Friday, May 25, 2018

Citizenship Interview with Nahil Ireiqat (Jerusalem)



uscitizenpod: Citizenship Interview with Nahil Ireiqat (Jerusalem) and Josefina Rios (Mexico)

In honor of Ramadan, my fellow teacher, Nahil Ireiqat (Jerusalem), asks questions based N-400 Application for Naturalization and requests further explanation for Part 12 vocabulary.

You can also listen to the podcast here:



You can follow along at:

A “Regular” Citizenship Interview Based on the USCIS N-400r (6 pgs, 75 questions) (updated 10/01/2016)
pdf: http://goo.gl/Q5BhXk
ppt: https://goo.gl/GUfiKY
vocab pdf: https://goo.gl/PsDrG9

N-400r Part 12 Overview pptx via Google Slides (30 vocabulary words) https://goo.gl/yWvD4Q

N-400r Part 12 Overview Vocabulary (pdf of pptx) (30 vocabulary words) https://goo.gl/402lzB

Introduction to the N-400r Part 12 Quiz (20 questions) http://goo.gl/0HdOVp

N-400r Part 12 Overview Quiz (27 questions) http://goo.gl/3m3t7K

N-400r Basic Interview Quiz Part 12 (20 vocabulary words) http://goo.gl/U0aGKQ

After the interview, Teacher Nahil talks about how she prepares for and observes the month of Ramadan.

This interview was recorded on the eve of Ramadan 2018.

You can find more citizenship resources in English, Arabic, Farsi, and Urdu at http://bit.ly/citz4ramadan

Thursday, May 24, 2018

U.S. Citizenship Class 33, Spring 2018, Milpitas Adult School

We will be do CASAS Testing for the first part of the evening


You must take a CASAS rest after May 15 so that you can return to class August 22.



Civics
  • Citizenship: Passing the Test: A Country of Laws  by Lynn Weintraub (publisher's website)
  • si.edu: Preparing the Oath: The Courts  Videos
Intermediate Level Judicial Branch Lesson Plan
The Judicial Branch lesson plan and handouts for low intermediate and intermediate learners covering civics test items 12, 13, 37, 38, 39, 40, and 66.








Integration
  • A Quick Interview Based on the N-400r plus 10qs about the Branches of Gov’t Part 3 pdf


Wednesday, May 23, 2018

SD Citizenship Interview 4: Marital Status and Questions Out of Sequence



uscitizenpod: SD Citizenship Interview 4: Marital Status and Questions Out of Sequence

In this interview, the examiner (Ha Thu Nguyen) asks the applicant (Jennifer) some basic level Citizenship questions based on the N-400. Because the applicant's eligibility is based on her marriage to a US citizen, the examiner asks the applicant detailed questions about her marital status and living arrangement. Also the examiner departs from the standard N-400 question sequence to test the applicant's English comprehension.

This interview was recorded at the San Diego CATESOL Conference where we recorded five quick citizenship videos with SDCE citizenship teachers, Mechelle Perrot, Rose-Elena Lopez, and Thu Ha Nguyen.

For more information about the San Diego Continuing Education Citizenship classes (including an online course), go to http://www.sdce.edu/citizenship

Watch more SD Citizenship Interviews at http://bit.ly/SDcitz-interviews

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

U.S. Citizenship Class 32, Spring 2018, Milpitas Adult School





N-400
Civics
Integration
  • A Quick Interview Based on the N-400r plus 10qs about the Branches of Gov’t Part 2 pdf

Monday, May 21, 2018

SD Citizenship Interview 3: Small Talk and Allegiance



uscitizenpod: SD Citizenship Interview 3: Small Talk and Allegiance

In this interview, the examiner (Rose-Elena Lopez) asks the applicant (Thu Ha Nguyen) some beginning level Citizenship questions based on the N-400. The applicant also responds to small talk questions and explains the Oath of Allegiance.

This interview was recorded at the San Diego CATESOL Conference where we recorded five quick citizenship videos with SDCE citizenship teachers, Mechelle Perrot, Rose-Elena Lopez, and Thu Ha Nguyen.

For more information about the San Diego Continuing Education Citizenship classes (including an online course), go to http://www.sdce.edu/citizenship

Watch more SD Citizenship Interviews at http://bit.ly/SDcitz-interviews

Sunday, May 20, 2018

American Pentecost: A Citizenship Quiz about Languages in America

Updated 04-30-2021. Check back for more updates.
 


American Pentecost: A Citizenship Quiz about Languages in America




An American Pentecost:
We are American Indians, Native Alaskans, Europeans, Latinos, Africans, Arabs, Asians, Pacific Islanders-- yet all of us hear America speaking in our own languages about FREEDOM!

