What is a U Visa?

uscitizenpod: What is a U Visa?



16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign to challenge violence against women and girls. The campaign runs very year from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to December 10, Human Rights Day. You can learn more at UNWomen.org or checkout Twitter or Instagram hashtags #16days, #16daysofactivism, or #OrangeTheWorld

There is no Citizenship interview or quiz today. Instead we are going to talk about the USCIS U Visa: Relief for Victims of Criminal Activity. Listen and learn--there maybe something on this short podcast that you can use to help a friend, a family member, or even a total stranger.

This podcast is a follow-up to our December 4 podcast about the T Visa: Relief for Victims of Human Trafficking. Also see our Nov 25 blog post, Resources for immigrants Against Gender-Based Violence http://bit.ly/16DaysforImmigrants/. Look for our Dec 10 post: Resources for Human Rights Day; and Dec 15, Bill of Rights Day Let's get started.

The U nonimmigrant status (U visa) is relief for the victims of violent crimes. In 2000, Congress passed a law called the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act which included the Battered Immigrant Women’s Protection Act. This law strengthened the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute violent crimes committed in the United States such as: Domestic Violence, Female Genital Mutilation, Incest, Marriage Fraud, Prostitution, Sexual Assault,and Trafficking.

When these crimes occur, many victims choose to remain silent because of their immigration status, inability to speak English, or mistrust of the "strangers" such as police or doctors. A victim may avoid getting medical attention for her injuries because questions that might be asked that are too painful to answer. She doesn't want to answer the question, "Who hurt you?" Although it may seem that she is protecting her abuser, she simply wants the pain to stop. And sometimes a victim to too ashamed to tell her own friends and family.

To fight against these violent crimes in the immigrant community, the USCIS issues a U visa, which allows documented and undocumented victims to stay and work temporarily in the United States. In return, the victims help the police by identifying criminals and testifying about crimes.

The U Visa can lead to legal permanent status and naturalization for the survivor and their immediate family. Because of the many laws involved with violent crimes, a victim is strongly advised to work with lawyers accredited through the U.S. Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). The lawyers can help the crime victim fill out USCIS Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status. It is also helpful to include Form I-918, Supplement B, U Nonimmigrant Status Certification in which a law enforcement official provides more information about the criminal case.

Finally, the victim must write a personal letter (statement) which describes the crime and how it changed the victim's life. The victim may also need to provide police, court, or medical records related to the crime. More forms are needed to apply for visas for a survivor's family members. But the time and effort is worth it. The victim is not only fighting for justice on their own behalf, they are helping to restore the peace and security in their own family and community at large.

If you are a victim of a violent crime, call 911.

To learn more about the U Visa, go to USCIS.gov

Victims of Criminal Activity: U Nonimmigrant Status
https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/victims-human-trafficking-other-crimes/victims-criminal-activity-u-nonimmigrant-status/victims-criminal-activity-u-nonimmigrant-status  

Víctimas de actos criminales: estatus U de no inmigrante

https://www.uscis.gov/es/programas-humanitarios/victimas-de-la-trata-de-personas-y-de-otros-crimenes/victimas-de-actos-criminales-estatus-u-de-no-inmigrante

I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status https://www.uscis.gov/i-918

ILRC: U Visa/T Visa/VAWA https://www.ilrc.org/u-visa-t-visa-vawa

ILRC: A Guide to Obtaining U Visa Certifications https://www.ilrc.org/sites/default/files/resources/proseuvisamanual_english.pdf

ILRC: Cómo obtener una visa U: Ayuda inmigratoria para victimas de crimen https://www.ilrc.org/sites/default/files/resources/proseuvisamanual_spanish.pdf

ILRC: Immigration Relief for Immigrant Survivors of Abuse: Comparative Quick Reference Chart https://www.ilrc.org/sites/default/files/resources/comparative_chart_7.5.17_finalv2.pdf

Android Users! You can now listen to US Citizenship Podcast on Spotify on your Android mobile devices! https://open.spotify.com/show/0WyifkUb2UQFYyJXX3iZSc

National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

USCIS 100:10. What is freedom of religion?

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception located in Washington, D.C., honors Mary, the mother of Jesus, as Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, the Patroness of the United States and celebrates the diversity of the American Catholicism. (take a virtual tour)

As a Roman Catholic, I am proud to share my religious and cultural heritage that informs my work as an ESL/Citizenship teacher.  

USCIS 100:10. What is freedom of religion?

