Civics Lessons

This is a lesson in United States Civics. This Reading Movie will help you understand the principles of American democracy, the U.S. system of government and the important rights and responsibilities of US citizenship. This the booklet which accompanies the Naturalization Quiz.

Preparing for Naturalization Video Quiz

uscitizenpod: Preparing for Naturalization Video Quiz http://bit.ly/1xosSkj

Watch Preparing for Naturalization (bit.ly/usnatzvideo). Practice for the quiz with your smartphone or tablet at Kahoot.it (goo.gl/8f6myD ). Fill in the following blanks with the words.

Preparing for Naturalization Pod by uscitizenpod

Preparing for Naturalization--Beginning Level Pod (Oct 2014) goo.gl/4c2HwF

• LearningChocolate Part 1
• LearningChocolate Part 2
• PPTX
• Vocabulary Quiz
• Video
• Quiz based on Video transcript
• Kahoot

Kahoot.it US Citizenship Interview Quiz

Kahoot.it US Citizenship Interview Quiz  http://goo.gl/8f6myD

You can play this game on your iPhone (IOS) or Android device.

Preparing for Naturalization Video

uscitizenpod: Preparing for Naturalization Video (bit.ly/usnatzvideo)

Preparing for Naturalization Quiz

uscitizepod: Preparing for Naturalization Quiz

Also see:

• uscitizenpod: Preparing for Naturalization pptx (via Google slides)
• LearningChocolate: U.S. Citizenship 6: Preparing for Naturalization Part 1
• LearningChocolate: U.S. Citizenship 7: Preparing for Naturalization Part 2

Preparing for Naturalization pptx

Preparing for Naturalization pptx (via Google slides)

Also see

• LearningChocolate: U.S. Citizenship 6: Preparing for Naturalization Part 1
• LearningChocolate: U.S. Citizenship 7: Preparing for Naturalization Part 2
• uscitizenpod: Preparing for Naturalization Quiz

U.S. Citizenship 7: Preparing for Naturalization Part 2

LearningChocolate: U.S. Citizenship 7: Preparing for Naturalization Part 2

U.S. Citizenship 6: Preparing for Naturalization Part 1

LearningChocolate: U.S. Citizenship 6: Preparing for Naturalization Part 1

Miami Woman Is Guardian to Nearly 1,000 Children of Immigrants

VOAVideo: Miami Woman Is Guardian to Nearly 1,000 Children of Immigrants

Last year, the Obama administration deported 240,000 undocumented immigrants who didn’t have a criminal record. That’s up more than 20,000 from 2012, according to Pew Research. Many of those deported left behind children who are U.S. citizens because they were born here. So who takes in these children? VOA's Carolyn Presutti introduces us to one Florida woman who is taking charge of hundreds.
Originally published at -http://www.voanews.com/media/video/miami-woman-is-guardian-to-nearly-1000-children-of-immigrants/2488237.html

NPR: One Woman, 817 Children: Caring For Kids Of Undocumented Parents

The recent increase in the number of unaccompanied, undocumented minors immigrating across the border has left tens of thousands of children waiting in limbo. But thousands of children who are already American citizens also face an uncertain future — because their parents are not in the country legally. If their parents get deported, those minors could end up in foster care, or adopted by strangers. (read more)

Learn more about Nora Sandigo's work organization, American Fraternity / Fraternidad Americana

Our mission is to serve and educate the local and national community of immigrants by helping them integrate and adjust to American society, culture and legal processes.

Nuestra misión es servir y educar a la comunidad inmigrante local y nacional ayudándoles a integrarse a los procesos legales y culturales de la sociedad Americana.

West Wing Week 10/17/14 or, "The Geography of Hope"

wh.gov: West Wing Week 10/17/14 or, "The Geography of Hope"

This week, the President continued to lead the federal Ebola response, met with members of the international coalition to degrade and destroy ISIL, and designated the San Gabriel Mountains as a national monument.

Free Online Test Targets English Learners

VOA Learning English: Free Online Test Targets English Learners

A private company has just launched what it calls “the world’s first free standardized English test.” Anyone with an Internet connection can take the test for free. The test can be found at efset.org.(read more) (listen)

Words in this Story

• launch – v. to offer or sell (something) for the first time
• prohibitive – adj. so high that people are prevented from using or buying something
• pilot – v. done as a test to see if a larger program, study, should be done
• intriguing – adj. extremely interesting
• game changer – n. an event, idea, or procedure that effects a significant shift in the current manner of doing or thinking about something.

