USCIS Provides Chinese Language Immigration Presentation at Famous Buddhist Temple in California

USCIS The Beacon Blog: USCIS Provides Chinese Language Immigration Presentation at Famous Buddhist Temple in California

Reaching out to immigrants and future citizens is one of the most important things we do. As a part of an ongoing outreach program, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides information to immigrants in a variety of languages, including at in-person community events.

One such event took place this past Sunday, April 19, at the Hsi Lai Temple in Hacienda Heights, California, not far from Los Angeles. USCIS officers made a presentation, primarily in Mandarin Chinese, on immigration basics and the process of becoming a citizen, including how to prepare for the naturalization test. (read more)

A "Casual" Citizenship Interview based on the USCIS Revised N-400

A "Casual" Citizenship Interview based on the USCIS Revised N-400 
http://goo.gl/3tQWXw

40 questions based on the USCIS N-400

Tasleem's Second Practice Interview

uscitizenpod: Tasleem's Second Practice Interview

A “Typical” Citizenship Interview Based on the N-400r http://goo.gl/9Z97UK
For more USCitizenPod N-400r scripts, go to http://goo.gl/2aOS5m

STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES BY WELCOMING ALL RESIDENTS

USCIS.gov: STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES BY WELCOMING ALL RESIDENTS

A Federal Strategic Action Plan on Immigrant & Refugee
Integration
The White House Task Force on
New Americans
April 2015
http://goo.gl/TCkrBk

Teacher Jennifer: Tears of pride and new ideas abound as I read this report. As an Adult School ESL/Citizenship Teacher, pages 44-46 are especially relevant. Read the whole report, then get to work!

Volunteers to Help Their US Communities on 'Big Sunday'

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

VOANews: Volunteers to Help Their US Communities on 'Big Sunday'

This Friday through Sunday, thousands of people around the United States are gathering at schools, parks and community centers to help out with Big Sunday, a volunteer effort that started on a Sunday but has expanded to three days every year. VOA's Mike O’Sullivan reports.
Originally published at http://www.voanews.com/media/video/volunteers-help-communities-big-sunday/2743625.html

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

The 25 Most Popular Cities to Visit in America

VOA Learning English: The 25 Most Popular Cities to Visit in America
Big cities and small historic towns top the list of most popular places to visit in America, according to the travel site TripAdvisor. Millions of users voted New York City, Chicago, and Charleston, South Carolina as the top three cities to visit in the U.S. Here's a look at all 25 cities! (read more)

Hien's Citizenship Interview

uscitizenpod: Hien's Citizenship Interview
https://youtu.be/rYgPIp94XXY

Hien's Citizenship Interview was adapted from a multiple choice N-400 Quiz at http://goo.gl/y190FE

For more USCitizenPod N-400r scripts, go to http://goo.gl/2aOS5m

Citizenship Eligibility: a Google Drive Class Project

uscitizenpodclass: Citizenship Eligibility: a Google Drive Class Project
http://goo.gl/aZ1l8Z

Many applicants stumble on the Citizenship Interview Question: Explain how you are eligible to become a US Citizen. Milpitas Adult School Citizenship students collaborated via Google Drive to practice this very important question.

Dang Vo's Citizenship Interview

uscitizenpod: Dang Vo's Citizenship Interview

A Basic Citizenship Interview based on the N-400r http://goo.gl/cFLBsA
For more USCitizenPod N-400r scripts, go to http://goo.gl/2aOS5m
For more resources, go to www.uscitizenpod.com

Alfredo Interviews Jennifer Campos

uscitizenpod: Alfredo Interviews Jennifer Campos 
https://youtu.be/mGFSQUc_oRY

A Simple Interview based on the N-400r http://goo.gl/280ZC8.
For more USCitizenPod N-400r scripts, go to http://goo.gl/2aOS5m

From human trafficking victim to survivor

NPR weekend Marketplace Money: From human trafficking victim to survivor

Lizzie O'Leary and Jenny Ament | Apr 24, 2015

One woman describes her journey from invisible to visible.

For several years, Rama was virtually invisible to the outside world.

In 2003, she was sold by her late husband's family in southern India to work for a doctor in California. She was effectively housebound, working without pay for more than three years, with no real idea where she was.

