Sunday, September 22, 2024

Naturalization Ceremony - Constitution Day 2024

 


Every September 17 we celebrate Constitution Day as well as Citizenship Day, a holiday meant to honor and celebrate the privileges and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship for both native-born and naturalized citizens. In recognition of this special observance, watch live as the National Constitution Center hosts an annual Naturalization Ceremony as part of our Constitution Day celebrations, during which 50 immigrants from across the globe will take the Oath of Allegiance to officially become citizens of the United States. The Honorable John R. Padova, senior judge of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, will preside over the ceremony. National Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen will offer remarks and MSNBC host and NCC Trustee Ali Velshi will give the keynote address.


USCIS 100:53. What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen? 
  • give up loyalty to other countries 
  • defend the Constitution and laws of the United States 
  • obey the laws of the United States 
  • serve in the U.S. military (if needed) 
  • serve (do important work for) the nation (if needed) 
  • be loyal to the United States 

Saturday, September 21, 2024

The Inside Story | USA VOTES 2024

VOA News: The Inside Story | USA VOTES 2024  

VOA reports on a small town in Ohio at the center of the presidential campaign. Plus, we cover the forces threatening U.S. election integrity. This week on The Inside Story: USA VOTES 2024.

Friday, September 20, 2024

The battleground states that will decide the 2024 presidential race

VOA News: The battleground states that will decide the 2024 presidential race 

Every four years, the US presidential race zeroes in on "swing states." These battlegrounds, unlike states that consistently favor one party, can flip between elections and often determine who wins the White House. Understanding swing states is essential to grasping how America picks its president.

USCIS 100:64.  There were 13 original states.  Name the three swing states that were original states.

USCIS 100:92.  Name one swing state that borders Canada.

USCIS 100:93.  Name one swing state that borders Mexico.

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Shift in women’s voter demographics could favor Democrats


VOA News: Shift in women’s voter demographics could favor Democrats 

American women are poised to play an important role in deciding the 2024 U.S. presidential election. In recent years, women have registered to vote and cast votes at higher rates than men. Although women are not a monolithic voting bloc, the trends favor one major party over the other.

POP Quiz:

USCIS 100:45.  What are the two major political parties in the United States?*

USCIS 100:48.  There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote.  Describe one of them.

USCIS 100:77.  What did Susan B. Anthony do?


Wednesday, September 18, 2024

2024-2025 MAE Citizenship Class 03

 

More Resources

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

We Signed the Constitution 2024!

 Scan the QR Code

Or click this link

Or share this link: bit.ly/maeconst24

This is the original link to the Constitution padlet.




1, Go to the padlet (scan qr code or click link)


2. Click the YELLOW BUTTON (with +) 


3. Click Green Button (camera)


4. Take a selfie with

  • The Constitution
  • The Flag
  • Your Name (printed and signed)
  • Friends
5. Upload it and virtually Sign the Constitution


Resources for Constitution Day:

Made with Padlet

Saturday, September 14, 2024

The Inside Story | USA Votes 2024: The Candidates Debate


VOA News: The Inside Story | USA Votes 2024: The Candidates Debate 

 This week on The Inside Story, American voters react to the first presidential debate between Republican candidate, Donald Trump, and Democratic candidate, Kamala Harris. Hear the details of what happened and what voters want from the candidates. Plus, we follow the path to freedom of our colleague, Alsu Kurmasheva, and hear from her husband about the journey to bring her back home. Join us this week on The Inside Story.

POP QUIZ

USCIS 100:06. What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?* 

USCIS 100:27.  In what month do we vote for President?* 

USCIS 100:28.  What is the name of the President of the United States now?* 

USCIS 100:29.  What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now?

USCIS 100:45.  What are the two major political parties in the United States?*

USCIS 100:46.  What is the political party of the President now?

USCIS 100:49.  What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens?* 

USCIS 100:50.  Name one right only for United States citizens.

USCIS 100:51. What are two rights of everyone living in the United States?