EFSET Sample Reading Passage #1 (easy)

EFSET Sample Reading Passage #2 (intermediate)

EFSET Sample Reading Passage #3 (difficult)

 EFSET Sample Listening Section #1 (easy)

 EFSET Sample Listening Section #2 (intermediate)

 EFSET Sample Listening Section #3 (difficult)

Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals - How to Apply/Renew DACA

uscis: Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals - How to Apply/Renew DACA

On June 15, 2012, the Secretary of Homeland Security announced that certain people who came to the United States as children and meet several guidelines may request consideration of deferred action for a period of two years, subject to renewal. They are also eligible for work authorization. Deferred action is a use of prosecutorial discretion to defer removal action against an individual for a certain period of time. Deferred action does not provide lawful status. Visit uscis.gov/childhoodarrivals for more information.

Citizenship Quiz in Honor of Italian-American Heritage Month

Christopher Columbus

Fiorello H. La Guardia

uscitizenpod: NEW Quiz in Honor of Italian-American Heritage Month (corrected 10/16/14)

10 questions in honor of Citizenship Quiz in Honor of Italian-American Heritage Month

U.S. Citizenship 5: American Indian Tribes

USCIS 100:59. Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?

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

LearningChocolate: U.S. Citizenship 5: American Indian Tribes.

Practice for USCIS questions 100:59 and 100:87 with vocabulary activities from @LearningChocolate and USCitizenPod
\

LearningChocolate: U.S. Citizenship 4: The Columbian Exchange

Columbus Day is a US federal holiday that is celebrated on the second Monday of October.

Columbus Day remembers Christopher Columbus' arrival to the Americas on October 12, 1492.

The Columbian Exchange was a widespread exchange of crops and animals between the people of Europe, Africa, and Asia and the people of North and South America.

Dig deeper into Columbus Day with vocabulary activities from LearningChocolate.com and uscitizenpod.

• LearningChocolate: U.S. Citizenship 3: Columbus
• Native American Tribes Puzzle
• Columbus Day and the Columbian Exchange Puzzle
• Citizenship Quiz in Honor of Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15 to Oct 15)

LearningChocolate: U.S. Citizenship 3: Columbus

LearningChocolate: U.S. Citizenship 3: Columbus

Prepare for Columbus Day with vocabulary activities from LearningChocolate.com and USCitizenPod.com

Also check out:

• Native American Tribes Puzzle
• Columbus Day and the Columbian Exchange Puzzle
• Citizenship Quiz in Honor of Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15 to Oct 15)

White House Whiteboard Shorts: #RaiseTheWag

wh.gov: White House Whiteboard Shorts: #RaiseTheWag

Raising the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour is good for American businesses, American workers, and the American economy. Share your story at http://www.whitehouse.gov/Raise-The-Wage

Also watch:

wh.gov: West Wing Week: 10/10/14 or, "Is Anybody Here Over 25?"

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, and beyond. This week, the President traveled to Indiana and to California, where he spoke on expanding economic opportunity for every American, addressed the ongoing Ebola outbreak in West Africa, and dedicated the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial.
Category

LearningChocolate: U.S. Citizenship Federal Holidays

LearningChocolate: U.S. Citizenship 2: Federal Holidays

The Judiciary Celebrates Constitution Day and Citizenship Day

USCourts.org: The Judiciary Celebrates Constitution Day and Citizenship Day

Published on Sep 24, 2014
On September 17, 1787, nine men made history by signing the Constitution. It was the final step in the creation of the United States of America. We are a country of immigrants and their descendants. Every September 17th we celebrate this heritage and recognize the importance of citizenship with Constitution Day and Citizenship Day celebrations. This year, 17 courts shared how they marked the day and welcomed 8,500 new American citizens in naturalization ceremonies from coast to coast.

LearningChocolate.com U.S. Citizenship 1

LearningChocolate.com: U.S. Citizenship 1

Prepare for your citizenship interview with vocabulary activities from LearningChocolate.com and USCitizenPod.com.