"Every day I would hear, 'You don't have papers, we could do anything to you,'" she says.

She was eventually able to escape, working a series of other jobs below minimum wage in other doctors' homes for a few more years.

In 2012, she got help from the South Asian Network, or SAN. That's when she was able to get her T Visa, for victims of trafficking. Listen to the full story: 

Human Trafficking Plagues Houston

USCIS N-400r Part 11:30B. Have you ever been a prostitute or procured anyone for prostitution?

VOANEWS: Human Trafficking Plagues Houston

Authorities worldwide are fighting human trafficking rings that exploit migrants and force young women into prostitution. The U.S. Justice Department estimates that one in four women trafficked in the United States passes through Houston, Texas, at some point because it is an international and domestic

For more info, please see:

Victims of Human Trafficking & Other Crimes | USCIS

www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/victims-human-trafficking-other-crimes

There are two types of immigration relief we provide to victims of human trafficking and other crimes: T Nonimmigrant Status (T Visa) and U Visa.

ESL Podcast 1089 – Unconventional Marriages

Need more help with English? Check out ESLPod.com--their Introduction to the United States is of special interest to Citizenship students.

ESL Podcast 1089 – Unconventional Marriages 

Who want to get married and live happily ever after? Learn how not to do it on this episode. Download Podcast 

Susan from Iraq Talks about Her Citizenship Interview in English and Assyrian

uscitizenpod: Susan from Iraq Talks about Her Citizenship Interview (English)

Susan is a Christian woman from Dahuk, Iraq. She is proud to be a new US citizen!
http://goo.gl/6KFZ73

uscitizenpod: Susan from Iraq Talks about Her Citizenship Interview (in Assyrian)
Susan is a Christian woman from Dahuk, Iraq. She is proud to be a new US citizen!
http://goo.gl/Oo06YC

Day One: Share Your American Story

The New Americans Project
Day One: Share Your American Story
https://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/immigration/new-americans

America's story-telling tradition is as old as our nation itself.

And as a nation of immigrants, those stories are rich and diverse. Whether you've recently embarked on your first day as an American or want to share how your ancestors came to arrive here, telling your story will help promote a sense of inclusiveness and understanding.

We'll promote these stories across White House channels, and compile them in a memo to the President as a follow-up to the Task Force's Action Plan.

Susan from Dohuk, Iraq Talks about her Citizenship Interview

10 Citizenship Questions in Honor of Earth Day

Prepare for Earth festivities with a new quiz: 10 Citizenship Questions in Honor of Earth Day

Download pdf

GO GREEN Forever stamp series

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

uscitizenpod: GO GREEN with USPS Stamps

In honor of Earth Day 2011 and in celebration of the new USPS GO GREEN Forever stamp series, US Citizenship Podcast presents a collection of stamps reflecting America's ongoing commitment to make EARTH DAY, EVERY DAY!

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

Volunteer and Support the New Americans Project

wh.gov: The New Americans Project
We can make every American feel welcome — and make our communities stronger in the process.

New Americans

Find a volunteer opportunity to learn more about your community and life in the United States. Many Americans volunteer a few hours each week or month with a local school, place of worship, neighborhood association, hospital or other organizations. Become a volunteer and help America!

• Find a Volunteer Opportunity
• Encuentre Oportunidades de Voluntariado (en Español) 

U.S. Citizens

Support the New Americans Project by helping immigrants and newcomers learn English, learn about America, and settle in the United States. Use the search box below to find an opportunity to teach an English class, teach American history and civics, or help an immigrant settle in his or her new community.

• Find a Volunteer Opportunity Serving New Americans

West Wing Week: 04/17/2015 or, “The Quintessential Sounds”

wh.gov: West Wing Week: 04/17/2015 or, “The Quintessential Sounds”

This week, the President wrapped up a trip to Panama, held a historic meeting with President Raul Castro of Cuba, grooved with Gospel artists, held a town hall about working families, and kicked off a Wounded Warrior Soldier Ride. That's April 10th to April 16th or, "The Quintessential Sounds."

Huang Yanli's Citizenship Interview

uscitizenpod: Huang Yanli's Citizenship Interview https://youtu.be/poHYm7FGZu4


Huang Yanli practices for her Citizenship Interview. She is answering questions from uscitizenpod's A “Typical” Citizenship Interview Based on the USCIS N-400r (4 pages) http://goo.gl/9Z97UK

Happy Tax Day with Kahoot!