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

Friday, September 13, 2024

USCIS to Celebrate Constitution Day and Citizenship Day

 

USCIS: Citizenship Day and Constitution Week

WASHINGTON — On Sept. 17, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will celebrate Constitution Day and Citizenship Day as part of Constitution Week (Sept. 17 to 23). The commemoration honors both the signing of the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787, and an observance that began in 1940 as “I Am an American Day.” Citizenship Day began in 1952, signed into law by President Harry Truman and, in 1955, President Dwight Eisenhower proclaimed the first Constitution Week.

“We continue to work in communities to raise awareness about citizenship in line with our mission to uphold America’s promise as a nation of welcome and possibility with fairness, integrity, and respect, and Constitution Week provides the opportunity to highlight this mission,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. “We are committed to removing barriers to immigration benefits and ensuring that we operate fairly and efficiently.” 

Each year, USCIS celebrates Constitution Week by celebrating the connection between the Constitution and citizenship, reflecting on what it means to be a citizen of the United States and holding special naturalization ceremonies across the country. The Constitution plays a meaningful role in the lives of all Americans, but particularly for those who are Americans by choice. The Constitution not only establishes the rule of law, but it also creates the framework for an immigration system that enables immigrants to become citizens.

As part of Constitution Week, USCIS will welcome more than 17,000 new citizens in over 400 naturalization ceremonies across the nation from Sept. 14-23. Among the special naturalization ceremonies taking place is the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation event on Sept. 17, where USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou will administer the Oath of Allegiance. For additional venues, please view a list of highlighted 2024 Constitution Week themed ceremonies.

USCIS is committed to educating underserved or vulnerable populations about the benefits and opportunities of citizenship, and about the naturalization process. New U.S. citizens invigorate and contribute to their adopted country, and USCIS encourages eligible immigrants to naturalize. Since the beginning of the Biden-Harris Administration, we have taken steps to support the implementation of Executive Order 14012: Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems and Strengthening Integration and Inclusion Efforts for New Americans, including the USCIS Ambassador Initiative in which USCIS collaborates with immigrant community leaders.

The 2024 Constitution Week caps a year of notable accomplishments for USCIS in promoting citizenship and upholding our mission by making the naturalization process accessible to all who are eligible, including:
Decreasing the naturalization backlog by 60 percent and returned to processing times under six months. Learn more about backlog reduction on our immigration data page.
Issuing a new edition of the Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, with new features:
For more information about USCIS’ Constitution Day and Citizenship Day activities, please see the USCIS Celebrates Constitution Day and Citizenship Day 2024 Fact Sheet (PDF, 5.23 MB).

Eligible lawful permanent residents go through a comprehensive, multi-step process to become U.S. citizens. The final step in the naturalization process is the most important one, the Oath of Allegiance.

To help applicants prepare to become U.S. citizens, USCIS provides study materials and resources, including a mobile app, USCIS: Civics Test Study Tools, which is currently available in the Apple App and Google Play Store. To find it, search for “USCIS civics test” or “USCIS.” In addition to being the only official USCIS Civics Test application, the app keeps old practice tests for review, has a game to challenge users’ civics knowledge, and lists all 100 questions and answers that could be asked in the actual civics test. Applicants can also access a civics practice test on the Citizenship Resource Center.

Following each naturalization ceremony, we encourage new U.S. citizens and their families and friends to share their naturalization photos on social media using the hashtags #NewUSCitizen, #ConstitutionWeek, and #WeThePeople. 
Release Date 

Thursday, September 12, 2024

Young voters could make difference in US presidential election, say analysts


VOA News: Young voters could make difference in US presidential election, say analysts 

This year, about 8 million young people will turn 18 and become eligible to vote. In all, an estimated 41 million members of Gen Z — people under age 27 — will be able to vote in the 2024 presidential election.

USCIS 100: 48.  There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote.  Describe one of them.

USCIS 100:54.  How old do citizens have to be to vote for President?*

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

2024-2025 MAE Citizenship Class 02

 

source

More Resources
  • Resources for Constitution and Citizenship Week

9/11

USCIS 100:86. / 128:115. What major event happened on September 11, 2001, in the United States?