NEW Citizenship Quiz in Honor of Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15 to Oct 15)

USPS Celebrating Hispanic Heritage: People, Places and Events on stamps video  http://youtu.be/PVJYR9AQwSM

uscitizenpod: NEW Citizenship Quiz in Honor of Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15 to Oct 15)

For Columbus Day check out:

• Native American Tribes Puzzle
• Columbus Day and the Columbian Exchange Puzzle

Obama Dedicates Memorial to Disabled US Veterans

VOANews: Obama Dedicates Memorial to Disabled US Veterans

President Barack Obama paid tribute to disabled U.S. veterans on Sunday as he inaugurated a memorial in their honor. (read the full article)

• Check out the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial website

ESL Podcast 1040 – Dealing with Bureaucracy

USAJOBS.gov is a free web-based job board enabling federal job seekers access to thousands of job opportunities across hundreds of federal agencies and organizations.

ESL Podcast 1040 – Dealing with Bureaucracy 
If you want to do work for the government, be prepared for a lot of rules and regulations to follow. Learn more in this episode. Download Podcast 

US Waivers Could Send Mixed Signals on Use of Child Soldiers

N-400 PART 11:20:  Have you ever forced a child (under 15) to become a soldier?

N-400 PART 11:21:  Have you ever forced a child (under 15) to help soldiers?

VOAVideo: US Waivers Could Send Mixed Signals on Use of Child Soldiers

President Barack Obama has waived restrictions against providing military aid to six countries cited this year for using child soldiers. The countries, mostly in Africa, were among nine listed by the State Department in a June report on human trafficking. The waivers shield six countries from being fully subjected to penalties under the Child Soldiers Prevention Act. As VOA State Department correspondent Pam Dockins reports, there is concern that the waivers send out the wrong message.
Originally published at - http://www.voanews.com/media/video/2469670.html

**NEW** N-400 PART 11 Affiliations (greatly expanded old N-400 Part 10C; questions 14-21 are new!)

• 14 Have you ever badly hurt or killed a person on purpose? a) Yes. b) No.
• 15 Have you ever participated in a rebel group, militia, or army? a) Yes. b) No.
• 16 Have you ever worked in a place like a prison or labor camp? a) Yes. b) No.
• 17 Have you ever been a member of a gang? a) Yes. b) No.
• 18 Have you ever sold or given weapons to another person? a) Yes. b) No.
• 19 Have you ever received military or weapons training? a) Yes. b) No.
• 20 Have you ever forced a child (under 15) to become a soldier? a) Yes. b) No.
• 21 Have you ever forced a child (under 15) to help soldiers? a) Yes. b) No.

US 'Green Card' Lottery Registration Begins plus two more articles about Legal Immigration

VOA Learning English: US 'Green Card' Lottery Registration Begins

The United States government’s Diversity Immigrant Visa Program opens October 1. The program is known to millions of people around the world as the “green card lottery.” (listen)

• INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE 2016 DIVERSITY IMMIGRANT VISA PROGRAM (DV-2016)

VOA Learning English: A Nation of Immigrants, Divided Over the Subject of Immigration

Debate centers on millions of illegal immigrants in the country. The U.S. Congress has failed to agree on a reform plan, so states are passing their own laws.

VOA Learning English: With All the Talk About Illegal Immigration, a Look at the Legal Kind

Second of two programs on immigration issues in the US examines the rules for seeking permanent residency.

US Attempts Crackdown on Trafficking Along Southern Border

VOAVideo: US Attempts Crackdown on Trafficking Along Southern Border

Nogales, Arizona, is notoriously known as a 'tunnel city,' utilized by drug traffickers to smuggle narcotics into the United States. The U.S. Border patrol and local authorities have responded with new technologies and a heavier presence in the area to help uncover and destroy the tunnels before they are completed. VOA's Ramon Taylor has more from Tucson.

USCItizenshipPod's Easy Citizenship Interview 15 questions based on the Revised N-400

USCitizenshipPod's Easy Citizenship Interview:  15 questions based on the Revised N-400

• Handout pdf (posted 3/29/2014)

• Quiz pdf (posted 9/29/2014)

• Powerpoint Presentation pptx via Google slides (updated 09/29/2014

• Interview-19: Hao Thi Vu (Saigon, Vietnam) mp3 based on the Easy Interview plus dictation and ten USCIS100qs (posted 9/21/2014; video will be posted late October 2014)