Immigrant Communities Finding Their Voice in US Election

VOA News: Immigrant Communities Finding Their Voice in US Election

Grassroots organizations are turning energy from anti-immigration rhetoric into electoral participation

Members of African Diaspora Want More African Refugees in the US

VOANews: Members of African Diaspora Want More African Refugees in the US

The United States says it will significantly increase the number of refugees it accepts from around the world over the next couple of years. While the recent focus has been on Syrian refugees, members of the U.S. African Diaspora hope more African refugees will also be accepted. But there is one hurdle that keeps Africans in the U.S. from speaking as one voice. Elizabeth Lee reports from Los Angeles.
Originally published at - http://www.voanews.com/media/video/3085761.html

USCIS Info Session at the Cupertino Library TONIGHT 12/02/15 7pm

USCIS Info Session at the Cupertino Library 

TONIGHT 12/02/15 7pm

Two USCIS officers will conduct a naturalization information workshop.

Join us and learn more about how to become a citizen of the United States plus hear about Santa Clara County Library's upcoming Citizenship classes.

Cupertino Library
10800 Torre Avenue
Cupertino, CA 95014
sccl.org/cupertino

Secretary Jeh Johnson & ATTN: explain the process of screening Syrian refugees

Attn: Secretary Jeh Johnson & ATTN: explain the process of screening Syrian refugees

Subscribe to ATTN on YT: http://bit.ly/1Ii8j1n
Like ATTN: on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1SQxUBV
Follow ATTN: on Twitter: http://bit.ly/1e8t5o7

In the days since the Paris terrorist attacks, there's been a huge debate in the United States over accepting Syrian refugees. ATTN: spoke with Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson and his office, who explained the rigorous screening process refugees of the Syrian Civil War must go through to enter the United States of America. Watch here to better understand the process.

ATTN: is a company with a simple mission: inform and empower the next generation to make a social impact. We share commentary, news articles, and videos that cover important societal topics (economic mobility, civil rights, education, criminal justice, the environment, etc), and incorporate meaningful calls-to-action.

ATTN:'s editorial point of view is pro-equality, pro-science, pro-social responsibility, and pro-generational.

Can We Reduce HIV Infections to Zero?

VOA Learning English: Can We Reduce HIV Infections to Zero?

World AIDS Day has been held on December 1 each year since 1988. The theme of this year's events is "Getting To Zero." With reduced HIV/AIDS infections and death, an AIDS-free world might be in sight. Experts tell how we can get there. (read) (listen)

Words in This Story

turned a corner - fig. to pass a critical point in a process

trajectory – n. a path, progression, or line of development resembling a physical trajectory trajectory>

bone marrow transplant - medical A bone marrow transplant is a procedure to replace damaged or destroyed bone marrow with healthy bone marrow stem cells. Bone marrow is the soft, fatty tissue inside your bones. The bone marrow produces blood cells.

formula ­– n. a plan or method for doing, making, or achieving something

stigma – n. a mark of shame or discredit

intravenous – adj. through, in, or into a vein; entering the body through a vein

Citizenship Class at the West Irving Library

The City of Irving: Citizenship Class at the West Irving Library

In a special class offered at the West Irving Library, some people are getting help in their quest to become U.S. citizens.

Happy Birthday San Jose, California

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

• mp3: http://traffic.libsyn.com/uscitizenpod/san-jose-quiz.mp3
• pdf: http://traffic.libsyn.com/uscitizenpod/san-jose-quiz.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 get stated.

Want to hear more? Subscribe to US Citizenshp Podcast in iTunes.

Shenandoah and Its Native American Roots

USCIS 100:87. Name one American Indian tribe in the United States.

VOA Learning English: Shenandoah and Its Native American Roots

The word "Shenandoah" is beautiful and mysterious. It almost sounds like a secret. Shenandoah was the name of a Native American chief. Today it is the name of a national park and river in the U.S. Learn the story behind this word. Also, learn some great adjectives to describe the beauty of nature.

