Thursday, March 31, 2011

Women's History Month: NEW QUIZ--USCIS 100 Questions: Civics

NEW QUIZ: Women and USCIS 100 Questions: Civics

White House Forum Commemorating Women's History Month



wh.gov: White House Forum Commemorating Women's History Month

The White House is hosts an event commemorating Women's History Month and the 100th Anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire. Freaturing remarks by Secretary of Labor, Hilda Solis, and Senior Advisor to the President, Valerie Jarrett, and a panel discussion of women workers telling their stories of attempts to organize a union in their workplaces. March 28, 2011.

Women's History Month: Announcement

Announcement--I am trying to write several multiple choice quizzes that prefaces every USCIS question with info about US Women. Here are some of the questions. Look for the quizzes and podcasts next week. Thanks for your patience.
--Teacher Jennifer

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Women's History Month: USCIS 100:55. Participaton in Democracy and Eunice Kennedy Shriver

The American Woman: Civic Affairs, Education, Arts & Industry

USCIS 100:55. Eunice Kennedy Shriver came from a powerful political family, but she never ran for office. She used her influence to start the Special Olympics and to campaign for the Democratic Party. 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

VOA Learning English News: Eunice Kennedy Shriver, 1921-2009: She Changed the World for People With Mental Disabilities

A member of one of America’s most famous families, she created the Special Olympics.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Women's History Month: USCIS 100:48. Voting Amendments and Alice Paul

USCIS 100:48. Alice Paul led the final campaign to pass the Nineteenth Amendment (1920). There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.

▪ Citizens eighteen (18) and older (can vote).
▪ You don’t have to pay (a poll tax) to vote.
▪ Any citizen can vote. (Women and men can vote.)
▪ A male citizen of any race (can vote).

Monday, March 28, 2011

Women's History Month: USCIS 100:47. Speaker of the House and Nancy Pelosi

Congresswoman Pelosi has five grown children and seven grandchildren.

USCIS 100:47. Nancy Pelosi was the first female Speaker of the House. What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now?

▪ John Boehner

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Women's History Month: USCIS 100:43. State Governor, Soledad Chávez Chacón, and Susana Martinez

USCIS 100:43. Soledad Chávez Chacón of New Mexico was first woman to act as governor (1924). Susana Martinez is the current Governor of New Mexico (2011- ). Who is the Governor of your state now?

▪Answers will vary. [District of Columbia residents should answer that D.C. does not have a Governor.]

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Women's History Month: USCIS 100:39. the Supreme Court and Sonia Sotomayor

USCIS 100:39. Sonia Sotomayor is the Supreme Court's 111th justice, its first Hispanic-American justice, and its third female justice. How many justices are on the Supreme Court?

▪ nine (9)

VOANews: Sotomayor Sworn in as First Hispanic Supreme Court Justice

Sonia Sotomayor is third woman justice, and first justice appointed by President Barack Obama (videos)

Friday, March 25, 2011

Women's History Month: N-400-6B, Labor, and the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

N-400 Part 6B. Where have you worked (or, if you were a student, what schools did you attend) during the last five years? Include military service. Begin with your current or latest employer and then list every place you have worked or studied for the last five years.



VOAVideo: A Century After Triangle Fire, Labor Struggles Remain

On March 25, 1911, 146 people died when fire swept through an overcrowded New York City garment factory. The victims were mostly young immigrant women. The so-called Triangle fire fueled public outrage over unsafe and unfair working conditions, which had already been at the center of a bitter struggle between labor and management. A century later, the battle is not over for many workers.

USCIS 100:100. Name two national U.S. holidays.

▪ New Year’s Day
▪ Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
▪ Presidents’ Day
▪ Memorial Day
▪ Independence Day
▪ Labor Day
▪ Columbus Day
▪ Veterans Day
▪ Thanksgiving
▪ Christmas

N-400 Practice from USCitizenPod

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Women's History Month: USCIS 100:38. the Supreme Court and Sandra Day O'Connor


USCIS 100:38. Sandra Day O'Connor was the first female member of the highest court in the United States. What is the highest court in the United States?

▪ the Supreme Court

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Women's History Month: the Cabinet, Hillary Clinton, and Janet Napolitano


USCIS 100:36. Several women serve in President Obama’s cabinet, notably: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano (2009- ). What are two Cabinet-level positions?

