Friday, December 8, 2023

Two Citizenship Questions for Hanukkah




uscitizenpod: Two Citizenship Questions for Hanukkah

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday known as the Festival of Lights. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days which may occur at any time from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar.

Emma Lazarus (1849-1887) was a Jewish-American poet and activist who used the image of America as a light to the nations when she wrote "The New Colossus" (1883). This poem, which is engraved inside of the Statue of Liberty, talks about the millions of immigrants who came to the United States many of whom came through Ellis Island at the port of New York. The final lines say:
"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
Manfred Anson (1922-2012), a survivor of the Holocaust, designed this Hanukkah lamp for the centennial of the Statue of Liberty in 1986. Anson used a souvenir figurines to cast the statuettes for the lamp, and the Statue of Liberty torch was transformed into a candle holder. The lamp is surmounted by an American eagle, and the base of each statuette is inscribed with significant dates in Jewish history. This Statue of Liberty Menorah is currently displayed at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, Washington DC.

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

USCIS 100:10. What is freedom of religion?

Learn more:

A closer look at our Statue of Liberty Hanukkah lamp
http://americanhistory.si.edu/blog/2013/11/a-closer-look-at-our-statue-of-liberty-hanukkah-lamp-now-on-view.html

A Menorah That Honors an Immigrant’s Story: After escaping the Holocaust, Manfred Anson paid tribute to his new home
https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/statue-of-liberty-menorah

Emma Lazarus: Poet Of Exiles
https://mjhnyc.org/exhibitions/emma-lazarus-poet-exiles/

Statue of Liberty National Monument
https://www.nps.gov/stli/index.htm

She Wrote a Nation’s Welcome
https://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/04/arts/design/emma-lazarus-at-museum-of-jewish-heritage-review.html

This One-of-a-Kind Menorah Represents the True Spirit of Thanksgivukkah: A Hanukkah tradition melds with an icon of Americana
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/this-one-of-a-kind-menorah-represents-the-true-spirit-of-thanksgivukkah-180947855/

U.S. Postal Service and Israel Post Jointly Issue Hanukkah Stamps
http://about.usps.com/news/national-releases/2018/pr18_088.htm

Thursday, December 7, 2023

What Are Treaties and Alliances?

 
 
National Museum of American Diplomacy: What Are Treaties and Alliances?

Treaties and alliances are two ways the United States formalizes agreements with other countries and international organizations. Treaties are written agreements between nations or between nations and international organizations. Alliances are formal agreements where countries pledge to help one another in a time of need. In this video, you will learn how treaties and alliances help nations build formal relationships. These agreements address different global issues. From copyright protection to border disputes, the United States is part of many treaties and alliances. Learn how treaties and alliances help nations build formal relationships in this video. Want to use this video in your classroom? Find supplementary resources like vocabulary lists, worksheets, and more here: LESSON PLAN

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

What Are Embassies, Consulates, and Missions?

 

National Museum of American Diplomacy: What Are Embassies, Consulates, and Missions? 

Embassies, consulates, and missions are the places where U.S. government representatives serve in foreign countries. Embassies serve as the headquarters for the State Department and other U.S. government representatives serving in foreign countries. Consulates provide the same services as embassies, but they follow the lead of the embassy. Both embassies and consulates are known collectively as missions, but missions also refer to U.S. representation to international organizations. You can find these buildings all over the world. Each mission has a unique organization and function depending on U.S. foreign policy goals. In this video, learn how U.S. embassies, consulates, and missions operate. Want to use this video in your classroom? Find supplementary resources like vocabulary lists, worksheets, and more here: LESSON PLANS

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

What Does the U.S. Secretary of State Do?

National Museum of American Diplomacy: What Does the U.S. Secretary of State Do? 

The U.S. Secretary of State leads the U.S. Department of State, America’s lead foreign affairs agency. The Secretary of State holds one of the most important positions in the U.S. government. As the senior member of the President’s Cabinet, this individual is responsible for carrying out the president’s foreign policy decisions and advising the president on issues of international concern. The secretary manages international crises and must be ready to respond to the unexpected anywhere in the world. Learn about America’s top diplomatic representative in this video. 

Want to use this video in your classroom? Find supplementary resources like vocabulary lists, worksheets, and more here: LESS0N PLAN

Monday, December 4, 2023

What Is the State Department?

National Museum of American Diplomacy: What Is the State Department? The U.S. Department of State is the government agency dedicated to protecting Americans and advancing U.S. interests abroad. 