• read the story
• listen to the mp3

USCIS 100:87. Name one American Indian tribe in the United States.
[USCIS Officers will be supplied with a list of federally recognized American Indian tribes.]
▪ Cherokee
▪ Navajo
▪ Sioux
▪ Chippewa
▪ Choctaw
▪ Pueblo
▪ Apache
▪ Iroquois  (Chief Shenandoah was a member of the Iroquois).
▪ Creek
▪ Blackfeet
▪ Seminole
▪ Cheyenne
▪ Arawak
▪ Shawnee
▪ Mohegan
▪ Huron
▪ Oneida
▪ Lakota
▪ Crow
▪ Teton
▪ Hopi
▪ Inuit

US Retailers Gear Up for Holiday Shopping Season

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

VOANews: US Retailers Gear Up for Holiday Shopping Season

The holiday season is once again upon us. That means retailers and shopping malls around the world are busy with the final decorating touches for the start of the all-important holiday shopping season. In the United States, that's usually the Friday after Thanksgiving. Retailers call the start of the holiday shopping season "Black Friday". That's because, for many retailers, it marks the day they finally move from the red (as in losses) and into the black as in profits. Mil Arcega has more.
Originally published at - http://www.voanews.com/media/video/retailers-us-holiday-shopping-season/3073902.html

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

• capitalist economy
• market economy

Two New Citizenship Podcasts for Thanksgiving

Citizenship Quiz for Thanksgiving
10 USCIS questions in honor of Thanksgiving
mp3: http://goo.gl/pCG5et
pdf: http://goo.gl/wBgb4Z

Also check out the companion interview: 
A Quick Citizenship Interview in honor of Thanksgiving
mp3: http://goo.gl/ZbV4KX
pdf: http://goo.gl/tKvtaW


Want to hear more? Subscribe to US Citizenshp Podcast in iTunes.

Happy Thanksgiving from the White House!

wh.gov: Weekly Address: This Thanksgiving, Recognizing the Greatness of American Generosity

wh.gov: In this week's address, the President wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving, and reflected on America’s history of welcoming men and women seeking a safer, better future for themselves and their families.
ListenAndReadalong: WITH CAPTIONS! President Obama - video caption - Nov 28th, 2015 -This Thanksgiving, American Generosity

wh.gov: The First Family Serves Thanksgiving Dinner 2015

wh.gov: The President Pardons the ‎National Thanksgiving Turkey 2015

President Obama pardons Abe and its alternate Honest, the National Thanksgiving Turkeys, in a Rose Garden ceremony. November 25, 2015.

Thanksgiving Citizenship Resouces

uscitizenpod: Thanksgiving Video
http://youtu.be/_6n3tH9rlvk

uscitizenpod: Thanksgiving pptx  http://goo.gl/Ds42G6

• LearningChocolate.com: U.S. Citizenship 15: Mayflower http://goo.gl/cqLhz6 
• Learning Chocolate.com: U.S, Citizenship 15a: Thanksgiving http://goo.gl/QM8nyD
• LearningChocolate.com: U.S. Citizenship 5: American Indian Tribes http://goo.gl/wq9FfA
• uscitizenpod: Thanksgiving Citizenship Interview 2013 http://goo.gl/75rix9
• uscitizenpod: 10 USCIS Questions in honor of President John F. Kennedy http://goo.gl/edy9cX
• uscitizenpod: New Podcast!  10 USCIS Questions in Honor of President John F Kennedy http://goo.gl/mUBMIA
• Kahoot: Thanksgiving and USCIS Citizenship Questions http://goo.gl/fD0woD 
• Kahoot: Thanksgiving Weekend http://goo.gl/1sy29G 
• uscitizenpod: New Podcast! Citizenship Quiz for Thanksgiving (mp3) http://goo.gl/pCG5et
• uscitizenpod: New Quiz for Thanksgiving (pdf): http://goo.gl/wBgb4Z
• uscitizenpod: New Podcast! A Quick Citizenship Interview for Thanksgiving (mp3) http://goo.gl/ZbV4KX
• uscitizenpod: New Quiz: A Quick Citizenship Interview for Thanksgiving (pdf) http://goo.gl/tKvtaW

Older resources, but still useful:

Thanksgiving! (posted Nov 2007)

Today we will review the 96Qs (50, 53, 68, 69, 70) and the new 100Q (10, 58, 59, 87, 100) related to Thanksgiving.  Note the difference between the old and new sets of USCIS questions.

Handouts:

1. Thanksgiving mp3
2. Q50 and 53 Class Handout
3. Q68-70 Class Handout
4. Thanksgiving Quiz: USCIS 96Qs and new 100Qs
5. Thanksgiving Quiz Answers (Qs with answers--perfect for practice)
6. Thanksgiving Cloze Essay

Dictation:

1. All people want to be free.
2. Many people come to America for freedom.

WH.gov and VOANews videos:

• VOANews: Americans, Tourists, Reflect on Meaning of Thanksgiving 
• VOANews: American Indian Museum Celebrates Thanksgiving
• VOANews: Thanksgiving Features Native American Foods
• VOA Learning English: How the U.S. Gives Thanks: Food, Football, and Parades
• wh.gov: Weekly Address: This Thanksgiving, Recognizing the Greatness of American Generosity
• wh.gov: The First Family Serves Thanksgiving Dinner 2015
• wh.gov: The President Pardons the ‎National Thanksgiving Turkey 2015

More Thanksgiving Resources

• ELCivics.com: Thanksgiving
• ELCivics.com: The 13 Original Colonies
• ELCivics.com: American Indian Tribes
• TimePage: 13 Original Colonies Time Line

No handouts, but still good practice:

1. Thanksgiving Quiz 1 - Thanksgiving in the USA (Charles Kelly) 35 medium to difficult multiple-choice questions
2. Thanksgiving Quiz 2 - The First Thanksgiving in America (Charles Kelly) 30 medium to difficult multiple-choice questions
3. Thanksgiving Quiz 3 - How Thanksgiving Becomes a National Holiday in the USA (Charles Kelly) 10 medium to difficult multiple-choice questions
4. salierteacher: Thanksgiving video: Thanksgiving history, customs, and vocabulary for beginning level ESL students.

More Thanksgiving Kahoots for ESL Students (secret Verb Tense Review--shhh!)

Thanksgiving Activities 1 of 4: Getting Ready for Thanksgiving (Past Tense)
https://play.kahoot.it/#/k/9de45947-e37f-40c7-8370-b950d6d37632
8 questions about preparing for Thanksgiving using the Past Tense.

Thanksgiving Activities 2 of 4: Preparing the Meal 
https://play.kahoot.it/#/k/a7cccfaa-2ead-4688-9e54-ea734f473f29
8 questions about preparing the Thanksgiving meal using the Present Tense.

Thanksgiving Activities 3 of 4 Eating the Meal
https://play.kahoot.it/#/k/d7c181ac-fea7-46ca-b6b3-9f2014db0707
8 questions about eating the Thanksgiving meal using the Present Continuous Tense and 1 Gerund.

Thanksgiving Activities 4 of 4 Relaxing after the Meal
https://play.kahoot.it/#/k/60619b9d-e5e9-4cd8-8d09-1a4489a6e12e
8 questions about activities after Thanksgiving dinner using the Past Tense.

NEW PODCAST: A Quick Citizenship Interview in honor of Thanksgiving

NEW PODCAST: A Quick Citizenship Interview in honor of Thanksgiving

mp3: http://goo.gl/ZbV4KX

pdf: http://goo.gl/tKvtaW

Want to hear more? Subscribe to US Citizenshp Podcast in iTunes.

Americans, Tourists, Reflect on Meaning of Thanksgiving

VOANews: Americans, Tourists, Reflect on Meaning of Thanksgiving

Every November, on the fourth Thursday of the month, Americans gather together for a Thanksgiving feast with family and friends to give thanks for the blessings in their lives. This year, in the wake of recent terrorist attacks in Paris, the mood of people in Washington was predominantly one of reflection and appreciation.
Originally published at - http://www.voanews.com/media/video/americans-reflect-on-meaning-of-thanksgiving/3067354.html

President John F. Kennedy Podcast

uscitzenpod: 10 USCIS Questions in honor of President John F. Kennedy
President Kennedy was assassinated Nov 22, 1963.  Here are a new podcast and quiz in his honor.
mp3: http://traffic.libsyn.com/uscitizenpod/jfk-quiz.mp3
pdf: http://goo.gl/edy9cX

Want to hear more?  Subscribe to US Citizenshp Podcast in iTunes.

The 152nd Anniversary of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address

USCIS: The 152nd Anniversary of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address

On Thursday, Nov. 19, USCIS will naturalize 16 new citizens during a special ceremony commemorating the 152nd anniversary of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. Garrison Keillor, host and creator of A Prairie Home Companion, a weekly radio program heard nation-wide on over 600 Public Radio stations, will present the Dedication Day keynote address during the ceremony at Gettysburg National Military Park in Gettysburg, Pa. Lincoln portrayer George Buss will recite the Gettysburg Address.

USCIS will live stream the ceremony starting at 10a.m. EST on Nov. 19.

USCIS wishes to thank Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg College, Gettysburg Foundation and Lincoln Fellowship of Pennsylvania for making this naturalization ceremony possible. USCIS has a long standing partnership with the National Park Service that encourages both agencies to co-host naturalization ceremonies in historically significant locations like Gettysburg set aside for public enjoyment and historical commemoration. You can find more information on the National Park Service’s website.

Additional information about the naturalization process, including eligibility information, study materials, and service providers, is available on the Citizenship Resource Center website.

A Quick Interview Based on the N-400r plus 10qs in honor of Thanksgiving

A Quick Interview Based on the N-400r plus 10qs in honor of Thanksgiving

Thirty multiple choice questions based on the N-400r about Suzan Yousef Habibi (formerly from Kirkuk, Iraq) and ten USCIS 100qs in honor of Thanksgiving. pdf

We honor Chief Massasoit and the Wampanoag for giving refuge to the Pilgrims who were escaping from religious persecution.

We give thanks for America: may we always be the land of those who yearn to breathe free!

American Philanthropist Donates Millions to Restore US Landmarks

VOANews: American Philanthropist Donates Millions to Restore US Landmarks

Self-made billionaire David Rubenstein is helping to preserve American history by funding restoration projects for some of the country's most historic landmarks. VOA’s Julie Taboh sat down with the patriotic philanthropist to find out why it's so important to him.
Originally published at - http://www.voanews.com/media/video/american-philanthropist-donates-millions-restore-landmarks/3044387.html

SCCL Training

Preparing for Naturalization (via Google slides)

• PPTX http://goo.gl/p6kNWH

• pdf Quiz http://bit.ly/1xosSkj

USCIS material

• N-400r http://www.uscis.gov/n-400

• 100qs  http://1.usa.gov/1h0euGR

• Reading Vocab

• Writing Vocab

• Citizenship Tool Kit

Demo of Wallet Quiz

• pdf N-400 Beginning http://goo.gl/kxzSuT

• pdf Coin quiz http://goo.gl/okEzG8

Citizenship Resources for Libraries

• Citizenship @ Your Library 

• USCIS: Libraries

• USCIS Citizenship Corners

• IMLS–USCIS Webinar on Task Force on New Americans October 27

• SCCL Naturalization Resources (via Google slides)

US Civil Rights Heritage Aimed as Tourist Draw

uscitizenpod: US Civil Rights Heritage Aimed as Tourist Draw

In the U.S. South, some communities are trying to capitalize on histories linked to the civil rights movement. They’re embracing sometimes-painful memories to educate visitors and lure tourist dollars. VOA’s Chris Simkins reports. http://www.voanews.com/media/video/us-civil-rights-heritage-aimed-as-tourist-draw/3050313.html