Muslim Americans Organize Voting Drive For Midterm Elections

VOAVideo: Muslim Americans Organize Voting Drive For Midterm Elections

Representatives Keith Ellison from Minnesota and Andre Carson from Indiana are currently the only Muslim American members of Congress. Beyond their local constituents, they represent a growing segment of the U.S. population that is often in the spotlight. In an effort to seek better representation in Washington, many Muslim American communities across the country have organized get out the vote campaigns to ensure that those who can vote, will actually go to the polls. VOA's Kane Farabaugh has more from Chicago.

Hispanic Groups Face Challenge in Getting Out Vote

VOAVideo: Hispanic Groups Face Challenge in Getting Out Vote

More than 19 million Hispanic, or Latino, Americans are eligible to vote in midterm congressional elections in the United States on Tuesday. But a recent study by the Pew Hispanic Center suggests that Hispanics are less motivated to vote than they were two years ago when President Barack Obama ran for office . Mike O'Sullivan looks at some of the issues that concern them.

West Wing Week: 10/29/10 or "The Mysterious Case of Mysterious Case 55"

WH.gov: West Wing Week: 10/29/10 or "The Mysterious Case of Mysterious Case 55"

VOTE!

VOTE!

My name is Nadejda Iontcheva and I live in Milpitas.

I need to say why it is so important to vote on November 2, 2010.

There are many reasons.

First, voting is one of the most important rights of American citizens.

It is a democratic way to take into account the will of the majority of the population for changing:the governing persons of the cities and of the country and the system of laws and rules governing the life of American citizens.

Second, the country is still under the effect of the recent deep recession.

It needs to choose the best people that are able to make the best decisions for saving and improving the education system of the country.

Education is the most important factor for success in any area of the business, science, etc.

A country that has a highly educated population is a rich country, because this human factor leads to new discoveries, developments, and the future success of young people. They are our future!

Our leaders must take urgent measures for generating new jobs and improving the health system and any other systems (financial, political, business, transportation, etc) that are not in good shape and are harming the development of country.

If the citizens do not vote, they will depend on decisions made by people who are influenced by special interests and groups that are not working for the success of the whole population but just value their private success.

On November 2, 2010, all people should take the responsibility for the future of America and must vote.

They must do their best to find out which candidates are the best and vote for them.

Thank you.

Obama Seeks To Mobilize Young Voters

VOAVideo: Obama Seeks To Mobilize Young Voters

President Obama has held several big rallies on college campuses to try to rekindle the enthusiasm he generated among young people during his bid for the White House two years ago. But high unemployment and other economic woes are putting a damper on election excitement. As VOA Correspondent Cindy Saine reports, this is especially true for Democrats - who now hold the White House and majorities in both houses of Congress.

For Some, Free Citizenship Classes; For Others, a Dream Delayed Again

VOA Learning English Video: For Some, Free Citizenship Classes; For Others, a Dream Delayed Again

Americans talk a lot about illegal immigration but not as much about legal immigration. Legal immigrants who want to become citizens must learn English and show a knowledge of American history and government. They must also pay a fee and meet other requirements. Immigrants may take citizenship classes to help them prepare for the naturalization test.

Latino Immigrants Protest US Deportation Policy

VOAVideo: Latino Immigrants Protest US Deportation Policy

Many Latino immigrants in New York are demanding the city limit the information it provides federal immigration authorities about who is in local jails. They say that information often leads to the deportation of loved ones, and this week hundreds took to the streets to press their case. VOA Correspondent Peter Fedynsky has this report from VOA's New York bureau.

Obama, Hillary Clinton Speak Out Against Anti-Gay Bullying

VOANews: Obama, Hillary Clinton Speak Out Against Anti-Gay Bullying

U.S. teen suicides lead to videos from the president and secretary of state. Also: "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in the courts IN THE NEWS (download MP3)

For more info, see www.itgetsbetterproject.com

Many LGBT youth can't picture what their lives might be like as openly gay adults. They can't imagine a future for themselves. So let's show them what our lives are like, let's show them what the future may hold in store for them.

• WATCH: President Obama: It Gets Better. As part of the It Gets Better Project, President Obama shares his message of hope and support for LGBT youth who are struggling with being bullied.


• WATCH: Secretary Clinton: "Tomorrow Will Be Better" U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton delivers a message to the LGBT community that "Tomorrow Will Be Better," at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., October 19, 2010.


• WATCH: Speaker Nancy Pelosi adds her voice to the chorus of Americans across the country as part of the It Gets Better Project to tell LGBT youth: you are not alone, it gets better.
  

Hispanic, Vietnamese-American Candidates Compete for California Seat

VOAVideo: Hispanic, Vietnamese-American Candidates Compete for California Seat

One of the most heated Congressional races in the United States pits a Hispanic Democrat, Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, against a Vietnamese-American Republican named Van Tran. As VOA's Mike O'Sullivan reports, both are working to mobilize supporters in their own ethnic community while reaching out to other voters.