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

U.S. Citizenship Class 31, Fall 2017, Milpitas Adult School

VOA Learning English: America's Presidents - John F. Kennedy

Watch all of VOA Learning English: America's Presidents Playlist


N-400

• Mix and Match Citizenship Interviews pdf
• Voices of Freedom Activity Book (Part 12)

Civics

• Voices of Freedom by Bill Bliss Ch.10 The 1900s
• Preparing for the Oath: The 1900s
• Preparing for the Oath: Rights

Integration:

• NEW for 2017: 14 questions in Honor of Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr mp3 and pdf
• uscitizenpod: A Citizenship Quiz in Honor of the UDHR and Human Rights Day (Dec. 10) 
• mp3: https://goo.gl/eL5ImV
• pdf: https://goo.gl/6n8j4a
• puzzle: https://goo.gl/7nzFrj

US Citizenship Podcast is now on Spotify

Android Users!  You can now listen to US Citizenship Podcast on Spotify on your Android mobile devices!

https://open.spotify.com/show/0WyifkUb2UQFYyJXX3iZSc

U.S. Citizenship Class 30, Fall 2017, Milpitas Adult School

VOA Learning English: America's Presidents - Franklin D. Roosevelt

Watch all of VOA Learning English: America's Presidents Playlist

N-400

• Mix and Match Citizenship Interviews pdf
• Voices of Freedom Activity Book (Part 12)

Civics

• Voices of Freedom by Bill Bliss Ch.10 The 1900s
• Preparing for the Oath: The 1900s

Integration:

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

Extra:

• USCIS 100:78-87 Recent American History Word Search Puzzle

What is a T Visa?

uscitizenpod: What is a T Visa?




16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign to challenge violence against women and girls. The campaign runs every year from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to December 10, Human Rights Day. You can learn more at UNWomen.org or checkout Twitter or Instagram hastags #16days, #16daysofactivism, or #OrangeTheWorld

There is no Citizenship interview or quiz today. Instead we are going to talk about the USCIS T Visa: Relief for Victims of Human Trafficking. Listen and learn--there maybe something on this short podcast that you can use to help a friend, a family member, or even a total stranger.

In a few days, we post another podcast about the U Visa: Relief for Victims of Crime, which includes domestic violence. Also check out our Nov 25 blog post about Resources for immigrants Against Gender-Based Violence http://bit.ly/16DaysforImmigrants/

Human trafficking is modern day slavery. The traffickers buy, sell, and exploit people. The victims of human trafficking are forced to sell sex, do hard labor, or work in homes just like slaves.

Because human trafficking is so violent, it is very, very difficult for victims to get help. Many times traffickers threaten to report and deport undocumented victims. With help, a victim can escape the traffickers and becomes a survivor.

To fight against human trafficking, the USCIS issues a T visa, which allows a survivor to stay and work temporarily in the United States. In return, the victim testifies in court against the traffickers. The T Visa can lead to legal permanent status and naturalization for the survivor and his or her immediate family.

Because of the complicated laws involved with human trafficking, a survivor is strongly advised to work with lawyers accredited through the U.S. Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). The lawyers can help the victim fill out USCIS Form I-914, Application for T Nonimmigrant Status. It is also helpful to include Form I-914, Supplement B, Declaration of Law Enforcement Officer for Victim of Trafficking in Persons.

To learn more about the T Visa, go to USCIS.gov

Victims of Human Trafficking: T Nonimmigrant Status
https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/victims-human-trafficking-other-crimes/victims-human-trafficking-t-nonimmigrant-status

Víctimas de trata de personas: estatus T de no inmigrante
https://www.uscis.gov/es/programas-humanitarios/victimas-de-la-trata-de-personas-y-de-otros-crimenes/victimas-de-trata-de-personas-estatus-t-de-no-inmigrante

To learn more about the U.S. government's work to stop human trafficking, go to https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign

If you see someone that you think might be a victim of human trafficking,
call 1-866-347-2423

To get help from the National Human Trafficking Hotline:
call, 1-888-373-7888
or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733)

Or simply call 911

Naturalization Ceremonies in Texas

CitizenshipCounts.Org: Naturalization Ceremonies in Texas

Citizenship Counts' mission is to educate today's youth on the tenets of citizenship, encourage them to appreciate their rights and responsibilities as Americans, and give them an opportunity to celebrate their citizenship by hosting a naturalization ceremony or participating in a service learning project. In Texas, we were thrilled to be a part of 3 of these sacred celebrations. We think every American should be able to witness a naturalization ceremony! Watch as applicants complete their long journey and are finally given the honor of US citizenship. Special guests Former President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush, Mayor of Dallas Mike Rawlings, and our inspirational founder, Gerda Weissmann Klein, and Sam Tasby helped to make these celebrations memorable for the new citizens.
Category

A Vietnam War Love Affair, a Baby, and 48 Years Later, a Reunion

VOANews: A Vietnam War Love Affair, a Baby, and 48 Years Later, a Reunion

RIVERDALE, GEORGIA — The first time Huỳnh Thị Chút set foot in the United States, she came to see Gary Wittig, the man she met in Danang during the height of the Vietnam War. The daughter that Chút had with Wittig, Nguyễn Thị Kim Nga, flew from her Nebraska home of 17 years to meet her father’s family in a suburb of Atlanta, in the southeastern U.S. state of Georgia. With a newfound cousin, Nga met her mother at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson international airport.

After a drive to the suburbs, Chút reunited with Wittig, now frail and on oxygen, 48 years after they parted.....(Read more)

A "Regular" Citizenship Interview (plus N-400 Part 12 Vocabulary Questions)

uscitizenpod: A "Regular" Citizenship Interview (plus N-400 Part 12 Vocabulary Questions) video





This interview is based on:

A “Regular” Citizenship Interview Based on the USCIS N-400r (6 pgs, 75 questions) (updated 10/01/2016)

• pdf: http://goo.gl/Q5BhXk
• ppt: https://goo.gl/GUfiKY
• vocab pdf: https://goo.gl/PsDrG9

LISTEN to US Citizenship Podcast 

• US Citizenship Podcast Show website http://uscitizenpod.libsyn.com/
• US Citizenship Podcast Daily blog: http://www.uscitizenpod.com/
• Download our FREE Android app: https://goo.gl/d6rs9f
• Download our FREE Apple iPhone/iPad: https://goo.gl/dLiOAE
• Subscribe via Apple Podcasts: https://goo.gl/BVrqHQ 
• Subscribe via Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/us-citizenship-podcast-2/us-citizenship-podcast
• Watch our videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/uscitizenpod
• Order "US Citizenship Bootcamp: Exercises and Quizzes to Pass the Naturalization  Interview" by Jennifer Gagliardi, http://eslpublishing.com/

U.S. Citizenship Class 29, Fall 2017, Milpitas Adult School

FEMA: Prepping A Go Bag With Supplies In Case Of An Emergency Playlist

• Earthquake Preparation: Turning off Gas, Water, and Power
• How to shut off the water after an earthquake

Today we will host a speaker from the Milpitas Office of Emergency Preparedness from 7-8pm.

N-400

• Mix and Match Citizenship Interviews pdf
• Voices of Freedom Activity Book (Part 12)

Integration

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

Deborah Parker (Tulalip) and the Violence Against Women Act (2013)

uscitizenpod: Deborah Parker (Tulalip) and the Violence Against Women Act (2013)

November is Native American Heritage Month. November 25 begins the 16 Days of Activism against the Gender-Based Violence

In 2012, Congress was debating the re-authorization of the 1994 Violence Against Women Act. Some Congress members wanted to limit whom the law protected. Others wanted to expand the VAWA, but had problems finding popular support.

In late April 2012, Deborah Parker, Vice Chairwoman of the Tulalip Tribe, came to Washington D.C. for a meeting with the Environmental Protection Agency. While in Washington DC, Deborah Parker was invited by her state Senator, Patty Murray (WA), to make a public statement supporting the VAWA. Deborah Parker did more than that; for the first time, in public, she shared her own story of sexual assault and ongoing sexual violence against tribal women. Her story galvanized Senate support.

In 2013, Congress re-authorized the Violence Against Women Act. The act expanded federal protections to Native Americans, immigrants, and the lgbtq community. A key provision of the VAWA strengthened the protection of Native Women. Tribes can now prosecute non-Native Americans who commit crimes on tribal lands.

What is the “rule of law”?

• Everyone must follow the law.
• Leaders must obey the law.
• Government must obey the law.
• No one is above the law.

For more Citizenship resources for Native American Heritage Month and 16 Days of Activism against the Gender-Based Violence, visit uscitizenpod.com

POC Online Classroom: Feminist Hero Friday: Deborah Parker

NCAI: Tribal Implementation of the VAWA


RockPaperJet: Tulalip B.O.D.: "We Raise Our Hands" - (VAWA)

Senator Patty Murray: Women Senators, Tribal Leader Discuss Importance of VAWA Improvements

SmithsonianNMAI: Strong Women/Strong Nations 7: Deborah Parker

Tribal Law and Policy Institute: Deborah Parker on VAWA 2013 Reauthorization and the Role of Tribes

TEDx Talks: Wisdom of the Cedars | Deborah Parker | TEDxOrcasIsland

uscitizenpod: Citizenship Resources for Native American Heritage Month

uscitizenpod: Resources for 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence

U.S. Citizenship Class 28, Fall 2017, Milpitas Adult School

VOA Learning English: Abraham Lincoln
Watch all of VOA Learning English: America's Presidents Playlist


N-400

• Mix and Match Citizenship Interviews pdf
• Voices of Freedom Activity Book (Part 12)

Civics

• Voices of Freedom by Bill Bliss Ch.9 Civil War

Integration

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

USCIS: Avoid Scams Brochure in 19 Languages!

Good news! The updated Avoid Scam brochures has been posted on line! Please check it out!

Brochure provides information on

·         How to avoid becoming a victim of immigration service scams

·         Where to find a free or low-cost attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative

·         How to identify common immigration scams

·         Where to report having been a victim

• Amharic (PDF, 205 KB)
• Arabic (PDF, 259 KB)
• Chinese (PDF, 239 KB)
• Creole  (PDF, 157 KB)
• Dari (PDF, 215 KB)
• English (PDF, 180 KB)
• Farsi (PDF, 217 KB)
• French (PDF, 144 KB)
• Hindi (PDF, 268 KB)
• Korean (PDF, 331 KB)
• Polish (PDF, 143 KB)
• Portuguese (PDF, 349 KB)
• Punjabi (PDF, 149 KB)
• Russian (PDF, 147 KB)
• Somali (PDF, 143 KB)
• Spanish (PDF)
• Tagalog (PDF, 142 KB)
• Urdu (PDF, 201 KB)
• Vietnamese (PDF, 172 KB)

https://www.uscis.gov/avoid-scams/resource-center    

Coca-Cola Orlando Eye Naturalization Ceremony

The Orlando Eye: Coca-Cola Orlando Eye Naturalization Ceremony

In honor of Veterans Day, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services administered the Oath of Allegiance to America’s newest citizens during a special naturalization ceremony at the I-Drive 360 courtyard in front of the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye.

Also watch:

WESH-2: 45 people become U.S. citizens at Orlando naturalization ceremony

OCLS: Becoming an American Citizen at the Orlando Public Library

Resources for 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence

http://bit.ly/16DaysforImmigrants

uscitizenpod: 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign to challenge violence against women and girls. The campaign runs every year from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day.

Recently there has emerged serious allegations of sexual abuse by members of the U.S. Executive and Legislative Branches.  These "scandals" have prompted women (and some men) to share their own stories about sexual harassment and domestic violence.

A little told story is that the USCIS, in accordance to U.S. Law, particularly the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), provides relief for immigrant victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, and female genital mutilation.

In observation of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence , we will post resources related to civics, immigration, and gender-based violence.

We the People demand our inalienable right to live in freedom and without fear.

We the People demand justice and embrace the rule of law.

DHS and USCIS

• DHS: The Blue Campaign
• DHS: Tools That Teach: What is Human Trafficking?
• USCIS: Battered Spouse, Children and Parents
• USCIS: Female Genital Mutilation or Cutting (FGM/C)
• USCIS: RAIO Combined Training Course: GENDER-RELATED CLAIMS 
• USCIS: Resources for Victims of Human Trafficking and Other Crimes
• USCIS: Victims of Criminal Activity: U Nonimmigrant Status
• USCIS: Victims of Human Trafficking: T Nonimmigrant Status

ESL

• Breaking News English: One in three EU women experienced violence
• CAL: Picture Stories for Adult ESL Health Literacy: What Should She Do?
• ESL Discussions: 20 Discussion Questions on Domestic Violence  
• ESL Lab: Dating Violence
• ESL Library: Gender Inequality
• lit4all2: Domestic Violence: Opening Video
• Minnesota Literacy: Domestic Violence Unit
• We Are NY: Domestic Violence (video plus pdfs in multiple languages)

Legal Service

• API-GBV: Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence: Immigration
• API-GBV: Immigration 101 for Domestic Violence Victim Advocates | Webinar by API-GBV 6/6/17
• CLINIC: VAWA and U
• Futures without Violence: Domestic Violence
• ILRC: U Visa/T Visa/VAWA
• National Immigrant Women's Advocacy Project: T and U Policies
• National Immigrant Women's Advocacy Project: VAWA Confidentiality and Protections for Immigrant Victims of Domestic Violence 
• National Immigrant Women's Advocacy Project: Webinar: Advocates’ Introduction to Gender-Based 
• NIJC: July 14, 2017 - Webinar Series: Representing Survivors of Domestic and Gender Violence
• NIJC: Immigrant Justice: Training for pro bono attorneys: U Nonimmigrant Visa
• Penn Law: Between Worlds: Immigrant Women and Domestic Violence
• SPLC: Sexual Violence Against Farmworkers: A Guidebook for Legal Providers and SP

Multi-Lingual Resources

• ADWAS: Domestic Violence & Immigration Status (Deaf/ASL)
• AALDEF:Anti-Trafficking Legal Rights Brochure  English, Bangla, Chinese, Hindi, Khmer, Korean, Lao, Punjabi, Tagalog, Thai, Urdu, Vietnamese 
• AALDEF: Anti-Trafficking Legal Rights Palm Cards English, Bangla, Chinese, Hindi , Khmer, Korean, Lao, Punjabi, Tagalog, Thai, Urdu, Vietnamese
• Free for Life: LAW ENFORCEMENT MULTILINGUAL PHRASEBOOK HUMAN TRAFFICKING QUESTIONS
• MAP Seattle: Is Someone Hurting You?  (reproducible cards in 13 languages)
• NIH HealthReach: Healthy Living Toolkit: Violence In the Home
• NIH HealthReach: No One Has the Right to Hurt You, Even Someone You Love
• National Immigrant Women's Advocacy Project: Multilingual Materials
• Arabic
• Chinese
• French
• Gujarati
• Haitian Creole
• Hindi
• Japanese
• Korean
• Russian
• Spanish
• Tagalog
• Vietnamese
• English
• Take Back the Tech: 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE
• Spanish
• French
• NSVRC: Recursos En Español
• USCIS: Immigration Options for Victims of Crime (PDF, 272 KB) (Brochure)
• Chinese (PDF, 466 KB)
• Russian (PDF, 329 KB)
• Spanish (PDF, 239 KB)

NPR and Affliates

• Latino USA: Feminist Rapper Highlights Abuse Against Women Through Her Music
• Latino USA: How Women of Color Are Embracing and Confronting #MeToo
• Latino USA: The Open Letter That Latina Farmworkers Wrote About Hollywood and Sexual Assault
• Latino USA: U-Visa Program Helps Undocumented Fight Domestic Abuse
• MPR Marketplace: From human trafficking victim to survivor
• MPR Marketplace: How a Salvadoran theater is giving women a second chance at life
• MPR Marketplace: One in five U.S. workers are exposed to a hostile work environment

uscitizenpod

• Resources for 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence
• http://bit.ly/16DaysforImmigrants
• What is a U Visa?
• podcast
• video
• blog post
• What is a T Visa?
• podcast
• video
• blog post
• Deborah Parker (Tulalip) and the Violence Against Women Act (2013)
• video: video
• post:  blog post
• Resources for Human Rights Day!
• A Citizenship Quiz in Honor of the UDHR and Human Rights Day and mp3
• A Word Search Puzzle for UDHR and Human Rights Day
• N-400 Part 12c: Acts of Violence

Videos

• asean secretariat: Violence Against Women Throughout The Life Cycle
• CNS: Undocumented Violence: One undocumented immigrant's story of domestic abuse.
• KPBS: Why Immigrant Spouses Are Uniquely Vulnerable To Domestic Violence
• Access Inc: VAWA Legal Program
• oxfaminternational: #SayEnough Together We Can End Violence Against Women and; Girls
• Turn Key Doc: Understanding Sexual Harassment | Sexual Harassment
• UN Women: Ending Violence against Women Playlist
• UN Women Asia and the Pacific: Violence Against Women and Girls in Viet Nam and VN
• Uplift-Online Communities Against Sexual Violence : Engage by Uplift Playlist

VOANews and VOALearning English (recent videos and stories)

• #MeToo Campaign Prompts Thousands to Share Sexual Harassment Stories (video, VOALE)
• Allegations of Sexual Misconduct by Presidents Not New  (plus video)
• Female US Lawmakers Claim Sexual Harassment, Decline to Name Harassers
• Immigrant Women Especially Vulnerable to Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
• Men Also Coming Forward With Stories of Sexual Harassment
• Online Abuse Silences Women and Girls, Fuels Violence, Survey Shows
• Sexual Harassment, Other Claims in Congress Cost $17 Million Since 1997
• Study Finds Beliefs About Boy and Girl Differences Start at Early Age
• US Senator in Trouble After Being Accused of Sexual Harassment in 2006
• US Service Industry Workers Training to Stop Sexual Harassment

Check back for more resources!