Mom

On Tuesday, December 20, 2011, my mother passed away after a long illness. USCitizenPod will resume its regular schedule in the new year. Thank you.

Shine, Give, Share: Honoring Military Families for the Holidays

Shine, Give, Share: Honoring Military Families for the Holidays

Go inside the White House and the Naval Observatory, the official residence for the Vice President, for the holiday season as we honor military families and their service to our nation. http://whitehouse.gov/holidays

U.S. Illegal Immigrants and Mass Deportations Face New Scrutiny

VOAVideo: U.S. Illegal Immigrants and Mass Deportations Face New Scrutiny

The U.S. government is currently reviewing orders to deport thousands of illegal immigrants in two cities, at a time of great division on the issue at federal and local levels. In the past fiscal year, a record 396,000 undocumented immigrants were deported from the United States, with more than 300,000 cases still pending. VOA's Nico Colombant has more.

West Wing Week: 12/23/11 or "#40dollars"

West Wing Week: 12/23/11 or "#40dollars"

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. With the holidays in full swing and the countdown clock ticking away, the President continued to press for the extension of the payroll tax cut for 160 million working Americans and unemployment insurance benefits for millions of others looking for work. The President urged House Republicans to put aside their political games and pass the bill that's garnered overwhelming, bipartisan support in the US Senate. That's December 16th to December 22nd or "#40dollars."

Behind-the-Scenes Look: Time-Lapse of Holidays at the White House

Behind-the-Scenes Look: Time-Lapse of Holidays at the White House

Go behind the scenes at the White House with this series of time-lapse photography moments brought to you by the White House Photo Office. http://www.whitehouse.gov/holidays

Bill of Rights Day!

Today's Topic: the Bill of Rights

The Bill of Rights is the first 10 amendments to the United States Constitution.

The Bill of Rights guarantees personal rights to all people living in the United States.

During the Constitutional Convention in 1787, some people wanted a strong federal government and some people wanted a weak central government that gave more power to the states. James Madison tried to use the ideas from both "parties" and wrote the US Constitutuon.

Some states did not want to ratify the new US Constitution. They were afraid that a strong federal govenment would try to control people and take away their rights.

In 1789, James Madison wrote the Bill of Rights to "amend" (change) the US Constitution. The must guarantee the personal rights of all people living in the US. The states approved the Bill of Rights on December 15, 1791.

These amendments protect the basic rights of the people.

1st: Freedom of Speech, Press, Assembly, Religion, and the Right to Petition

2nd: Right to Bear Arms

3rd: Protection from Quartering Soldiers

4th: Protection from Search & Seizure

5th: Right to Fair Legal Treatment

6th: Right to a Lawyer

7th: Right to Trial by Jury

8th: Protection from Cruel Punishments

9th: People have more rights not listed in the Constitution

10th: State Rights

Originally, the Bill of Rights had 12 different amendments, but the first two were not passed by enough states.

Visit the Bill of Rights Institute: Constitution Dayfor further education and multimendia resources.

VOANEWS: American History Series: The Heart and Spirit of the Constitution On THE MAKING OF A NATION: When the Constitution was written, a majority of the states already had their own bills of rights. So some delegates questioned the need for a national one.

• MP3 - Download (MP3)
• MP3 - Listen to (MP3)
• RealAudio - Download

More interesting resources:

• Simple Wiki Bill of Rights
• EL Civics Bill of Rights

Our Lady of Guadalupe

Virgen de Tepeyac,


Patroness of the Americas,


Mother Without Borders!

Dual Tree Lighting Illuminates Annual Holiday Debate

USCIS 100:10. What is freedom of religion?

VOAVideo: Dual Tree Lighting Illuminates Annual Holiday Debate

It's the Christmas holiday season in the United States, and with it comes an annual argument: Should local, state and federal governments put up Christmas trees, or even call attention to Christmas, in a country that has no official religion? It's one of the most recognizable symbols of the season. VOA's Carla Babb reports that in the northeastern state of Rhode Island State House this year, the governor says the seasonal spruce is getting a name change from Christmas tree to holiday tree.(read the article)

USCIS 100:10. What is freedom of religion?

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

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

For more info, visit Human Rights Action Center or

Universal Declaration of Human Rights - Simple English Wikipedia ...

West Wing Week: 12/9/11 or "The Obamas of Osawatomie"

West Wing Week: 12/9/11 or "The Obamas of Osawatomie"

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. This week, the President gave a major address on the defining issue of our time, restoring economic security to the middle class. He also hosted former President Clinton, the Canadian Prime Minister and Startup America, honored five giants from the Art World, and urged Congress to extend the Payroll Tax Cut. That's December 2nd to December 8th or "The Obamas of Osawatomie."

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

USCIS 100:10. What is freedom of religion?

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

US Observes Anniversary of Pearl Harbor Attack

USCIS 100:81. Who did the United States fight in World War II?

VOANews: US Remembers Pearl Harbor, 70 Years Later

Hundreds estimated to be gathered at Pearl Harbor, where new visitor's center is to open at scene of attack (plus streaming audio)

VOANews: Pearl Harbor Fact Box

USCIS 100:81. Who did the United States fight in World War II?