In 1789, the U.S. Department of State, or the State Department, was established with the creation of the U.S. Constitution. Over the past 200 years, this federal agency has evolved to meet the new challenges of the 21st century. Throughout its history, the State Department has led the U.S. government’s foreign policy decisions and assisted Americans all over the world. In this video, understand how the State Department functions. LESSON PLAN

Sunday, December 3, 2023

Nearly 900 new U.S. citizens welcomed in Roseville ceremony

CBS Sacramento: Nearly 900 new U.S. citizens welcomed in Roseville ceremony

The National Anthem and the presentation of the Color Guard welcomed nearly 900 people during a naturalization ceremony at The Grounds in Roseville.

Saturday, December 2, 2023

Hundreds of Volunteers Get White House Ready for Christmas

VOA News: Hundreds of Volunteers Get White House Ready for Christmas

Every year, thousands of people from across the United States volunteer for a very exclusive holiday experience – the chance to decorate the White House for Christmas. Of all of those applicants, only 300 lucky people are chosen. VOA’s Dora Mekouar reports.

Learn more:
  • U.S. Citizenship Resources for the Winter Holidays page
  • Holiday Stamps and Religious Freedom pdf (2021)
  • A Citizenship Quiz for Christmas  (2021) mp3 / pdf / video

Friday, December 1, 2023

Rosa Parks Day

What does it mean to stand up for something?
How do you show your support for causes you believe in?



TED-ED: The hidden life of Rosa Parks - Riché D. Richardson

Learn about the life of civil rights activist Rosa Parks— her work with the NAACP, bus boycotts, and her lifelong fight against racial inequality.

Throughout her life, Rosa Parks repeatedly challenged racial violence and the prejudiced systems protecting its perpetrators. Her refusal to move to the back of a segregated bus ignited a boycott that lasted 381 days and helped transform civil rights activism into a national movement. But this work came at an enormous risk— and a personal price. Riché D. Richardson details the life of Rosa Parks.

Lesson by Riché D. Richardson, directed by Eido.

Learn more:

Rosa Parks Day is a U.S observance that celebrates the famous civil rights leader Rosa Parks. In different parts of the United States, this day is celebrated on different days. In some areas, it’s celebrated on Rosa Park’s birthday—which is February 4th, and in other areas, it’s celebrated on December 1st. No matter what day it’s observed, however, it’s a good day to learn about the civil rights movement or to take part in activities that support the civil rights movement.

POP QUIZ:

12. What is the “rule of law”?

42. Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the states. What is one power of the states? 

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

84. What movement tried to end racial discrimination?

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

37. What does the judicial branch do?

23. Name your U.S. Representative.

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Happy National Native American Heritage Month!




Native American history IS American history, and it is only by recognizing that history that we can build a future that is equitable and inclusive. Happy National Native American Heritage Month!

Resources from US Citizenship Podcast

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Happy Birthday San Jose, California!


A Citizenship Quiz in Honor of the Double Birthday of San Jose, CA  mp3 | pdf

Happy Birthday San Jose! Today we are going to celebrate the Double Birthday of San Jose, California.

Today we are going to listen to eight questions from the USCIS 100 questions plus 2 extra credit questions. There is so much to say about San Jose, that I could have asked many more questions, but ten questions in total is just enough. Remember you only have to get 6 out of 10 questions correct to pass the citizenship exam along with the questions from you N-400 plus reading and writing one sentence.

Today when I ask the questions, there will be no answers--you will have to answer the questions yourself. Check your copy of the USCIS questions to make sure that you are correct. Let's get started!

Monday, November 27, 2023

Indigenous People Answer Commonly Googled Questions About Native Americans

Buzz Feed: Indigenous People Answer Commonly Googled Questions About Native Americans

USCIS 100:59. Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived? Question 59 Audio (MP3, 192.74 KB)

USCIS 100:87. Name one American Indian tribe in the United States. Question 87 Audio (MP3, 1.13 MB)

USCIS 100:10. What is freedom of religion? Question 10 Audio (MP3, 174.83 KB)

USCIS 100:100. Name two national U.S. holidays. Question 100 Audio (MP3, 977.39 KB)

USCIS 100:64. There were 13 original states. Name three. Question 64 Audio (MP3, 659.02 KB)

USCIS 100:71. What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803? Question 71 Audio (MP3, 252.61 KB)

USCIS 100:91. Name one U.S. territory. Question 91 Audio (MP3, 348.71 KB)

USCIS 100:92. Name one state that borders Canada. Question 92 Audio (MP3, 624.4 KB)

USCIS 100:93. Name one state that borders Mexico. Question 93 Audio (MP3, 287.63 KB)

Saturday, November 25, 2023

Remembering JFK



VOANews: Remembering John F. Kennedy – the 56th Anniversary of the Assassination

Also watch: 
56 years ago, President John F. Kennedy was shot and killed during a visit to Dallas, Texas, November 22, 1963. His assassination shocked Americans and people around the world.