 


Resources:
updated 2026-09-10

Monday, September 9, 2024

California Admissions Day



uscitizenpod: Love and Citizenship from the Heart of California: An US Citizenship Interview with Rene Smith ESL/Citizenship Instructor Madera Adult School

Teacher Jennifer does a practice US Citizenship interview with Teacher Rene (Madera Adult School), then Rene about her own experience about becoming a US citizen and preparing students to become US Citizens.

Today is California Admissions Day!

I have created and uploaded a simple .pdf about the State of California. I included info about our local government officials for the students of Milpitas Adult School.  Edit the pdf for your own officials.

Also check out the US Census: Stats for California

updates Sept. 1, 2026

Sunday, September 1, 2024

Local woman finishes 25-year journey to US citizenship

 KOB 4: Local woman finishes 25-year journey to US citizenship 

Imagine taking 25 years to complete one task. Ana Yadira Aparicio Calderon, who goes by Yayo, took more than two decades of tears, fear, and community support to complete her task of becoming a U.S. citizen. (read more)

Saturday, August 31, 2024

NEW USCIS VIDEO: Apply for Citizenship Online: How to File Your Application for Naturalization Online

USCIS: Apply for Citizenship Online: How to File Your Application for Naturalization Online

On August 28, 2024 USCIS posted a new video: Apply for Citizenship Online: How to File Your Application for Naturalization Online which illustrates how to complete and submit Form N-400 2024, Application for Naturalization through your USCIS Online Account. Kudos USCIS! 

Friday, August 30, 2024

10 Practice Citizenship Interview based on the USCIS Form N-400 (2024)

Generated with MS Designer AI Sept 4, 2024 11:15 pm

Monday through Friday for the next several weeks, I will be posting new practice interview scripts based on the new USCIS N-400.  These scripts are for Citizenship and English Language Learners to help them prepare for their naturalization interviews.  

The pdfs are fillable (to encourage digital literacy and support distance learning).   Additionally, I have made every effort to make the pdfs accessible to people of all abilities.  

Although the pdfs are secure, you can use this work by Jennifer Gagliardi under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at uscitizenpod@gmail.com 

Thanks for visiting.  I know that you will be a great American citizen!


Thursday, August 29, 2024

09 Practice Citizenship Interview based on the USCIS Form N-400 (2024)

Generated with MS Designer AI Aug 31, 2024 1:04 am

Monday through Friday for the next several weeks, I will be posting new practice interview scripts based on the new USCIS N-400.  These scripts are for Citizenship and English Language Learners to help them prepare for their naturalization interviews.  

The pdfs are fillable (to encourage digital literacy and support distance learning).   Additionally, I have made every effort to make the pdfs accessible to people of all abilities.  

Although the pdfs are secure, you can use this work by Jennifer Gagliardi under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at uscitizenpod@gmail.com 

Thanks for visiting.  I know that you will be a great American citizen!


Wednesday, August 28, 2024

08 Practice Citizenship Interview based on the USCIS Form N-400 (2024)

Generated with MS Designer AI Aug 28, 2024 12:53 am

Monday through Friday for the next several weeks, I will be posting new practice interview scripts based on the new USCIS N-400.  These scripts are for Citizenship and English Language Learners to help them prepare for their naturalization interviews.  

The pdfs are fillable (to encourage digital literacy and support distance learning).   Additionally, I have made every effort to make the pdfs accessible to people of all abilities.  

Although the pdfs are secure, you can use this work by Jennifer Gagliardi under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at uscitizenpod@gmail.com 

Thanks for visiting.  I know that you will be a great American citizen!


Tuesday, August 27, 2024

07 Practice Citizenship Interview based on the USCIS Form N-400 (2024)

Generated with MS Designer AI Aug 27, 2024 1:14 am

Monday through Friday for the next several weeks, I will be posting new practice interview scripts based on the new USCIS N-400.  These scripts are for Citizenship and English Language Learners to help them prepare for their naturalization interviews.  