▪ Secretary of Agriculture
▪ Secretary of Commerce
▪ Secretary of Defense
▪ Secretary of Education
▪ Secretary of Energy
▪ Secretary of Health and Human Services
▪ Secretary of Homeland Security
▪ Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
▪ Secretary of the Interior
▪ Secretary of Labor
▪ Secretary of State▪ Secretary of Transportation
▪ Secretary of the Treasury
▪ Secretary of Veterans Affairs
▪ Attorney General
▪ Vice President

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Women's History Month: USCIS 100:29 the Vice-Presidency and Geraldine Ferraro


UPDATED 3/26/2011: VOANews: Geraldine Ferraro, US Political Pioneer, Dies at 75 She was the first American woman to run for national office on a major political party's ticket

USCIS 100:29. Geraldine Ferraro was the first female Vice Presidential candidate representing a major American political party (1984). What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now? ▪ Joseph R. Biden, Jr. ▪ Joe Biden ▪ Biden

Monday, March 21, 2011

Women's History Month: USCIS 100:28 the Presidency and Victoria Woodhull


USCIS 100:28. Victoria Woodhull was the first woman presidential candidate in the United States (1872). What is the name of the President of the United States now?*

▪ Barack Obama
▪ Obama

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Women's History Month: USCIS 100:20 Carol Moseley Braun and the Senate

USCIS 100:20.
Carol Moseley Braun of Illinois was the first African-American woman elected to the Senate (1992-1999). Who is one of your state’s U.S. Senators now?*
▪Answers will vary. [District of Columbia residents and residents of U.S. territories should answer that D.C. (or the territory where the applicant lives) has no U.S. Senators.]

▪Check www.senate.gov/ for the name of your U.S. Senator.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Women's History Month: USCIS 100:19 Hattie Wyatt Caraway and the Senate


USCIS 100:19. Hattie Wyatt Caraway of Arkansas was the first woman elected to the US Senate (1932). We elect a U.S. Senator for how many years?

▪ six (6)

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Women's History Month: USCIS 100:18 1992--The Year of the Woman and the US Sentate

Top Row Sen. Patty Murray D-WA, Sen. Barbara Mikulski D-MD, Sen. Barbara Boxer D-CA
Bottom Row: Sen. Carol Moseley-Braun D-IL, Sen. Diane Feinstein D-CA

USCIS 100:18. People called 1992, “The Year of the Woman,” because five women were elected to the U.S. Senate. How many U.S. Senators are there?

▪ one hundred (100)

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Women's History Month: USCIS 100:17 Margaret Chase Smith and the two parts of Congress


USCIS 100:17. Margaret Chase Smith of Maine was the first woman elected to both parts of Congress (1940-1973). What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?*

▪ the Senate and House (of Representatives)

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Women's History Month: USCIS 100:11 Madam C.J. Walker, Oprah, and the American Economic System


USCIS 100:11. Madam C.J. Walker was an African-American businesswoman who became America’s first self-made millionaire (1919). Oprah Winfrey is an African-American television host, philanthropist, and the richest self-made woman in America (2007). What is the economic system in the United States?*

▪ capitalist economy
▪ market economy

Monday, March 14, 2011

Women's History Month: USCIS 100:10 Anne Hutchison and Freedom of Religion


USCIS 100:10. Anne Hutchison led Bible studies for women and men. The Pilgrims kicked her out of the Massachusetts Bay Colony for not obeying their religious leaders. She co-founded Rhode Island, which supported religious freedom (1638). What is freedom of religion?

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

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Women's History Month: USCIS 100:09 Declaration of Sentiments and the Declaration of Independence


USCIS 100:09. Elizabeth Cady Stanton based the Seneca Falls Declaration of Sentiments on the Declaration of Independence. She wrote: “all men and women are created equal [and] are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights” (1848). What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?

▪ life
▪ liberty
▪ pursuit of happiness

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Women's History Month: USCIS 100:08 Seneca Falls and the Declaration of Independence

source: JerseyRoadFan
USCIS 100:08. When American women were excluded from the first World's Anti-Slavery Convention in London, they met at the Seneca Falls Convention to talk about women’s rights (1848). What did the Declaration of Independence do?