👉 President John Kennedy, 46 years old when he died, was the youngest man ever elected president. He served only 1,000 days in office, yet he remains one of the most popular presidents in American history.

Kennedy was elected president in 1960, and faced difficult foreign policy decisions during his less than three years in office. The United States and the Soviet Union were in the midst of a Cold War, and he was elected on a goal of fighting Communism.

He suffered early in his term with a failed invasion of Cuba. But his public image recovered during a visit to Germany. In Berlin, Kennedy became famous for a speech denouncing Soviet Communism.
Later, he ordered a naval blockade of Cuba in an effort to stop the shipment of Soviet missiles to the island. He successfully persuaded the Soviet Union to remove the missiles already there and disarm the weapon sites.
Kennedy’s creation of the Peace Corps and his support of the space program were major victories at home during his presidency. He also helped move forward civil rights efforts.

During the 1960 campaign, it was a close battle between Kennedy, a Democratic senator from Massachusetts, and Vice President Richard Nixon, the Republican nominee.

Also see:

uscitizenpod: 10 USCIS Questions in honor of President John F. Kennedy mp3 pdf

Friday, November 24, 2023

The Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Region


Worldwide Walls: POW! WOW! San Jose 2021 AIR: We Are Muwekma Ohlone 
(clip)

"We Are Muwekma Ohlone" is the title of the mural.
They were once recognized but it got taken away back in the late 1920s.
Charlene Nijmeh, the current chairperson, 
she represents the present, 
and she's doing what she can to help get the tribe 
federally reinstated as a sovereign nation as a Muwekma Ohlone, 
an American Indian tribe recognized by the United States.
Ask the question.
Find out why you didn't know anything about the Ohlone people before.
Just learn.
I'm glad I painted this just to be like a talking point, 
like a starting point to to talk about that.
--Alfonso Salazar 

US Citizenship Podcast gratefully acknowledges Muwekma Ohlone people on whose ancestral land we reside, as well as the diverse Native communities who make their home here today.

The Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Region are seeking seeking federal recognition of their tribal status, which would give them the same benefits as other Native American tribes for housing, medical care, higher education and the ability to establish a land trust.  Sign a letter of support at http://www.muwekma.org/sign-letter-pledge.html.

Check out Native Land (native-land.ca) to discover the Indigenous people, languages, and treaties associated with your local area.

POP QUIZ:

  1. USCIS 100:59. Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?
  2. USCIS 100:87. Name one American Indian tribe in the United States.

Learn more:

Learn more the Muwekma Ohlone of San Jose / Oakland / San Francisco:

See also: 

Thursday, November 23, 2023

Happy Thanksgiving!

 


In this episode, we reflect on the Pilgrims Immigration and first year in America by pairing these events with twelve questions from the N-400 Application for Naturalization.

US Citizenship Podcast
  • A US Citizenship Quiz about the History of Thanksgiving (2018) video / mp3 / pdf
  • Thanksgiving N-400 Interview (2016) pdf and mp3 
  • A Citizenship Quiz for Thanksgiving (2015) pdf and mp3
  • A Quick Interview Based on the N-400r plus 10 qs in honor of Thanksgiving 2015 pdf and mp3
  • U.S. Citizenship Resources for Native American Heritage Month page
  • U.S. Citizenship Resources for Thanksgiving page (many!)

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

US appeals court strikes at landmark voting rights law

Reuters: US appeals court strikes at landmark voting rights law 

A US appeals court ruling strikes at the core of a landmark voting rights law, dealing a potentially serious blow to groups trying to push back against what they see as discriminatory voting rules and unfair representation. Read the full story here: https://reut.rs/3G4Gxc5

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

Tracing the origins and significance of the presidential turkey pardon

PBS News Hour: Tracing the origins and significance of the presidential turkey pardon 

One thing Americans can be thankful for this year is the price of Thanksgiving turkeys. Turkey prices are down 5.6 percent since last year, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. But two special turkeys will be spared from the dinner table this week as part of a beloved White House tradition. Laura Barrón-López reports.