West Wing Week: 10/22/10 or "The White House Science Fair"

WH.gov: West Wing Week: 10/22/10 or "The White House Science Fair"

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Walk step by step with the President as he hosts former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice at the White House, holds the first ever White House Science Fair, signs an Executive Order renewing the Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics, then heads out West to speak in Oregon, Washington State, California, Nevada, and Minnesota, and much more...

Political Surrogates Rally Voter Base in the Run-Up to U.S. Elections

VOAVideo: Political Surrogates Rally Voter Base in the Run-Up to U.S. Elections

First Lady Michelle Obama, former Republican Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin, and former President Bill Clinton have been enlisted by their respective parties to campaign for candidates in trouble in November's midterm elections. Why do these people appeal to American voters, while actual party leaders such as U.S. President Barack Obama are struggling? VOA's Laurel Bowman explains.

SF USCIS Open House

SF USCIS Open House

Here are my photos from the SF USCIS Open House--don't miss the statements about the chidren's artwork--you may have to SHOW INFO on the upper left-hand of the slide show.

For more info on a USCIS Open House in your area.

Photos of US Civil War Soldiers Donated to Library of Congress

USCIS 100:73. Name the U.S. war between the North and the South.



VOAVideo: Photos of US Civil War Soldiers Donated to Library of Congress

Almost 700 photos of U.S. soldiers who fought in the American Civil War have been donated to the Library of Congress in Washington. Many images show the innocence and idealism of the young men before they went into battle. Next year, the Library of Congress will exhibit the photos to the public, marking the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. VOAs Deborah Block has the story.

USCIS 100:73. Name the U.S. war between the North and the South.

• the Civil War
• the War between the States

Yalla Vote

VOANews: 'Yalla Vote'

US candidates court Arab-American voters. (download MP3)

For more info, visit the Arab American Institute Yalla Vote Project.

California Votes on Whether to Legalize Marijuana

N-400 Part 10 D:22c. (Have you ever) sold or smuggled controlled substances, illegal drugs or narcotics?



VOAVideo: California Votes on Whether to Legalize Marijuana

California could become the first American state to allow people to smoke a joint just because they feel like it. In 1996, California became the first U.S. state to approve the medical use of marijuana. Since then, 13 other states and Washington, D.C., have passed similar laws. Now a measure on the California ballot in November, called Proposition 19, will decide whether to legalize small amounts of marijuana for recreational use, despite a federal law against it.

US Election Campaign Heats Up

VOANews: US Election Campaign Heats Up

Campaign activity is intensifying in the United States with a little more than two weeks to go until the November 2 midterm congressional elections. Opposition Republicans expect to make gains in the election, but Democrats say some of the key races across the country have tightened up in recent days.

West Wing Week: 10/15/10 or " I Spy"

WH.gov: West Wing Week: 10/15/10 or " I Spy"

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Walk step by step with the President as he comes out strong for investing in infrastructure to boost the economy and create jobs, and meets with students from all levels of education throughout the week. From elementary and middle school students from the documentary 'Waiting for Superman,' to high school and college students who are finalists of the NFTE National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, to college students who have benefited from the American Opportunity Tax Credit, it's a reminder why investing in our kids is always worthwhile...

101-year-old Texas Woman Becomes US Citizen

Photo by AP

Congratulations to New Citizen,

Eulalia Garcia-Maturey

of Brownsville, Texas!

VOANews: US Judge Orders Military to Stop Banning Open Gays From Military

In this Tuesday, April 16, 2010 picture, from left, Petty Officer Autumn Sandeen, Lt. Dan Choi, Cpl. Evelyn Thomas, Capt. Jim Pietrangelo II, Cadet Mara Boyd and Petty Officer Larry Whitt, stand together after they handcuffed themselves to the fence outside the White House in Washington during a protest for gay rights. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

VOANews: US Judge Orders Military to Stop Banning Open Gays From Military

Order comes after same judge declared last month that US military policy on gays, known as 'don't ask, don't tell,' was unconstitutional

Words and Debates Change With Time, but First Amendment Stays the Same

For more info, see CBLDF's Liberty Annual 2010

VOANews Learning English: Words and Debates Change With Time, but First Amendment Stays the Same

Law professor Robert Tsai discusses the constitutional right to free expression download MP3

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

• speech
• religion
• assembly
• press
• petition the government

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

• freedom of expression
• freedom of speech freedom of assembly
• freedom to petition the government
• freedom of worship
• the right to bear arms

Columbus Day, Observed

100. Name two national U.S. holidays.

VOANews Learning English MAKING OF A NATION: Columbus Sails, Others Follow, and Spain Is on Top of the World

By the 15th century, European countries were ready to explore new parts of the world. Technological improvements helped them succeed.

VOANews Learning English AMERICAN MOSAIC: Why Isn't America Named for Columbus? / Mary J. Blige's New Album - 2003-10-09

Flash mobs spread in the U.S. and around the world / A listener wants to know why America is not named for Christopher Columbus / Music

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

Female Marines in Marja

USCIS N-400: 10F-27. Have you ever served in the US Military?



NYTimes: Female Marines in Marja

Full-time "female engagement teams'" deploy alongside all-male infantry patrols in Helmand Province to try to win over rural Afghan women, who are culturally off-limits to outside men.

Columbus Lessons from EL Civics

Columbus Lessons from EL Civics

• Crossword Puzzle Answer Key
• Interactive Columbus Day Crossword
• Blank Map of Spain
• Columbus Day Tracing Worksheet
• Blank Map of the World

Check out the other great Civics and Citizenship lessons from EL Civics.com and TinkerBellChime's ESL and Civics YouTube Channel--Kudos to Christine Niven for all her great work!

West Wing Week: "A Farewell to Rahm"

VOAVdeo: West Wing Week: "A Farewell to Rahm"

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Walk step by step with the President as he bids farewell to his outgoing Chief of Staff, Rahm Emanuel, and appoints Pete Rouse the new Interim Chief of Staff, holds the first ever Community College Summit at the White House alongside Dr. Biden, signs the bill granting the Congressional Gold Medal to Japanese-American World War II vets - the Army's 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team, awards the Medal of Honor to Staff Sergeant Robert J. Miller,and much more...

US Supreme Court, in New Term, Considers Free Speech Case

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

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



VOAVideo: US Supreme Court, in New Term, Considers Free Speech Case

The U.S. Supreme Court is considering a difficult question: Should the father of a deceased Marine win his lawsuit against a fundamentalist Christian church that protested at his son's funeral? Or should the first amendment of the US constitution, which protects free speech, apply to this case even though the protesters were offending mourners at a funeral. Forty-eight states, a bipartisan group of lawmakers and veterans' groups are siding with the father. The church's camp includes advocates for free speech and media organizations. They fear a victory for the dad would erode the right to free speech. VOA's Laurel Bowman has the story. (read more)

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

• speech
• religion
• assembly
• press
• petition the government

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

• freedom of expression
• freedom of speech freedom of assembly
• freedom to petition the government
• freedom of worship
• the right to bear arms

Battle Intensifies for Control of US Congress

VOANews: Battle Intensifies for Control of US Congress

Recent public opinion surveys suggest Democrats may be narrowing gap with Republicans

Women's Right to Vote in US Hits 90th Anniversary

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

VOAVideo: Women's Right to Vote in US Hits 90th Anniversary

This year marks the 90th anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gave women in United States the right to vote. After seven decades of activism, American women cast their first ballots in the Presidential elections of 1920. VOA's Ana Ward takes a look back at the women's suffrage movement, and at the role women play in American politics today. Amy Katz narrates.

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

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

Muslim American Congressman Calls for Tolerance

VOAVideo: Muslim American Congressman Calls for Tolerance

Keith Ellison became the first Muslim American to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2006. One issue he has promoted strongly while in office has been tolerance about religious differences. In an interview with VOA, Ellison said he is concerned by a slight spike in anti-Islamic sentiment in recent weeks. But he stressed that he believes the United States is still welcoming to Muslims and people of diverse backgrounds. Cindy Saine reports.

The First Lady, The President and The Vice President Serve on 9/11

serve.gov: The First Lady, The President and The Vice President Serve on 9/11

On September 11, 2010, the First Lady, the President and the Vice President engaged in service activities to support our veterans, troops and military families, following remarks. Watch a video that takes you to service projects in McLean, VA, Washington, DC and New York City on the National Day of Service and Remembrance.

U.S. Progressives March For More Reforms

VOAVideo: U.S. Progressives March For More Reforms

Advocates of liberal political positions have gathered in the U.S. capital to express their concerns before Congressional elections in November. Many said reforms and change have been too slow since President Barack Obama took office last year. VOA's Nico Colombant reports from Washington. (read more)

New Citizen Maricela Alvarez

New Citizen Maricela Alvarez, Part 1 of 2

Milpitas Adult School student, Maricela Alvarez, formerly from Jalisco, Mexico, talks about the N-400 section of her US Citizenship Interview, Part 1 of 2.

New Citizen Maricela Alvarez, Part 2 of 2

• 100:02. What does the Constitution do?
• 100:04. What is an amendment?
• 100:07. How many amendments does the Constitution have?
• 100:10. What is freedom of religion?
• 100:18. How many U.S. Senators are there?
• 100:86. What major event happened on September 11, 2001, in the United States?
• 100:89. What ocean is on the West Coast of the United States?
• 100:90. What ocean is on the East Coast of the United States?
• 100:96. Why does the flag have 13 stripes?
• 100:98. What is the name of the national anthem?

West Wing Week: 10/1/10 or "One Two Three ... Lancers!"

WH.gov: West Wing Week: 10/1/10 or "One Two Three ... Lancers!"

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Walk step by step with the President as he signs the Small Business Jobs Act, speaks to college journalists, holds backyard discussions about the economy with area families across the heartland and much more...