▪ announced our independence (from Great Britain)
▪ declared our independence (from Great Britain)
▪ said that the United States is free (from Great Britain)

Friday, March 11, 2011

Weekly Address: Women's History Month & Fair Pay



wh.gove: Weekly Address: Women's History Month & Fair Pay

The President pays homage to former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, commends the great strides that have been made to create a more equal American society, and reaffirms his resolve to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Clinton: US to Push for Women's Rights in New Mideast Democracies



VOAVideo: Clinton: US to Push for Women's Rights in New Mideast Democracies

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Tuesday that the United States will 'stand firm' for women's empowerment as new democracies take shape in the Middle East. Clinton spoke at a State Department event honoring women from 10 countries for advocacy on women's issues.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

The First Lady on International Women's Day



WH.gov: The First Lady on International Women's Day First Lady Michelle Obama speaks at the 100th Anniversary of International Women's Day and Women's History Month Celebration. March 8, 2011.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Secretary Clinton Celebrates the 100th Anniversary of International Women's Day



state.gov: Secretary Clinton Celebrates the 100th Anniversary of International Women's Day

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton delivers a message highlighting the celebration of the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day on March 8, 2011, at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. [Go to http://www.state.gov/video for more video and text transcript.]

Women's History Month: Women's Rights ARE Human's Rights!

Happy International Women's Day!

USIS 100:09. What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?



In 1776, Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence which was the first document to talk about the rights of Americans.

In 1948, Eleanor Roosevelt and members of the United Nations wrote the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which protects the rights of all human beings.

Inspired by the work of Thomas Jefferson and Eleanor Roosevelt, Hillary Rodham Clinton, then the First Lady of the United States, spoke to the UN 4th Conference on Women on September 5, 1995 in Beijing, China. She boldly proclaimed "Women's Rights ARE Human's Rights!" uniting the delegates and NGO representatives to work on behalf of all women and girls.

I attended the UN conference in Beijing and Huairou as part of the IGC internet support team and daily posted reports on my listervs BEIJING95-L and BEIJING95-WOMEN.

I will never, ever forget my teammates, the conference attendees, the hospitality of the Chinese governement, and the POWER of Hillary's speech.

USIS 100:09. What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?

  • life
  • liberty
  • pursuit of happiness

LISTEN to US Citizenship Podcast:

Monday, March 7, 2011

Women's History Month: Công dân Hoa Kỳ mới Mai Trang



uscitizenpod: New US Citizen Maitrang Doan

Milpitas Adult School student, Maitrang Doan (formerly of Vietnam and Korea) talks about her US Citizenship Interview on Thursday, March 4, 2011. Congratulations!



uscitizenpod: Công dân Hoa Kỳ mới Mai Trang

Công dân Hoa Kỳ mới Mai Trang nói về quyền công dân phỏng vấn cô.
(New United States Citizen Mai Trang talks about her Citizenship Interview. You can watch her English video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtpjlATfl_4)

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Women's History Month: Hillary Rodham Clinton

USCIS 100:36. What are two Cabinet-level positions?

Vice President Biden swears in Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Joining Secretary Clinton is her husband, former President Bill Clinton,
their daughter Chelsea Clinton, & the Secretary's mother Dorothy Rodham.


Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton (born October 26, 1947) is the 67th United States Secretary of State, serving in the administration of President Barack Obama.

As the Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton is the President's chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President's foreign policies through the State Department and the Foreign Service of the United States.

Hillary Clinton was a United States Senator for New York from 2001 to 2009.

In the 2008 election, Hillary Clinton was a leading candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination.

As the wife of the 42nd President of the United States, Bill Clinton, she served as First Lady of the United States from 1993 to 2001. Hillary also served as the First Lady of Arkansas when Bill was Governor of the state. She previously worked as a law professor and a lawyer specializing in children advocacy.

USCIS 100:36. What are two Cabinet-level positions?

  • Secretary of Agriculture
  • Secretary of Commerce
  • Secretary of Defense
  • Secretary of Education
  • Secretary of Energy
  • Secretary of Health and Human Services
  • Secretary of Homeland Security
  • Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
  • Secretary of the Interior
  • Secretary of Labor
  • Secretary of State
  • Secretary of Transportation
  • Secretary of the Treasury
  • Secretary of Veterans Affairs
  • Attorney General
  • Vice President

LISTEN TO US CITIZENSHIP PODCAST:

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Women's History Month: Shirley Chisholm of New York

USCIS 100:21. The House of Representatives
has how many voting members?

Congresswoman Shirley Chihsolm: UNBOUGHT AND UNBOSSED!

Shirley Chisholm (November 30, 1924 – January 1, 2005) was US a Congresswoman, representing New York's 12th Congressional District from 1969 to 1983.