Monday, November 20, 2023

Happy Birthday, President Joe Biden!

 


Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. (born November 20, 1942) is an American politician who is the 46th and current president of the United States. Ideologically a moderate member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as the 47th vice president from 2009 to 2017 under President Barack Obama and represented Delaware in the United States Senate from 1973 to 2009.

Sunday, November 19, 2023

Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, Mental Health Advocate, Dies at 96

 
 
Former U.S. first lady Rosalynn Carter has died at the age of 96. VOA’s Kane Farabaugh, who extensively covered Rosalynn Carter’s life and post-White House career promoting global health and democracy with her husband, former President Jimmy Carter, has more.

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Immigrants’ Rights Advocates Rally in Washington

 


Thousands of people marched to the White House on Tuesday, urging President Joe Biden to provide work permits to long-term immigrants, among other policy reforms, as VOA’s Celia Mendoza reports. 

Learn more:
 

Hundreds of people gathered Tuesday in Washington to urge the Biden administration to extend labor protections to undocumented immigrants in the United States. The Here to Work Day of Action march, organized by a coalition of dozens of migrant advocacy groups, called on U.S. President Joe Biden to allow immigrants living in the U.S. for years to apply for work permits. read more

Learn more:

USCIS 100:06. What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?* Question 6 Audio (MP3, 313.28 KB)

  • speech
  • religion
  • assembly
  • press
  • petition the government

USCIS 100:51. What are two rights of everyone living in the United States? Question 51 Audio (MP3, 426.66 KB)

  • freedom of expression
  • freedom of speech
  • freedom of assembly
  • freedom to petition the government
  • freedom of religion
  • the right to bear arms

USCIS 100:55. What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy? Question 55 Audio (MP3, 681.01 KB)

  • 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

Monday, November 13, 2023

Chinese Migration to the US



On Today's podcast, Dan Novak and Dan Friedell host the show while Dan Novak tells listeners what they are going to hear.
01:00 First, Caty Weaver reports on the increase in Chinese migrants who are traveling through Panama trying to get to the U.S. southern border. The migrants start in Ecuador which has no visa requirements. There are also YouTube videos aimed at pushing migrants to use this path.
07:50 Listen to more stories about the Navajo tribe and Antarctica.

Words in This Story

emigration –n. to leave a country to live somewhere else

character –n. (language) a symbol that is used in writing or printing to express meaning in a language that does not use an alphabet

meme – n. a picture, video, usage, or term that spreads through the internet

despair –n. a feeling of having no hope

white-collar –adj. related to or describing office jobs that are usually done at a desk

Saturday, November 11, 2023

Veterans Day 2023

uscitizenpod

  • U.S. Citizenship Resources for Veterans Day page (more resources)
  • A 21-Question “Salute” for Veterans Day Quiz based on the USCIS 100qs pdf | audiogram
  • Interview Based on the USCIS N-400r for Current and Former Armed Forces Members pdf
  • N-400 Practice Interview: Part 12 Detailed Review: 
    • Question 15: Group Violence pdf
    • Questions 17-21 Gang, Weapons, Child Soldiers pdf
    • Questions 37-44 U.S. Military Service pdf
    • Questions 45-50 Attachment to the U.S. Constitution pdf
  • Part 18 Oath of Allegiance pdf
  • The Selective Service / el Servicio Selectivo in English and Español audiogram

USCIS Office of Citizenship

USCIS Military


Friday, November 10, 2023

Ellis Island: Gateway to America in Early 20th Century


VOA News: Ellis Island: Gateway to America in Early 20th Century 

Immigration in the U.S. wasn’t always difficult or a crisis. Just 100 years ago, immigrants arriving in America simply had to give their name, occupation, and port of call when crossing into the U.S. Millions arrived through Ellis Island, an immigration and processing center that operated for more than 62 years. It stopped processing migrants 70 years ago this month. Evgeny Maslov reports on what it was like for immigrants on Ellis Island in this story narrated by Anna Rice.

Also watch: USCIS: USCIS and the Legacy of Ellis Island

Sunday, November 5, 2023

Nearly 1,000 people become U.S. citizens at Wrigley Field ceremony

CBS: Nearly 1,000 people become U.S. citizens at Wrigley Field ceremony 

The Friendly Confines hosted its third and largest naturalization ceremony yet. Nearly 1,000 people from 94 countries were sworn in as U.S. citizens.