The pdfs are fillable (to encourage digital literacy and support distance learning).   Additionally, I have made every effort to make the pdfs accessible to people of all abilities.  

Although the pdfs are secure, you can use this work by Jennifer Gagliardi under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at uscitizenpod@gmail.com 

Thanks for visiting.  I know that you will be a great American citizen!


Monday, August 26, 2024

06 Practice Citizenship Interview based on the USCIS Form N-400 (2024)

Generated with MS Designer AI Aug 26, 2024 12:33 am

Monday through Friday for the next several weeks, I will be posting new practice interview scripts based on the new USCIS N-400.  These scripts are for Citizenship and English Language Learners to help them prepare for their naturalization interviews.  

The pdfs are fillable (to encourage digital literacy and support distance learning).   Additionally, I have made every effort to make the pdfs accessible to people of all abilities.  

Although the pdfs are secure, you can use this work by Jennifer Gagliardi under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at uscitizenpod@gmail.com 

Thanks for visiting.  I know that you will be a great American citizen!


Friday, August 23, 2024

05 Practice Citizenship Interview based on the USCIS Form N-400 (2024)

Generated with MS Designer AI Aug 23, 2024 12:09 am

Monday through Friday for the next several weeks, I will be posting new practice interview scripts based on the new USCIS N-400.  These scripts are for Citizenship and English Language Learners to help them prepare for their naturalization interviews.  

The pdfs are fillable (to encourage digital literacy and support distance learning).   Additionally, I have made every effort to make the pdfs accessible to people of all abilities.  

Although the pdfs are secure, you can use this work by Jennifer Gagliardi under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at uscitizenpod@gmail.com 

Thanks for visiting.  I know that you will be a great American citizen!

Thursday, August 22, 2024

04 Practice Citizenship Interview based on the USCIS Form N-400 (2024)

Generated with MS Designer AI Aug 22, 2024 12:58 am

Monday through Friday for the next several weeks, I will be posting new practice interview scripts based on the new USCIS N-400.  These scripts are for Citizenship and English Language Learners to help them prepare for their naturalization interviews.  

The pdfs are fillable (to encourage digital literacy and support distance learning).   Additionally, I have made every effort to make the pdfs accessible to people of all abilities.  

Although the pdfs are secure, you can use this work by Jennifer Gagliardi under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at uscitizenpod@gmail.com 

Thanks for visiting.  I know that you will be a great American citizen!

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

03 Practice Citizenship Interview based on the USCIS Form N-400 (2024)

 

Generated with MS Designer AI Aug 21, 2024 12:16 am

Monday through Friday for the next several weeks, I will be posting new practice interview scripts based on the new USCIS N-400.  These scripts are for Citizenship and English Language Learners to help them prepare for their naturalization interviews.  

The pdfs are fillable (to encourage digital literacy and support distance learning).   Additionally, I have made every effort to make the pdfs accessible to people of all abilities.  

Although the pdfs are secure, you can use this work by Jennifer Gagliardi under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at uscitizenpod@gmail.com 

Thanks for visiting.  I know that you will be a great American citizen!

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

02 Practice Citizenship Interview based on the USCIS Form N-400 (2024)

Generated with MS Designer AI Aug 19, 2024 7:30 pm

Monday through Friday for the next several weeks, I will be posting new practice interview scripts based on the new USCIS N-400.  These scripts are for Citizenship and English Language Learners to help them prepare for their naturalization interviews.  

The pdfs are fillable (to encourage digital literacy and support distance learning).   Additionally, I have made every effort to make the pdfs accessible to people of all abilities.  

Although the pdfs are secure, you can use this work by Jennifer Gagliardi under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at uscitizenpod@gmail.com 

Thanks for visiting.  I know that you will be a great American citizen!

Sunday, August 18, 2024

01 Practice Citizenship Interview based on the USCIS Form N-400 (2024)

Generated with MS Designer AI Aug 19, 2024 12:20 am

Monday through Friday for the next several weeks, I will be posting new practice interview scripts based on the new USCIS N-400.  These scripts are for Citizenship and English Language Learners to help them prepare for their naturalization interviews.  