In 1968, she became the first African-American woman elected to Congress. She supported education, health care, social services, and reductions in military spending.

Shirley Chisholm hired only women for her office staff. Chisholm said that during her political career, she faced much more discrimination because she was a woman.

Shirley Chisholm created controversy when she visited George Wallace, the Governor of Alabama, in the hospital soon after his shooting in May 1972. Although they had opposite political views, Wallace deeply appreciated her kindness.

Several years later, when Congresswoman Chisholm worked on a bill to give domestic workers the right to a minimum wage, Governor Wallace helped get the votes of enough Southern congressmen to pass Chisholm's bill.

Shirley Chishom will always be remembered as "Unbought and Unbossed."


21. The House of Representatives has how many voting members?
  • four hundred thirty-five (435)

LISTEN to US Citizenship Podcast

*NEW* VOA Learning English: Shirley Chisholm, 1924-2005: The First Black Woman Elected to the U.S. Congress (03/20/11)

She was an activist who worked to improve the lives of others PEOPLE IN AMERICA (download mp3)

Friday, March 4, 2011

Women's History Month: Patsy Matsu Takemoto Mink of Hawaii

USCIS 100:22. We elect a U.S. Representative
for how many years?

PATSY MINK: Ahead of the Majority

Patsy Matsu Takemoto Mink (Japanese: パッツィー・T・ミンク; December 6, 1927–September 28, 2002) was the first woman of color and the first Asian American woman elected to Congress.

Mink served in the U.S. House of Representatives for a total of 12 terms, representing Hawaii's first and second congressional districts. She also was the Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs.

In 1972, Congresswoman Mink wrote the Title IX Amendment of the Higher Education Act, which guaranteed equal opportunity for both men and women in education and school sports.

For more info about influence of Patsy Mink and Title IX, see

USCIS 100:22. We elect a U.S. Representative for how many years?

  • two (2)

LISTEN to US Citizenship Podcast

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Women's History Month: Jeannette Rankin of Montana

USCIS 100:23. Name your U.S. Representative.

Congresswoman Jeannette Rankin speaks out for women's right to vote.

On March 3, 1917, Jeannette Rankin of Montana became the first woman to be elected to the United States House of Representatives and the first female member of the Congress. Because she loved peace and hated war, she voted against the entry of the United States into both World War I and World War II.

On Feb. 23, 2009 Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-9) introduced H. R. 1124: Honoring Female Pioneers Act that creates a U.S. postage stamp honoring four female Congressional pioneers: Jeannette Rankin (R-MT), Mary Teresa Norton (D-NJ), Patsy Mink (D-HI), and Shirley Chisholm (D-NY). The bill is awaiting a commitee vote. Thanks to Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur for honoring out political foremothers!

USCIS 100:23. Name your U.S. Representative.

  • Answers will vary. [Residents of territories with nonvoting Delegates or Resident Commissioners may provide the name of that Delegate or Commissioner. Also acceptable is any statement that the territory has no (voting) Representatives in Congress.]
  • Check www.house.gov/ for the name of your US Representative.
  • Also see USPS Zip+4.

LISTEN to US Citizenship Podcast

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Women's History Month: Eleanor Roosevelt

LISTEN to US Citizenship Podcast
mp3: Eleanor Roosevelt and the United Nations


a special 4-part online exhibit from Arago,
the Smithsonian Postal Museum--AMAZING!


VOANews: Eleanor Roosevelt, 1884-1962: She Was the Most Influential Wife of Any American President

On PEOPLE IN AMERICA: She became one of the most important people in America. She fought for equal rights for all people -- workers, women, poor people, black people. And she sought peace among nations. 20 September 2008



VOAVideo: First Lady's Role Shaped by Tradition and the Individual

ESL Discussions: United Nations

  • How has the United Nations changed the world?


USCIS 96:90 Name of the purposes of the United Nations.

  • For countries to discuss and try to resolve world problems or to provide economic aid to many countries

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Women's History Month

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


National Women's History Project (NWHP) teaches people about the important activites of women. NWHP sponsors Women's History Month. This year's theme is Our History is Our Strength .