Saturday, November 4, 2023

CCAE Central Follow Up


This is a follow-up to some of the questions asked at CCAE Central ESL, ABE, and Civics Breakout Group.  f I missed anything or if you have further questions, please contact me at jgagliardi@musd.org.  Thank you, Visalia, for your warm hospitality!

NOTE the Oct 17-18 2023 NIICE: National Immigrant Integration & Citizenship Education Conference and the Nov 1 Naturalization Test Overview focused on naturalizing LPRs. 

  • The Nov 1 webinar focused on eligibility and clearly delineated the components of the Naturalization interview that CBOs need.  At the end of the Nov 1 webinar, there was a comment from a USCIS officer that the Naturalization Test Redesign Pilot has been put on hold.

USCIS Naturalization Statistics

USCIS LPRs Eligible to Naturalize Factsheets: 
TESOL
  • TESOL Policy Recommendations for the 118th Congress 
    • Google slides--make a copy and modify it for your Congress person or school board meeting.  Most of the text was taken directly from the TESOL Advocacy Center.  USCIS LPR stats are used on slide 19 and 20.  Note: recently, Senator Padilla has committed to introduce and co-sponsor the SPELL Act.
  • Nov 11: TESOL: Enhancing State-Level Advocacy: U.S. State Legislative Issues Impacting ELT
    • From Florida to California, U.S. states are active in legislation and policy affecting you, ELT educators, and the multilingual learners of English. Join TESOL on 11 November from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET, as we provide an overview of issues across the states, explore the implications, and discuss how you can make an impact in your own advocacy efforts. Register
LINCS
CASAS

OTAN and more

Friday, November 3, 2023

CCAE Central: Teaching with YouTube


Teaching with YouTube

CCAE Central 2023 Visalia Convention Center

Jennifer Gagliardi, OTAN SME, jgagliardi@scoe.net


YouTube Resource Padlet:

bit.ly/teach-yt-padlet


Thanks to Alison Wahlen of Visalia Adult School for sharing her awesome YouTube channel: Stitches N Stuff Studio--check it out!


Thursday, November 2, 2023

U.S. Citizenship Resources for All Saints and Day of the Dead


 Citizenship Quiz for All Saints and Day of the Dead 2022, (2023 coming soon!)

We honor the following list of Americans who passed before us in 2022:
  • Dec 5, 2021  Bob Dole, U.S. senator from Kansas
  • Dec 26, 2021 Sarah Weddington, Roe v. Wade lawyer
  • Dec 28, 2021 Harry Reid, U.S. senator from Nevada
  • Jan 11, 2022 Clyde Bellecourt, American Indian Movement cofounder
  • Jan 21, 2022 Edwilda Gustava Allen Isaac, American civil rights pioneer
  • Jan 25, 2022 Esteban Edward Torres, U.S. House of Representatives (CA-34)
  • Feb 11, 2022 Tall Oak Weeden, historian of Mashantucket Pequot and Wampanoag descent
  • Mar 18, 2022 Don Young, U.S. representative for Alaska
  • Mar 23, 2022 Madeleine Albright, U.S. diplomat 
  • Jul 3, 2022 Charles Wesley Turnbull, governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands

Citizenship Quiz for All Saints and Day of the Dead 2021 listen | pdf | video

Citizenship Quiz for All Saints and Day of the Dead 2020 listen | read | watch

Citizenship Quiz for All Saints and Day of the Dead 2019  listen / read / watch

Citizenship Quiz for All Saints and Day of the Dead 2018 listen / read / watch

Citizenship Quiz for All Saints and Day of the Dead 2017 listen / read / watch

Citizenship Quiz for All Saints and Day of the Dead 2016 listen / read

A Citizenship Quiz for All Saints Day Podcast 2015 listen / read

Citizenship Quiz for Day of the Dead Podcast 2015 listen / read

Also see:

Dead Honored in Various Ways watch

Citizenship Resources for Halloween post

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

U.S. Citizenship Resources for November


U.S. Citizenship Resources for Native American Heritage Month page

U.S. Citizenship Resources for Halloween, All Saints, and Day of the Dead page

U.S. Citizenship Resources for Veterans Day page

U.S. Citizenship Resources for Thanksgiving page