• Japan, Germany, and Italy

West Wing Week: 12/02/11 or "Bo Meets Bo"

West Wing Week: 12/02/11 or "Bo Meets Bo"

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. This week, as the President urged Republicans to join a Democratic effort to prevent a thousand dollar tax increase on the typical American family, the White House got spruced up for the holidays. The President also hosted the EU Summit, the Dutch Prime Minister, and announced a new commitment to fighting AIDS in America and around the world. He also lit the National Christmas Tree. That's November 25 to December 1st or "Bo Meets Bo."

World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day commemoration at the White House

Presidential Proclamation -- World AIDS Day, 2011
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

On World AIDS Day, 30 years after the first cases of HIV/AIDS were reported, we stand with the individuals and communities affected by HIV and recommit to progress toward an AIDS free generation. (read more)

Also watch the video: The Beginning of the End of AIDS

Citizens Fed up with US Congress

VOAVideo: Citizens Fed up with US Congress

The failure of a joint U.S. congressional committee on Monday to tackle the nation's deficit problem came as no surprise to many Americans. A recent public opinion survey shows that the approval rating for Congress is at an all-time low -- only nine percent. As VOA's Greg Flakus reports from Houston, Texas, people in middle America are tired of the partisan bickering of their elected officials in Washington.

New US Citizens Nov 2011

New US Citizens Nov 2011

Milpitas Adult School was proud to celebrate the citizenship of several of our students and to welcome back some of last year's new citizens and their family as well.

Museum Serves Native American-Inspired Feast

VOAVideo: Museum Serves Native American-Inspired Feast

The modern American Thanksgiving is inspired by a harvest feast held in 1621 in Massachusetts when the English colonists and about 90 members of the Wampanoag tribe reportedly celebrated for three days.

If Americans today are looking for inspiration for their holiday meal, they might want to visit the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington and see what's on the menu at its cafeteria.

USCIS Thanksgiving 3 - Traditions

USCIS Lesson Plans and Activities: Thanksgiving 3 - Traditions
Thanksgiving lesson plan and handouts for literacy and low beginners covering civics test item 100.

Download file (433.9 KB) 04/14/11
Download handouts (.0 KB) Download answer key (.0 KB)

Checkout the all of the Lesson Plans for English Language learners at USCIS Lesson Plans and Activities

USCIS Thanksgiving 2 - The Pilgrim Story and My Immigrant Story

New Citizen

USCIS Lesson Plans and Activities: Thanksgiving 2 - The Pilgrim Story and My Immigrant Story
Thanksgiving lesson plan and handouts for literacy and low beginners covering civics test items 58, 59, 64, 96, and 100.

Download file (231.9 KB) 05/05/11
Download handouts (2.0 MB) Download answer key (1.8 MB)

Checkout the all of the Lesson Plans for English Language learners at USCIS Lesson Plans and Activities

USCIS Thanksgiving 1 - Pilgrims and American Indians

New Citizen Tam Thi Minh Le

USCIS Lesson Plans and Activities: Thanksgiving 1 - Pilgrims and American Indians

Thanksgiving lesson plan and handouts for literacy and low beginners covering civics test items 58, 59, and 87.

Download file (233.6 KB) 04/14/11
Download handouts (539.0 KB) Download answer key (364.3 KB)

Checkout the all of the Lesson Plans for English Language learners at USCIS Lesson Plans and Activities

Thanksgiving Food Drive Feeds Low Income Residents

USCIS 100:55. What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?

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

VOAVideo: Thanksgiving Food Drive Feeds Low Income Residents

The Thanksgiving holiday, celebrated in the U.S. on the last Thursday of November is a big date, but for those with a low income, getting a traditional dinner on the table can be a struggle. In Denver, Colorado, the Volunteers of America charity is preparing a food drive to make sure those families get the food they need. Selah Hennessy visited the charity and has this report.

USCIS 100:55. 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

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

Introducing The Veterans Job Bank

Introducing The Veterans Job Bank

The White House unveiled several initiatives that will help match our returning Veterans with jobs here at home including the Veterans Job Bank, an online tool of private/public partnerships that allows Veterans to search for available jobs by their skills or their zip code. Check it out at http://nationalresourcedirectory.gov

West Wing Week: 11/11/11 or "Super Duper Space Wrench"

West Wing Week: 11/11/11 or "Super Duper Space Wrench"

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. This week, the President attended the G-20 Summit in France, announced new efforts to help put veterans back to work, ordered reforms of Head Start Programs, signed an executive order to cut waste in government, and welcomed the President of Portugal. That's November 4th to November 10th or "Super Duper Space Wrench."

Veterans Day 2011

DeptVetAffairs: Veterans Day 2011

Each year, Veterans Day falls during the month of November. On this Veterans Day, we are celebrating those who have served our country. VA is reaching out to explain the meaning of Veterans Day, and the fact that our gratitude reaches far beyond just one day out of the year.