The pdfs are fillable (to encourage digital literacy and support distance learning).   Additionally, I have made every effort to make the pdfs accessible to people of all abilities.  

Although the pdfs are secure, you can use this work by Jennifer Gagliardi under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at uscitizenpod@gmail.com 

Thanks for visiting.  I know that you will be a great American citizen!

Saturday, August 10, 2024

The Inside Story | USA Votes 2024

 VOA News: The Inside Story | USA Votes 2024 

This week on The Inside Story: Democratic nominee Kamala Harris selects Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate. Learn more about the Democratic vice presidential pick and JD Vance, the Republican vice presidential candidate. Plus, regional tensions are escalating in the Middle East.

Tuesday, August 6, 2024

What is an open convention?

 
  

Following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the presidential race, the Democratic Party’s focus has turned to its nomination convention. While Biden’s late exit from the race led many to believe they could see the first open convention in decades, instead, delegates quickly rallied to support Vice President Kamala Harris. Open conventions have been a part of the political landscape through much of America’s history.

Sunday, August 4, 2024

Houston's largest-ever naturalization ceremony swears in more than 3,300 new citizens


Houston Life: Houston's largest-ever naturalization ceremony swears in more than 3,300 new citizens 
 
On July 10th at NRG Arena, 3,360 people from 121 countries were sworn in as new U.S. citizens. It was Houston's largest-ever naturalization ceremony and took place despite the massive heatwave and power outages affecting the region after Hurricane Beryl.

Saturday, August 3, 2024

The Inside Story | USA Votes 2024


VOA News: The Inside Story | USA Votes 2024 

Voice of America (VOA) is the largest U.S. international broadcaster, providing news and information in more than 40 languages to an estimated weekly audience of 236.8 million people.   Learn more at 2024 US Election

VOA produces content for digital, television, and radio platforms. It is easily accessed via your mobile phone and on social media. It is also distributed by satellite, cable, FM and MW, and is carried on a network of approximately 3,000 affiliate stations. Since its creation in 1942, Voice of America has been committed to providing comprehensive coverage of the news and telling audiences the truth. Through World War II, the Cold War, the fight against global terrorism, and the struggle for freedom around the globe today, VOA exemplifies the principles of a free press.

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

What are the US laws around foreeign political contributions?


VOA News: What are the US laws around foreign political contributions? Voice of America (VOA) is the largest U.S. international broadcaster, providing news and information in more than 40 languages to an estimated weekly audience of 236.8 million people. 

VOA produces content for digital, television, and radio platforms. It is easily accessed via your mobile phone and on social media. It is also distributed by satellite, cable, FM and MW, and is carried on a network of approximately 3,000 affiliate stations. Since its creation in 1942, Voice of America has been committed to providing comprehensive coverage of the news and telling audiences the truth. Through World War II, the Cold War, the fight against global terrorism, and the struggle for freedom around the globe today, VOA exemplifies the principles of a free press.

Tuesday, July 16, 2024

What is a nominating convention?


VOA News: What is a nominating convention?
 
 
Presidential nominating conventions are a relatively recent tradition that progressed from lengthy party debates into a political spectacle televised for the world. Take a closer look at the history, surprises, and stakes behind the quadrennial events that will shape America's political landscape.

Sunday, July 7, 2024

Independence Day Naturalization Ceremony at Mount Vernon:

 George Washington's Mount Vernon: Naturalization Ceremony July 4, 2024

Mount Vernon was the home of George Washington, the first President of the United States. It is now a historic national landmark and open to the public. Every year on America's birthday, it hosts a naturalization ceremony to welcome new US citizens.

Friday, July 5, 2024

Some voters blame media for U.S. polarization as election nears


VOA News: Some voters blame media for U.S. polarization as election nears 

With four months remaining until the U.S. presidential election, political divisions among the electorate are stark. Some voters blame the media for deepening the sense of separation. VOA’s Veronica Balderas Iglesias has more.

Also see: