Memorial Day

Presidential Weekly Address: Honoring the Fallen

whitehouse — May 28, 2010 — Ahead of Memorial Day, the President asks all Americans to join him in remembering and honoring those who have died in service to the country.

VOANews: Americans Honor Fallen US Military Personnel

This year's Memorial Day celebrated as war in Afghanistan surges and U.S. prepares Iraq draw-down Full story »

• POW Issues at Forefront of Rolling Thunder Biker Rally in DC
• Remembering Fallen Warriors on Memorial Day
• Obama Honors Fallen US Veterans
• US Honors Those Killed During Years of Conflict in Afghanistan
• On Memorial Day, Honoring Military Service and Sacrifice
• Six Men, a World War, a Pacific Island and an Image for All Time

EL Civics.com: Memorial Day Photo Essay

Learn EL Civics with great pictures and easy words about Memorial Day and many other US Holidays, important Americans , and historical event.

ESL Holiday Lessons.com: English Lesson Plan on Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday. It commemorates the American men and women who have died serving their country in the military. DOWNLOADS: Word Doc PDF MP3 Listening Online Exercise

Memorial Day: Vietnam Time Line

Memorial Day: Vietnam Time Line

Ngo Huu Phuc reads "The Vietnam Time Line" essay in honor of Memorial Day. Mr Ngo was a mechanic in the South Vietnam Air Force and was a Citizenship student at Milpitas Adult School. In the Summer 2010, Mr. Ngo became a US Citizen. He is proud of his service to the people of Vietnam and the United States and remembers his friends and family FOREVER!

You can find a copy of "The Vietnam Time Line" in HOLIDAYS AND SPECIAL DAYS IN THE USA by Mary Glasgow, Scholastic Inc., 2001, ISBN 1-900702-59-2.

reposted from 5/25/09

West Wing Week: 05/28/10 or " I, State Your Name"

West Wing Week: 05/28/10 or " I, State Your Name"

Free Download — whitehouse — May 27, 2010 — This week, walk step by step with the President he as signs a memorandum on fuel efficiency; meets with his economic team and Congressional leaders about Wall Street reform; delivers the commencement address at West Point; hosts the leaders of Lebanon and Liberia; plays basketball with Russian students; holds a reception for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders; celebrates National Small Business Week; holds discussions with Senate Republicans; travels to California and checks out some solar panels in Fremont (next to Milpitas); talks economics with workers; welcomes NCAA Men's Basketball Champs the Duke Blue Devils and the US World Cup Soccer Team; and gives a press conference on the BP oil spill.

US Looks Toward Memorial Day

US Looks Toward Memorial Day

VOAvideo — May 27, 2010 — The last Monday in May is "Memorial Day" in the United States, a day of remembrance for the country's military war dead. This year's observance comes as the number of casualties in Afghanistan has surpassed one thousand. VOA's Carolyn Presutti explains.

Students Love Taking the CASAS 966 Listening Test for Citizenship

The Milpitas Adult School Citizenship class field tested the 889

and really look forward to taking the 965/966.

CASAS 965/966 Gov’t/History LISTENING TEST for Citizenship
(formerly CASAS Citizenship Field Test 889, supersedes 963/964)

Multiple choice listening test.

• Students listen to thirty recorded questions.
• Each question is repeated twice.
• The questions are based on the new 100 questions.
• Practice audio files are available.
  

Meet Your Census Taker - Tuong Nguyen

My name is Tuong Nguyen.
I am the census enumerator.
I am a civil engineer with the department
of public works for 26 years.
I am working in my neighborhood.
I think I will enjoy and could help America.
And also to help my family too.

uscensusbureau — May 21, 2010 — "I am working in my neighborhood."Census takers are your neighbors, members from your community hired by the Census Bureau to count all households that did not send back their form. Your responses are kept confidential and will take only about ten minutes to answer.

Watch more Meet Your Census Taker videos from uscensusbureau on YouTube.

New Citizen Xoan Bui and Citizenship Classmates

NPR: Citizenship-By-Birth Faces Challenges

The 14th Amendment
Section 1. All persons born or naturalized in the United States,

and subject to the jurisdiction thereof,

are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.

No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge

the privileges of immunities of citizens of the United States;

nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property,

without due process of law, nor deny to any person

within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

Citizenship-By-Birth Faces Challenges : NPR
www.npr.org
The Constitution says all persons born in the U.S. are American citizens. But some lawmakers say that shouldn't apply to children of parents here illegally. They've introduced bills meant to trigger a legal battle about the issue.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

WH.gov: Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

President Obama hosts a reception at the White House to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. May 24, 2010.

WH.gov: Presidential Proclamation--Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

For centuries, America's story has been tied to the Pacific. Generations of brave men and women have crossed this vast ocean, seeking better lives and opportunities, and weaving their rich heritage into our cultural tapestry. During Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we celebrate the immeasurable contributions these diverse peoples have made to our Nation...(read more)

AsianPacificHeritage.gov: May is Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month

The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America’s history and are instrumental in its future success.

Arizona Immigration Law Fuels Debate in California

VOAVideo: Arizona Immigration Law Fuels Debate in California

A coalition of advocacy groups has filed (Monday, May 17), a lawsuit in Washington in an attempt to block a pend... VOAvideo — May 24, 2010 — A coalition of advocacy groups has filed (Monday, May 17), a lawsuit in Washington in an attempt to block a pending law in the western U.S. border state of Arizona. The Arizona law requires police to question people if there is reason to believe they are in the U.S. illegally. As VOA's Mike O'Sullivan reports, the statute will go into effect this summer, but it has prompted a backlash in neighboring California and other parts of the country.

To read more, see

• VOANews: Arizona Immigration Law Fuels Debate in California
  

Mexico's President Addresses US Congress

VOAvideo — May 21, 2010 — Mexican President Felipe Calderon is appealing directly to the American people, and their elected leaders, to reform immigration laws and strengthen gun control along the U.S.-Mexican border. Mr. Calderon made his case Thursday in a speech to a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress. VOA's Paula Wolfson reports.

Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week 2010

A Peace Office Memorial banner outside of the Modesto, CA Police Dept.

On October 1, 1962, the President designated May 15 of each year as "Peace Officers Memorial Day" and the week in which it falls as "Police Week."

• Presidential Proclamation--Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week 2010
• President Obama Honors Fallen Law Enforcement Officers
• President Obama Honors the Nations TOP COPS
• The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund

Obama, Calderon Blast Arizona Immigration Law

VOANews: Obama, Calderon Blast Arizona Immigration Law

President Barack Obama and Mexican President Felipe Calderon have held talks at the White House focusing on immigration and the ongoing joint battle against drug cartels and related violence. VOA correspondent Dan Robinson reports.

Also see:

• WhiteHouse.gov: Official Arrival of President Calderón (31 min)
• WhiteHouse.gov President Obama and President Calderón Press Conference (28 min)
• President Obama Toasts President Calderón of Mexico
• Presidents Obama, Calderón Speak Before Musical Performances
• VOANews: Calderon to Make State Visit to Washington

VOANews Money in Motion: Immigration Costs

VOANews Money in Motion: Immigration Costs

There are an estimated 12 million undocumented immigrants in the United States today. These immigrants currently present a quantifiable cost to the U.S., but would granting universal amnesty to the undocumented immigrants be a net economic benefit to the nation? Philip Alexiou has more in this edition of Money In Motion.

Happy Immigrant Day, California!

Immigrant Day is sponsored by the California Immigrant Welfare Collaborative in collaboration with many local community organizations such as SIREN-SJ. Immigrant Day is our annual lobby day that brings together hundreds of immigrant communities to Sacramento to meet their representatives and to celebrate the many contributions of immigrants to California.

Nancy Pelosi Makes History as Powerful House Speaker

USCIS 100:47. What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now?



VOAVideo: Nancy Pelosi Makes History as Powerful House Speaker

VOAvideo — May 11, 2010 — Nancy Pelosi has won broad recognition as an effective Speaker of the House of Representatives. But she is also the target of opposition Republicans trying to win back control of the House in this November's congressional elections. VOA Correspondent Cindy Saine reports on how Pelosi rose to become one of the most powerful people in the United States.

US Citizenship Podcast: Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi!

47. What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now?

• (Nancy) Pelosi

New video from uscitizenpod!

A Basic Citizenship Interview with Martin Maldonado (Peru). You can follow along with the Basic Interview pdf . Also, you can listen to the original mp3.

USCIS To Issue Redesigned Green Card

Click picture for larger image

USCIS: WASHINGTON - U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that it has redesigned the Permanent Resident Card - commonly known as the "Green Card" - to incorporate several major new security features. The Green Card redesign is the latest advance in USCIS¿s ongoing efforts to deter immigration fraud. State-of-the-art technology incorporated into the new card prevents counterfeiting, obstructs tampering, and facilitates quick and accurate authentication. Beginning today, USCIS will issue all Green Cards in the new, more secure format.

"Redesigning the Green Card is a major achievement for USCIS," said Director Alejandro Mayorkas. "The new security technology makes a critical contribution to the integrity of the immigration system." (read more...)