Kahoot: Happy Tax Day with Kahoot! http://goo.gl/MmQgfx

Fifteen Questions for April 15 Income Tax Day

uscitizenpod: Fifteen Questions for April 15 Income Tax Day based on the USCIS N-400 and 100qs 

http://goo.gl/VfuJW2

US Marks 150th Anniversary of Lincoln's Assassination

VOAVideo: US Marks 150th Anniversary of Lincoln's Assassination

The assassination of President Abraham Lincoln 150 years ago changed the course of U.S. history. As Julie Taboh reports, museums and historic institutions across the country are featuring special exhibits, plays and musical performances to commemorate that seminal event on April 14, 1865.

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

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

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

USCIS 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

USCIS 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

Guide to the US Presidential Campaign, Part One

VOA Learning English: Guide to the US Presidential Campaign, Part One

Every four years Americans go to the polls in November to pick a president. Americans will elect the next president in November of 2016. Although the election is still more than a year away, candidates have been announcing they are running. The candidates will compete in caucuses and primaries.

Read more
download mp3

Hilary Clinton: Getting Started

Hilary Clinton: Getting Started

Hilary Rodham Clinton announces that she is running for President.

VOA Learning English: Hillary Clinton Announces 2016 Campaign for President

“I’m running for president." Hillary Clinton kicks off her anticipated campaign for the presidency with a video posted on YouTube. With her second run for the White House, the former first lady and Secretary of State is hoping to become the first female president of the United States.

About the U.S.A.

About the U.S.A. is an American Studies reader that examines the customs, government, and history of the United States of America. The text provides a wealth of information on U.S. geography and history; the roles of local, state, and federal government; national holidays and symbols; the Constitution; and citizenship. The book, which was written for intermediate to advanced learners of English, contains a range of activities for language students to practice listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

• Text (PDF)E-Book Formats
• Text (EPUB)
• Text (MOBI)

- See more at: http://americanenglish.state.gov/resources/about-usa#sthash.RsuJyRxd.dpuf

Khone talks about her Citizenship Interview

uscitizenpod: Khone talks about the Citizenship Interview
http://youtu.be/7W1fx8GfZKM
Khone (from Laos) talks about her Citizenship Interview. Congratulations!

OTAN.us Webinar: Citizenship Preparation Resources for Adult Education

OTAN.us Webinar: Citizenship Preparation Resources for Adult Education
pptx: http://goo.gl/ULvwbX
April 9, 105 1:00-2:30pm
connect.otan.us/tech4citprep/

Triet talks about his Citizenship Interview (English and Vietnamese)

uscitizenpod: Triet talks about his Citizenship Interview (English and Vietnamese)
https://youtu.be/SsNYwJFr7pk

Jennifer and Huyen interviews Triet about his Citizenship Interview in English and Vietnamese. The students ask him some questions about the interview and then have a party to celebrate his success. Chúc Mừng!

Four New US Citizens from Milpitas Adult School

Khone, Huyen, Triet, and Thu

Husband and Wife

Huyen is from Saigon

Khone is from Laos

Despite First Amendment, Religious Freedom Has Not Been Easy in America

USCIS 100:10. What is freedom of religion?

VOAVideo: Despite First Amendment, Religious Freedom Has Not Been Easy in America

Religious freedom laws sponsored by opponents of same-sex marriage in Indiana, Arkansas and other states have recently triggered fierce protests from gay rights groups that have led lawmakers to roll back some of the legislation. But as VOA religion correspondent Jerome Socolovsky reports, the fight over religious liberty goes back to the founding of the republic.
Originally published at - http://www.voanews.com/media/video/2705171.html

VOA Learning English: Religious Freedom Acts Raise Controversy in US 
Indiana and Arkansas recently passed – then considered changing – religious freedom laws. Nineteen other states have such laws to protect religious minorities. However, the new laws expand some religious protections to organizations. Some say the laws threaten the civil rights of homosexuals.--read and listen to the story then take the quiz!

USCIS 100:10. What is freedom of religion?

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

Women's Stamp on History

Must See: Women's Stamp on History,

a special 4-part online exhibit from Arago,

the Smithsonian Postal Museum--AMAZING!