For more info about languages spoken in America:
  • Slate: Tagalog in California, Cherokee in Arkansas: What language does your state speak? By Ben Blatt (great graphics) web article
  • Wikipedia: Languages of the United States wiki article

Voting Rights Act Sect 203
Section 203 targets those language minorities that have suffered a history of exclusion from the political process: Spanish, Asian, Native American, and Alaskan Native. The Census Bureau identifies specific language groups for specific jurisdictions.
Section 203 says that jurisdictions (cities, counties, states) shall provide election materials in the language of the applicable minority group as well as in the English language.
Sources:
  • DOJ: MINORITY LANGUAGE CITIZENS: Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act web page
  • DOJ: Language Map 2015 interactive map
  • Census: Section 203 Language Provisions of the Voting Rights Act (updates 2016, 2017) web page
  • LEP.gov
    • The Interagency Working Group on Limited English Proficiency (LEP) created LEP.gov in 2002.  LEP.gov is maintained by the Federal Coordination and Compliance Section (FCS) in the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice.  
    • The mission of LEP.gov is to share resources and information to help expand and improve language assistance services for individuals with limited English proficiency, in compliance with federal law.
More from US Citizenship Podcast:

Saturday, May 19, 2018

SD Citizenship Interview 2: Beginning Level Questions with Traffic Citation



uscitizenpod: SD Citizenship Interview 2: Beginning Level Questions with Traffic Citation

In this interview, the examiner (Mechelle Perrot) asks the applicant (Rose-Elena Lopez) some beginning level Citizenship questions based on the N-400. The applicant confirms that she has a traffic citation.

This interview was recorded at the San Diego CATESOL Conference where we recorded five quick citizenship videos with SDCE citizenship teachers, Mechelle Perrot, Rose-Elena Lopez, and Thu Ha Nguyen.

For more information about the San Diego Continuing Education Citizenship classes (including an online course), go to http://www.sdce.edu/citizenship

Watch more SD Citizenship Interviews recorded at CATESOLSD18 at http://bit.ly/SDcitz-interviews

Friday, May 18, 2018

San Diego Citizenship Interview with Teacher Thu Ha Nguyen



uscitizenpod: San Diego Citizenship Interview with Teacher Thu Ha Nguyen

In this interview, I interview Teacher Thu Ha Nguyen about her online citizenship course that she developed for the San Diego Continuing Education (SDCE) which is the adult education division of the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD).

This interview was recorded at the San Diego CATESOL Conference where we also recorded five quick citizenship videos with her fellow SDCE citizenship teachers, Mechelle Perrot and Rose-Elena Lopez. The first video is up now in which I, the examiner, doesn't think that Mechelle is ready for the interview because Mechelle doesn't understand one of the first interview questions about eligibility.

Mechelle insists (politely) that she has studied for the English and Civics test and asks the examiner to rephrase the question which has the key word "eligible."

Note: If you do not understand an examiner's question, DO NOT SAY YES OR NO. Request that the examiner to use different words to ask the question.

Check back for the rest of the San Diego citizenship Inteview in the upcoming week.

San Diego Citizenship Interviews Playlist on YouTube http://bit.ly/SDcitz-interviews

Listen to podcast here



If you need help on N-400 vocabulary, go to our website N-400 PDFs http://bit.ly/N400-pdfs

Thursday, May 17, 2018

U.S. Citizenship Class 31, Spring 2018, Milpitas Adult School

See updated U.S. Citizenship Class 30, Spring 2018, Milpitas Adult School lesson about "The Constitution"



The Quint: Meet ‘Ro’ Khanna, 3 Other Indian-Americans Elected to US Congress

N-400
Civics
Integration
  • Claudia Rios Castro: A Quick Interview Based on the N-400r plus 10qs about the Branches of Gov’t Part 1 pdf

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Citizenship Resources for Ramadan




A Citizenship Quiz for the Month of Ramadan



Interview Podcasts 
  • 2018 Citizenship Interview with Nahil Ireiqat (Jerusalem) and Josefina Rios (Mexico) mp3  video
  • 2018 Spring U.S. Citizenship Interview with Pari Akbari, Iran mp3 / video
  • 2016 Spring Citizenship Interview with Ali Akbari (Malyasia/Iran) (2016) mp3
  • An "Everyday" Citizenship Interview with Munni Thakkar (Mumbai, India) (2016) mp3
  • A Basic Citizenship Interview with Pari Akibari (Esfahan, Iran) (2007) (mp3)
  • Interview with Samia Amed (Yemen) video / mp3

Quizzes (pdf)
  • A Citizenship Quiz for the Month of Ramadan pdf  mp3  video
  • Citizenship Interview Quiz for Esam Omeish (Liberia) pdf
  • Citizenship Interview Quiz for Hushang Ansary (Iran) pdf
  • Citizenship Interview Quiz for Louay Safi pdf
  • Citizenship Interview Quiz for Mohamed Awad Elhassan pdf
  • Citizenship Interview Quiz for Nimco Ahmed (Libya) pdf
  • Citizenship Interview Quiz for Rend al-Rahim (Iraq) pdf
  • Citizenship Interview Quiz for Safa Aldabyani (Yemen) pdf
Videos
  • 2018 Citizenship Interview with Nahil Ireiqat (Jerusalem) and Josefina Rios (Mexico) mp3  video
  • 2018 Spring U.S. Citizenship Interview with Pari Akbari, Iran mp3 / video
  • Blessed Eid al-Adha! (video)
  • Interview with Samia Amed (Yemen) video / mp3
  • Milpitas Adult School Open House Citizenship Interview 1 (Teacher Nahil / Palestine) (video)
  • Milpitas Adult School Open House Citizenship Interview 2 (Kasim / Bangladesh) (video)
  • New US Citizen Minire Karamanaga (Bosnia/Yugoslavia) (2010) video
  • New US Citizen Sardar Habibi (Afghanistan) (English) (video)
  • New US Citizen Sardar Habibi (Afghanistan) (Farsi) (video)
  • Practice! Practice! Practice! (video)
  • Tasleem's First Practice Interview (Pakistan) video
  • Tasleem's Second Practice Interview (Pakistan) video
  • 2015 USCIS 100 Remix Round 1 Twos with Tasleem (Pakistan)  video
  • Tasleem Khaldoon talks about her Citizenship Interview (Pakistan) video

VOA News (There are so many videos and articles--please search for more)

Arabic
Farsi
  • CLINIC: 100 Civics Questions in Farsi
  • ACLU: Immigrants' Rights: What To Do If Stopped (IN FARSI) (video)
  • ACLU: What To Do When Faced With Anti-Muslim Discrimination (in Farsi) (video)
  • CA DMV: California Driver Handbook (pdf)
  • John Q. Khosravi Law Firm (JQK Law Firm): Naturalization for Iranians (Farsi/Persian) سیتیزنشیپ وتابعیت امریکا برای ایرانیان (video)
  • MedicinePlus: Health Information in Farsi (فارسی) (web page)
  • SSA: Social Security Resources in Farsi (web page)
  • uscitizenpod: Citizenship Resources for Nowruz 2018 (blog post)
  • VOA Farsi
Urdu
For more resources, go to

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

UPDATED U.S. Citizenship Class 30, Spring 2018, Milpitas Adult School



uscitizenpod: The Constitution

N-400

Civics

Integration
  • Hao Thi Vu: A Quick Interview for US Constitution and Citizenship Day 2014 pdf

Sunday, May 13, 2018

Happy Mother's Day

Updated 04-30-2021. Check back for more updates.
 


uscitizenpod: Three Citizenship Questions for Mother's Day

Ann Reeves Jarvis was a peace activist who took care of wounded soldiers on both sides of the American Civil War. After the war, she hosted Mother's Day Friendship picnics for the women on both sides of the war.  She also created Mother's Day Work Clubs to address public health issues.

After Ann Reeves Jarvis died, her daughter, Anna Jarvis, wanted to honor her mother by continuing the work that her mother had started.  Anna Jarvis started a petition to set aside one day every year to honor all mothers.  She said that a mother is "the person who has done more for you than anyone in the world."

In 1908, Anna Jarvis sent a petition to Congress to make Mother's Day a national holiday. Although Congress rejected the petition, many states and cities adopted the idea.  In 1914, Woodrow Wilson  signed a proclamation designating Mother's Day, held on the second Sunday in May, as a national holiday to honor mothers.

Name one problem that led to the Civil War.
  • civil rights
  • first amendment rights
  • states’ rights
  • women's rights

What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?
  • join a camping group
  • join a civic group
  • join a comedy group
  • join a community group

Name two national U.S. holidays.
  • Memorial Day
  • Mother's Day
  • Valentine's Day
  • Veterans Day

Source: Wikipedia
Image Source: USPS Mother of America Stamp

Saturday, May 12, 2018

Cultivating a 21st Century US Citizen



Cultivating a 21st Century US Citizen
NorCal CATESOL 2018
Santa Rosa Junior College
May 12, 2018
1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m
Room 694

Empower students to use technology to prepare for their Citizenship Interview. Use mobile and online tools to encourage frequent practice, greater fluency, and advocacy!

Google slides: http://bit.ly/tech-up-citz-3a
Notes pdf: http://bit.ly/tech-up-citz-3b
Blog post: http://bit.ly/tech-up-citz-3

Thursday, May 10, 2018

U.S. Citizenship Class 29, Spring 2018, Milpitas Adult School



USCIS: Promise of Freedom

N-400

Civics

Integration
  • Citizenship Interview Quiz for Hushang Ansary (Ahvaz, Iran) pdf

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

SD Citizenship Interview 1: Eligibility and Clarification Questions



SD Citizenship Interview 1: Eligibility and Clarification Questions  (improved sound 5/19/2018)

Mechelle Perrott, ESL/Citizenship Coordinator for San Diego Continuing Education (www.sdce.edu) demonstrates how to ask clarification questions during a Citizenship interview. This video is a first in the series of Citizenship interviews recorded at the San Diego Regional CATESOL Conference, April 22, 2018.