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

  • fought for women’s rights
  • fought for civil rights

LISTEN to US Citizenzenship Podcast:

Monday, February 28, 2011

USCIS 100 Remix Quizzes and MP3s


USCIS 100 Remix Quizzes
  • "Ones" USCIS 01, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, 91
  • "Twos" USCIS 02, 12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62, 72, 82, 92
  • "Threes" USCIS 03, 13, 23, 33, 43, 53, 63, 73, 83, 93
  • "Fours" 04, 14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 64, 74, 84, 94
  • "Fives" 05, 15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85, 95
  • "Sixes" 06, 16, 26, 36, 46, 56, 66, 76, 86, 96
  • "Sevens" 07, 17, 27, 37, 47, 57, 67, 77, 87, 97
  • "Eights" 08.18, 28, 38, 48, 58, 68, 78, 88, 98
  • "Nines" 09, 19, 29, 39, 49, 59, 69, 79, 89, 99
  • "Tens" 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100

USCIS 100 Remix MP3s

Friday, February 25, 2011

West Wing Week: 2/25/11 or "Don't Bump My Atoms"



wh.gov: West Wing Week: 2/25/11 or "Don't Bump My Atoms"

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. This week, President Obama held events in Oregon and Ohio focused on promoting growth and winning the future through investments, concentrating on innovation and small business growth. Also, the President convened his Council on Jobs and Competitiveness at the White House.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

More Muslim Americans on Ballot in Chicago



VOANews: More Muslim Americans on Ballot in Chicago

Much of the attention on Chicago's local elections February 22 is focused on the race for mayor. Former White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel and former Senator Carol Moseley Braun lead a list of candidates seeking the office currently held by Mayor Richard Daley. But in those same elections, an increased number of Muslim American candidates also are seeking positions on Chicago's city council. VOA's Kane Farabaugh has more.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

West Wing Week: 2/18/11 or "Goodbye, Gibbs"



wh.gov: West Wing Week: 2/18/11 or "Goodbye, Gibbs"
Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. This week, President Obama released his federal budget, discussing the need to take responsibility for our deficits while investing in education, to prepare our children to be competitive in the global economy and win the future. He also responded to the situation in Egypt, chatted with some Boy Scouts, and honored some of our greatest Americans

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

President Obama Unveils Budget Proposal



VOAVideo: President Obama Unveils Budget Proposal

U.S. President Barack Obama has unveiled a $3.7 trillion federal budget for next year that seeks to cut America's mammoth deficit while retaining certain spending priorities to spur future economic expansion. Republicans, who control one house of Congress, are dismissing the president's proposed budget as a costly burden to the economy that fails to address a fiscal crisis. As VOA's Michael Bowman reports, the positions staked out constitute opening bids in what is expected to be a protracted battle over the government's finances.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

February 15 is Susan B. Anthony Day!

The Susan B. Anthony dollar is a United States coin minted from 1979 to 1981, and again in 1999. It depicts women's suffrage campaigner Susan B. Anthony. The reverse depicts an eagle flying above the moon (with the Earth in the background), a design adapted from the Apollo 11 mission insignia that was also present on the previously issued Eisenhower dollar (Source: Wikipedia: SBA).

77. What did Susan B. Anthony do?

  • fought for women’s rights
  • fought for civil rights

Susan B. Anthony was born in Massachusetts on February 15, 1820. She is known for campaigning for the right of women to vote. She spoke out publicly against slavery and for equal treatment of women in the workplace.

In 1920, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution gave women the right to vote. Susan B. Anthony died 14 years before the adoption of the 19th Amendment, but it was still widely known as the Susan B. Anthony Amendment.

In 1979, she became the first woman whose image appeared on a circulating U.S. coin. The coin is called the Susan B. Anthony dollar and is worth one dollar. (source: USCIS M-638)

See also:

Monday, February 14, 2011

American Heart Association

FEBRUARY IS AMERICAN HEART MONTH!
On Valentine's Day, US Citizenship Podcast salutes the outstanding work of the American Heart Association.
Their mission is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. A great mission and a great volunteer organization
!


americanheartassoc: American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown Discusses Ideal Health and 2020 Goal
American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown presents new tools the organization has developed to help Americans improve their heart health -- and help prevent heart diseases, strokes and other diseases.

Brown describes how the American Heart Association has taken the unprecedented step of defining "ideal heart health". Brown explains how ideal cardiovascular health is based on seven simple behaviors and health factors, named "Life's Simple 7", that anyone can adjust to lower their chances of heart diseases or stroke.

Based on this definition, the Association has created a website where anyone can check their heart health.