New Beginnings: Immigrant Women and the American Experience

nwhm.org: New Beginnings: Immigrant Women and the American Experience http://goo.gl/aYj9Ma

Tasleem's Practice Citizenship Interview

Tasleem's Practice Citizenship Interview https://youtu.be/oe9m5oZoMzw

• pdf available at http://goo.gl/HbT6Oi
• More N-400r practice at http://goo.gl/2aOS5m
• More citizenship resources at http://www.uscitizenpod.com

Citizenship Day 2015, San Jose, CA!

For more info, see SIREN

A “Typical” Citizenship Interview

A “Typical” Citizenship Interview https://youtu.be/7eAq635zyJw
A “Typical” Citizenship Interview pdf: http://goo.gl/9Z97UK
More N-400r practice at http://goo.gl/2aOS5m
More citizenship resources at http://www.uscitizenpod.com

VOA interviews Congresswoman Alma Adams!

•  1:29

  Whats behind the delays regarding the nomination of Loretta Lynch for US Attorney General

  • 3 views
  • 1 hour ago
 
•  1:28

  What is the status of the race relations in America today?

  • No views
  • 1 hour ago
 
•  4:17

  How widespread are discriminatory practices of Ferguson MO police department

  • 2 views
  • 1 hour ago
 
•  1:55

  On the 50th anniversary of Selma and the 1965 voting rights act are gains under threat

  • 1 view
  • 1 hour ago
•  1:37

  What are your legislative priorities?

  • 3 views
  • 1 hour 

Host Carol Castiel and VOA Congressional Correspondent, Cindy Saine, talk with first - term Congresswoman Alma Adams, a Democrat, from the state of North Carolina, about her legislative priorities (education and jobs), thoughts about the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, her reaction to the Justice Department’s investigation into the Ferguson, MO police department and the state of race relations in America.

NEW Intermediate Citizenship Interview--Khone (Vientiane, Laos)

uscitizenpod: Intermediate Citizenship Interview https://youtu.be/n7WUmIE61a4

Teacher Jennifer interviews Khone (Vientiane, Laos)
Intermediate Citizenship Interview pdf at http://goo gl RGm3Ve.
More Citizenship interview available at uscitizenpod's N-400 practice page http://goo.gl/2aOS5m.

150-Year-Old US Capitol Dome Being Restored

VOANews: 150-Year-Old US Capitol Dome Being Restored

The U.S. Capitol Dome in Washington, DC, is recognized world-wide as one of the most enduring symbols of the U.S. government and American democracy. Since last November, the dome has been wrapped in metal scaffolding and fabric as part of a long-overdue renovation project. VOA’s Jeff Custer reports.
Originally published at - http://www.voanews.com/media/video/us-capitol-dome-being-restored/2675849.html

Diálogo con León Rodríguez, Director de USCIS

USCIS: Diálogo con León Rodríguez, Director de USCIS

TDLS 2015: Citizenship Preparation Resources for Adult Education

Citizenship Preparation Resources for Adult Education
http://goo.gl/igfLwY
Technology and Distance Learning Symposium 2015
http://www.otan.us/tdlsymposium/
March 13–14, 2015
San Leandro Adult School

Also check out: Citizenship To Go! Citizenship Resources for the TDLS 2015 Tech Slam
tdls-2015-slam http://goo.gl/1LAknM

and . . .
Citizenship Prep: Resources and Strategies for the USCIS Citizenship Interview
Presented at the 4th Annual CASAS English Literacy Civics Education and Citizenship Conference http://goo.gl/BVfvXK

Elementary Interview based on the Revised N-400

Elementary Interview based on the Revised N-400 (21qs) http://goo.gl/ZfO3W9

Also check out uscitizenpod's updated N-400 practice page http://goo.gl/2aOS5m

U.S. Citizenship 28: Vocabulary Part 04

LearningChocolate: U.S. Citizenship 28: Vocabulary Part 04 http://goo.gl/H7TC3d

Elementary Interview based on the Revised N-400

uscitizenpod: *NEW* Elementary Interview based on the Revised N-400 http://goo.gl/ZfO3W9.

Also check out uscitizenpod's updated N-400 practice page http://goo.gl/2aOS5m

Selma 50th Anniversary

wh.gov: President Obama and the First Family Visit Selma

The First Family traveled to Selma, Alabama to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the marches from Selma to Montgomery, and to celebrate the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Also watch:

VOAVideo: Highlights From President Obama's Speech in Selma

Here are highlights from President Obama’s March 7 speech in Selma, Alabama, marking the 50th anniversary of “Bloody Sunday” - a peaceful voting rights march that ended with police beating and tear-gassing marchers. Watch the full speech http://youtu.be/gvAIvauhQGQ

VOAVideo: US Reflects on Civil Rights

U.S. President Barack Obama and former president George W. Bush participated Saturday in the 50th anniversary observance of the beating of peaceful civil rights demonstrators by police in Selma, Alabama. The incident came to be known as "Bloody Sunday." The anniversary served as an opportunity to reflect on a half-century of civil rights progress. As VOA's Marcus Harton reports, it was also an occasion to take stock of inequality that continues to exist.

American Women who Fought for the Right to Vote

Happy International Women's Day!

American Women who Fought for the Right to Vote http://goo.gl/wIwY62

Also check out:

• Women and USCIS 100 Questions: Civics pdf
• Four American Women in Honor of Women's History Month pdf
• Happy International Women's Day (Beginning ESL) pdf

U.S. Citizenship 27: Vocabulary Part 03

U.S. Citizenship 27: Vocabulary Part 03 http://goo.gl/AtvC5y

wh.gov: President Obama Meets With DREAMers

DREAMers share with President Obama their stories about the programs Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA).

50 Years Later African Americans See New Voting Rights Battles Ahead

VOAVideo: 50 Years Later African Americans See New Voting Rights Battles Ahead

Thousands of people will gather to mark the 50th anniversary of a historic civil rights march on March 7th in the small southern U.S. city of Selma, Alabama. In 1965, dozens of people were seriously injured during the event known as “Bloody Sunday,” after police attacked African-American demonstrators demanding voting rights. VOA’s Chris Simkins introduces us to some civil rights pioneers who are still fighting for voting rights in Alabama more than 50 years later.

Three New Podcasts about the USCIS 100 Questions from uscitizenpod

US Citizenship Podcast: 100 Questions plus Remix 2015 mp3 http://goo.gl/UJ3sPX
USCIS 100:01-100 questions with all the answers plus Remix 2015 (questions and the most popular answers)

US Citizenship Podcast: 2015 USCIS 100 Questions mp3 http://goo.gl/hOq5Pv
2015 USCIS 100:01-100 questions with all the answers

US Citizenship Podcast: 2015 USCIS 100 Questions Remix 
mp3 http://goo.gl/Dn8htD
First you will hear first set of ten questions only (1, 11, 21 ...91); next, you will hear the set of questions with the most popular answer. Then you will hear the next set of ten questions.

Will Citizenship Test Make Better Citizens?

VOA Learning English: Will Citizenship Test Make Better Citizens?

A new Arizona state law requires high school students to pass the same exam new citizens take. Virginia debated but did not pass a similar bill. Supporters want Americans to become more involved in civic life. But some question whether civic education and tests will have that effect. read more; download mp3 

Happy Women's History Month!

Happy Women's 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. Let's get started!

• Women and USCIS 100 Questions: Civics pdf
• Four American Women in Honor of Women's History Month 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

U.S. Citizenship 26: Vocabulary Part 02

uscitizenpod: U.S. Citizenship 26: Vocabulary Part 02 http://goo.gl/ccPGCy

There are three parts of the USCIS Citizenship interview:

1) English Speaking/Listening: the applicant must orally answer question based on the N-400r Application for Naturalization.

2) Civics Test: the applicant must answer 6 out 10 questions correctly based on the USCIS 100 Civics/History questions.

3) Reading/Writing test: the USCIS officer will give the applicant 1 sentence to read, then will dictate an answer. The applicant must read and write 1 out 3 sentences correctly.

There is no official USCIS list of the reading/writing sentences BUT there is a official vocabulary list.

For more information about the Reading and Writing Vocabulary list for the U.S. Citizenship Test, go to http://goo.gl/9EMKTe

For more information about naturalization, go to the USCIS Citizenship Resource Center http://www.uscis.gov/citizenship

Study a little bit every day--I know you will be a great American citizen!