• USCIS To Issue Redesigned Green CardFact Sheet 05/11/2010
• USCIS To Issue Redesigned Green CardState-of-the-Art Technology Makes New Card More Secure 05/11/2010
• USCIS To Issue Redesigned Green CardQuestions and Answers 05/11/2010

How do I recognize a census taker?

US Census: How to recognize a census taker?

I just showed this video to my US Citizenship class. They really appreciated the info about how to identify the census taker (badge, bag, address book).

The students also appreciated the clear explanation about how the census take would contact them (three times in person or by phone and/or by appointment).

The students were relieved that the census taker will not ask to come into the house, nor ask the person for their social security number, credit history, or for a donation. The students are ever vigilant against identity theft and other "tricks".

The sub-titles also were a big help for the English language learners.

Kudos to the Census Media Dept for all their fine videos!

San Jose's May 1st Immigration March and against Arizona SB1070

May 1st Immigration March and against Arizona SB1070 from La RH CommunityServices on Vimeo. Or you can see it on YouTube.

Mothers Day at the White House

Mothers Day at the White House

whitehouse — May 07, 2010 — First Lady Michelle Obama welcomes special guests, including former First Lady Rosalyn Carter, to the White House for a special event for mothers and daughters at the White House. May 7, 2010.

America's Mixed-Race Kids Examine Their Identity

VOANews: America's Mixed-Race Kids Examine Their Identity

Photographs celebrate richness and beauty of multiracial society

Listen: MP3

President Obama Celebrates Cinco de Mayo

President Obama Celebrates Cinco de Mayo

Free Download — whitehouse — May 05, 2010 — The President celebrates Cinco de Mayo at a reception at the White House and calls on Congress to implement comprehensive immigration reform. May 5, 2010.

New Citizen Alfredo Quintana

Alfredo is proud of his family, his Union, his Mexican heritage,

and his American citizenship!

Alfredo Quintana was born in Guadalajara, Mexico and came to the United States in 1972. He settled in Milpitas, and joined Local Union 270 AFL-CIO as a construction worker. Alfredo currently serves as the Executive Board-Field Representative and travels all over Central California, organizing Union members and working on local political campaigns. On March 25, Alfredo became an American citizen. Bravo!

Naturalization Ceremony for U.S. Service Members

WH.gov: Naturalization Ceremony for U.S. Service Members (21 min.)

President Obama speaks at a naturalization ceremony for 24 members of the United States Armed Forces. The ceremony recognizes the contributions made by immigrant members of the U.S. armed forces who have earned their American citizenship through service to our country, and the contributions immigrants from all walks of life have made to our country throughout its history. Alejandro Mayorkas, Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) presents the home countries of the candidates for citizenship, and DHS Secy. Janet Napolitano administers the oath of citizenship. President Obama also presents Sgt. Ledum Ndaanee, USMC (E-5) with the Outstanding American by Choice recognition, which highlights the outstanding achievements of naturalized U.S. citizens.

KQED California Report: Republican Gubernatorial Debate

Former eBay executive Meg Whitman. left, and California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner shake hands after a previous debate for the California Republican gubernatorial primary.

KQED California Report: Republican Gubernatorial Debate

KQED 88.5FM California report presents a debate between the leading Republican candidates for California governor, insurance commissioner Steve Poizner and former eBay executive Meg Whitman. KQED's Sacramento Bureau Chief John Myers moderates the debate, featuring questions to the candidates posed by a panel of reporters from other California news outlets. The debate is taking place at the Tech Museum of San Jose and the sponsors are: Comcast, Silicon Valley Leadership Group, Time Warner, Charter, Cox Cable, Cal Channel, CCTA and the Tech Museum.

• Download Mp3

**June 8, 2010 Gubernatorial Primary Election

Are You Already Registered to Vote in California?

To find out if you are currently registered to vote, contact your county elections office. If you are not registered to vote, you can ask your county elections office how to register.

Registering to Vote: You may register to vote in California if:

• You are a United States citizen
• You are a resident of California
• You are at least 18 years of age (or will be by the date of the next election)
• You are not in prison or on parole for a felony conviction. For more information on the rights of people who have been incarcerated, please see the Secretary of State's Voting Guide for Inmates.
• You have not been judged by a court to be mentally incompetent

Immigration Activists Protest Arizona Law

Immigration Activists Protest Arizona Law

VOAvideo — May 02, 2010 — Coast to coast rallies were held in the US Saturday to protest a controversial new immigration law in the southwestern state of Arizona. VOA's Daniela Schrier reports from a protest in Washington, DC.

May 1st: March for Comprehensive Immigration Reform!

*NEW* Photos from today's SJ march.

All over America, people will be marching for Comprehensive Immigration Reform.

Check out the march in San Jose or check Reform Immigration for America for a march near you!