This strategy of prevention is a major part of the American Heart Association's bold new goal: To improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20% by the year 2020, while reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20%.

American Heart Association YouTube ChannelAHA OfficialGoRed4Women's YouTube Channel

Saturday, February 12, 2011

'Lincoln Portrait': Music of Copland, Words of a Leader

2009 Lincoln Bicentennial 4 of 4- Lincoln the President
By the time Lincoln was inaugurated on March 4, 1861, seven southern states had already seceded and formed the Confederacy (the rest joined in April). Seeking initially to preserve the Union, then eventually working to end slavery, Lincoln struggled against the Confederacy as well as his own military. He learned the ways of a war leader quickly and was able, after four bloody years, to bring the conflict to a close in 1865. He was not able to enjoy the fruits of victory or lead the effort to reconcile the nation, the victim of assassination on April 14, 1865.

VOA Learning English: 'Lincoln Portrait': Music of Copland, Words of a Leader

Abraham Lincoln, born February 12, 1809, was the 16th US president. He led a civil war to keep the states united THIS IS AMERICA (download mp3)

Friday, February 11, 2011

President Obama on a Historic Day in Egypt



wh.gov: President Obama on a Historic Day in Egypt
President Obama speaks on the situation in Egypt following the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak, saying the U.S. supports the Egyptian people and stands ready to assist as the country moves towards a genuine democracy. February 11, 2011.

West Wing Week: 2/11/11 or "The New Electrification"



West Wing Week: 2/11/11 or "The New Electrification"

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. This week, President Obama focused on the second part of his State of the Union goals of out-innovating, out-building, and out-competing the rest of the world, putting forward plans to build up the nation's infrastructure, investing in things like high speed rail, and expanding broadband access so all of America's families will be equipped to win the future. The Prime Minister of Canada also dropped by.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

USCIS Open House in San Jose


On Friday, Febuary 11 join the Milpitas Adult School Citizenship Students for USCIS SJ Open House activities:

  • 10:30am Meet in Room 703, eat snacks, form carpools, watch Citizenship dvds
  • 12 noon Leave Milpitas Adult School in carpools
  • 12:30pm Lunch (dutch treat) at Pho Ha, 951 Mc Laughlin Ave, San Jose, CA 95122
  • 2-4:00pm USCIS Open House, USCIS Field Office, 1887 Monterey Road, San Jose, California 95112.
  • We will probably return to Milpitas Adult School before 3:30pm

USCIS San Jose Field Office invites Silicon Valley community stakeholders and the general public to open house to meet USCIS personnel and learn more about the agency’s programs. The effort is designed to enhance USCIS’s presence in the community and strengthen its partnership with stakeholders.

“We are opening our offices throughout the country to the communities we serve,” said USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas. “This is a continuation of our ongoing efforts to be transparent and open in our delivery of services to the public.”

San Jose attendees will tour USCIS offices, witness mock naturalization interviews, watch InfoPass demos, and talk to USCIS staff. This will be a great opportunity to preview the USCIS Naturalization interview.

For more info about more USCIS Open Houses, see: Upcoming Local Engagements in Your Area

Check out USCitizenPod's pictures from the SF USCIS Open House

Also coming up:
Citizenship Day! / Dia De Ciudadania!
Sat, April 9, 8:30am – 5:30pm
CET, 701 Vine St. San Jose Ca 95110

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Obama Urges Businesses to Invest in America

USCIS 100:11. What is the economic system in the United States?*



VOAVideo: Obama Urges Businesses to Invest in America

President Barack Obama urged business leaders at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Monday to work more closely with his administration to improve the job picture and bolster economic growth in the United States. The president, who has often been at odds with the business community, reminded corporate leaders of their shared responsibility and promised to do more to help American businesses maintain their competitive edge. Mil Arcega reports.

USCIS 100:11. What is the economic system in the United States?*
* capitalist economy
* market economy

Monday, February 7, 2011

US Prayer Breakfast Brings Together Lawmakers, International Leaders



VOAVideo: US Prayer Breakfast Brings Together Lawmakers, International Leaders

The annual National Prayer Breakfast meeting Thursday in Washington brought together members of the U.S. Congress, a few world leaders, a Chilean miner and the husband of Gabrielle Giffords who was shot and injured last month at a political event in Arizona, VOA's Ravi Khanna has more on the story.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

New Readers Press Citizenship program











New Readers Press Order $100 or more of New Readers Press Citizenship materials(s) by March 31st, 2011 and receive a FREE gift. Call 800-448-8878 and mention promotion code: CITS11 or download the order form at http://www.newreaderspress.com/

Adult Education, ESL and Citizenship, Citizenship Passing the Test
http://www.newreaderspress.com/
The Citizenship: Passing the Test program provides all of the skills and concepts needed to pass the Civics and Literacy tests and to prepare for the interview.

A complete teacher resource for the Citizenship: Passing the Test program including guidelines and teaching suggestions (48 pages)Student Pack

  • (1) Civics and Literacy Student Book
  • (1) Civics and Literacy Audio
  • (1) Literacy Skills Workbook
  • (1) Literacy Skills Audio
  • (1) Ready for the Interview Student Book
  • (1) Ready for the Interview Audio
  • A FREE Teacher's Guide is included with each Student Pack order

Saturday, February 5, 2011

USCIS on YouTube: The Citizenship Interview and Test


This week, we will feature the videos from from the new USCIS Channel on YouTube



USCIS: The Citizenship Interview and Test

Informative description of the naturalization process including a sample interview and test.

USCIS Channel on YouTube

USCIS secures America's promise as a nation of immigrants by providing accurate and useful information to our customers, granting immigration and citizenship benefits, promoting an awareness and understanding of citizenship, and ensuring the integrity of our immigration system.

Friday, February 4, 2011

West Wing Week: "Dispatches from Sudan"



wh.gov: West Wing Week: "Dispatches from Sudan"

Today the official preliminary results from the historic referendum in Sudan were released. The people of Southern Sudan appear to have voted overwhelmingly in support of independence: total turnout was about 97 percent with almost 99 percent of voters casting their ballots to create the world's newest nation. West Wing Week was on the ground in Sudan during the week-long referendum, traveling to all parts of the country with the President's Special Envoy, General Scott Gration. We went behind the scenes at polling stations from Juba to Khartoum, met some of the international community who helped to ensure the vote was fair and peaceful, and traveled to Darfur to inspect conditions and learn about the commitment of the United States to peace in this region after decades of civil war.

VOANews: 99% of Southern Sudanese Vote for Independence

Nearly final referendum results show just 45,000 out of 3.8 million voters supported continued unity with north

VOANews: Choosing a New Name for a New Southern Sudan

Consensus seems to be forming that the newly independent country will call itself 'South Sudan'

Thursday, February 3, 2011

New Year, New Podcast: USCS 100:10 Freedom of Religion


MP3 USCIS 100:10. What is freedom of religion?

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

PDF USCIS 100:10. M638 Quick Civic Lesson, more historical background, USPS stamps, and dictation!

1. New Year Day is January 1st.

2. New York City was the first capital of the United States

3. You are free to practice any reigion or not practice a religion.

USPS Lunar New Year Stamp

Happpy Lunar New Year from USCitizenPod
and Milpitas Adult School Citizenship class!

USPS.com: On Jan. 22, the U.S. Postal Service will issue the fourth of twelve stamps in its Celebrating Lunar New Year series, which began in 2008 with the Year of the Rat. The Year of the Rabbit begins on Feb. 3, 2011, and ends on Jan. 22, 2012.

The Lunar New Year is celebrated primarily by people of Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tibetan, and Mongolian heritage in many parts of the world. In the United States as elsewhere, the occasion is marked in various ways across a diverse array of cultures. Parades, parties, and other special events are common.

Kumquats, such as those depicted in the stamp art, are given as gifts and eaten for luck at this time of renewed hope for the future.

Famous people born in the Year of the Rabbit include film director Francis Ford Coppola, athlete Michael Jordan, and actress Drew Barrymore.

Art director Ethel Kessler worked on the series with illustrator Kam Mak, an artist who grew up in New York City’s Chinatown and now lives in Brooklyn. The illustration was originally created using oil paints on panel.

Kessler’s design also incorporates elements from the previous series of Lunar New Year stamps, using Clarence Lee’s intricate paper-cut design of a rabbit and the Chinese character—drawn in grass-style calligraphy by Lau Bun—for "Rabbit."

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

USCIS on YouTube: USCIS.gov: Where to Start

USCIS VIDEOS ARE NOW ON YOUTUBE!!!

This week, we will feature the videos
USCIS.gov: Where to Start

In September 2009, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services redesigned its Web site, USCIS.gov. This video provides a brief overview of the new site. It is also available on the USCIS.gov site