The examiner doesn't think that Mechelle is ready for the interview because Mechelle doesn't understand one of the first interview questions.

Mechelle insists (politely) that she has studied for the English and Civics test and asks the examiner to rephrase the question which has the key word "eligible."

Note: If you do not understand an examiner's question, DO NOT SAY YES OR NO. Request that the examiner to use different words to ask the question.

If you need more help studying N-400, look at

Tuesday, May 8, 2018

U.S. Citizenship Class 28, Spring 2018, Milpitas Adult School



VOA Learning English: PRESIDENT FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT


N-400

Civics

U.S. History Since 1900
The U.S. History Since 1900 lesson plan and handouts for low intermediate and intermediate learners covering civics test items 11, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, and 86.










Integration

  • Citizenship Interview Quiz for Hushang Ansary (Ahvaz, Iran) pdf

Monday, May 7, 2018

US, Mexico to Cooperate in Fighting Cross-border Crime



VOANews: US, Mexico to Cooperate in Fighting Cross-border Crime

The United States and Mexico have agreed to cooperate in fighting criminal gangs trafficking drugs, weapons and human beings across the shared border. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed bilateral and regional issues with his Mexican counterpart Luis Videgaray Monday in Washington. Earlier, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions stressed "the U.S. border is not open" to anyone coming unlawfully. VOA's Zlatica Hoke reports.
Originally published at - https://www.voanews.com/a/4384213.html

Sunday, May 6, 2018

USCIS and the Legacy of Ellis Island



uscitizenpod: USCIS and the Legacy of Ellis Island Trailer (2:08)

“USCIS and the Legacy of Ellis Island” tells the story of Ellis Island through the perspective of those who worked there and highlights the historical connections between our mission and this iconic historic site.




uscitizenpod: USCIS and the Legacy of Ellis Island (28:56)

“USCIS and the Legacy of Ellis Island” tells the story of Ellis Island through the perspective of those who worked there and highlights the historical connections between our mission and this iconic historic site.

The video tells the story of Ellis Island in three chronological, thematic chapters:

  • Creating Ellis Island: the first chapter of the film introduces the audience to Ellis Island and its early history.
  • Working on the Island: Chapter two explores the often overlooked roles of Ellis Island’s employees and their importance to operation of the immigration station.
  • Remembering Ellis Island: The concluding chapter examines Ellis Island’s closure, discusses its historical legacy, and emphasizes its lasting connection to our agency.

For more information about USCIS, visit us at https://www.uscis.gov and check us out on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/uscis), Twitter (https://www.twitter.com/uscis), and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/uscis).

If you need captions, please click the “CC” button just beneath the video to turn them on.

Saturday, May 5, 2018

Tech Up Your Citizenship Class



May 5 9:45 a.m.—10:45 a.m.
Tech Up Your Citizenship Class
Empower students to use technology to prepare for their citizenship interview. Use mobile and online tools to encourage frequent practice, greater fluency, and success!
Presenter: Jennifer Gagliardi
For: Immigrant Integration/Citizenship, Technology/Digital Literacy, Teachers
Location: Convention Center 2005

Google slides: http://bit.ly/tech-up-citz-2a

Notes pdf: http://bit.ly/tech-up-citz-2b
Blog post: http://bit.ly/tech-up-citz-2c

Extra credit 

Friday, May 4, 2018

Teaching Citizenship Prep 101




May 4 3:45 p.m.—4:30 p.m
Teaching Citizenship Prep 101
Participants will identify the critical resources in the form of websites, textbooks, legal services, and more to meet (and exceed) suggested USCIS-recommended citizenship course content standards.

Presenter: Jennifer Gagliardi
For: Immigrant Integration/Citizenship, Teachers
Location: Convention Center 2010

Teaching Citizenship Prep 101

CASAS Assessments for Citizenship Preparation



May 4 2:45 p.m.—3:30 p.m
CASAS Assessments for Citizenship Preparation
Leverage the CASAS Life/Work, CIT, or EL Civics COAAPS to help students successfully prepare for the USCIS naturalization interview.
Presenter: Jennifer Gagliardi
For: Immigrant Integration/Citizenship, Administrators, Teachers
Location: Convention Center 2012

CASAS Assessments for Citizenship Preparation
This presentation and the notes pdf are available on
Google slides: http://bit.ly/ccae-cita
Blog post: http://bit.ly/ccae-citb