Veterans Day 11-11-11

See more posters at VA.gov Veterans Day Poster Gallery

West Wing Week 11/04/11 or "Let's Get Moving"

West Wing Week 11/04/11 or "Let's Get Moving"

This week, the President urged Congress to pass the infrastructure component of the American Jobs Act and continued to take executive action to strengthen the economy and put folks back to work. The President also celebrated Diwali and hosted Halloween, spoke at the Italian American Heritage Gala, signed two Executive Orders, welcomed NASA Astronauts in the Oval Office, and interviewed with local news stations from across the country. That's West Wing Week 11/04/11 or "Let's Get Moving"

The Veterans Altar for Día de los Muertos Celebration

The Veterans Altar for Día de los Muertos Celebration

Halloween at the White House

wh.gov: Halloween at the White House

ESL Podcast 733 – Voting in an Election

ESL Podcast 733 – Voting in an Election

Vote early and vote often in this episode that’s all about elections. Download Podcast

West Wing Week: 10/28/11 or "We Can't Wait"

wh.gov: West Wing Week: 10/28/11 or "We Can't Wait"

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. This week, the President announced he'd keep his promise to bring our troops home from Iraq, honored the nation's top scientists and inventors, embarked on a three day Western swing to urge Congress to pass the American Jobs Act and announced major new executive actions that will help middle class families in this difficult economy. That's October 21st to October 27th or "We Can't Wait."

New High-Tech Security Features for Top USCIS Documents

USCIS Blog: New High-Tech Security Features for Top USCIS Documents

Stopping counterfeiters and other scammers from tampering with official USCIS documents is a top priority. That’s why we added new security features on the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-560). (read more)

President Obama in Las Vegas

wh.gov: President Obama in Las Vegas

The President meets with a Las Vegas family who was able to buy a home with help from the Administration's housing policies. October 24, 2011.

United Nations Day!

USCIS 96:82. Name one purpose of the United Nations?

UnitedNations: Highlights of UN Audio and Photo Archives

October 2011 - What do the movies Transformers 3, Independence Day, Lord of War and King Kong have in common? They all used archival material obtained from the United Nations in their production. Many more movie did the same.

And what about Khrushchev banging his fist during the debate on the Congo crisis; Yasser Arafat's famed "rifle and olive branch" speech; Castro, Deng Xiaoping, Mandela, Kings and Queens and occasionally the Pope? These historic footage is all kept at the United Nations audiovisual archives.

And what's more? Film footage going back to the League of Nations -- the Commission of Enquiry into Events in Manchuria on the eve of the WWII, for example; Security Council meetings dealing with all major issues related to international peace and security since 1945; UN Radio dramas featuring Laurence Olivier, Audrey Hepburn, Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby; interviews with cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin and footballer Pelé; concerts by world renowned orchestras in the General Assembly Hall...

The audio and photo archives held by the UN Department of Public Information (http://www.un.org/av/) are a unique collection that tells the stories not only of international diplomacy that shaped our history but also of the people and the times they lived in. The collection comprises 37,500 hours of film and video, 800,000 photographs, and about 55,000.00 hours of audio recordings.

27 October is World Day of Audiovisual Heritage, declared by UNESCO in 2005, a day which aims to raise awareness of the importance of audiovisual documents and draw attention to the urgent need to safeguard them.

USCIS 96:82. Name one purpose of the United Nations?**

For countries to discuss and try to resolve world problems, to provide economic aid to many countries.

**This question is from the OLD set of the USCIS 96 Government and History Questions

US Weighs Fencing Parts of Shared Canadian Border

USCIS 100:92. Name one state that borders Canada.

VOANews: US Weighs Fencing Parts of Shared Canadian BorderThe United States and Canada share the longest unfortified border in the world. In the border town of Blaine, Washington, a shallow ditch and some warning signs are all that separate U.S. territory from Canada. But that could be about to change. (download mp3)

USCIS 100:92. Name one state that borders Canada.

▪ Maine
▪ New Hampshire
▪ Vermont
▪ New York
▪ Pennsylvania
▪ Ohio
▪ Michigan
▪ Minnesota
▪ North Dakota
▪ Montana
▪ Idaho
▪ Washington
▪ Alaska

Joining Forces.gov

Military Families serve our nation too.
Let's all show our appreciation by #JoiningForces with them.
Get involved: JoiningForces.gov--mo

Right before Game One of the 2011 World Series in St. Louis, MO, First Lady Michelle Obama posts her first tweet from an official White House account. Watch the behind-the-scenes video and follow Joining Forces on Twitter: http://twitter.com/joiningforces

JoiningForces.gov

1% of Americans may be fighting our wars, but we need 100% of Americans to be supporting our troops and their families. Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden are asking Americans to get involved in any way they can.

West Wing Week: 10/21/11 or, "Right Now!"

wh.gov: West Wing Week: 10/21/11 or, "Right Now!"

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. This week, the President traveled to Detroit with the President of South Korea, dedicated the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial, embarked on a three day American Jobs act bus tour, bestowed the Presidential Citizens Medal and hosted the Norwegian Prime Minister. That's October 14th to October 20th or: "Right Now!"

President Obama Delivers Remarks at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Dedication

wh.gov: President Obama Delivers Remarks at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Dedication

In his remarks at The National Mall President Obama said, "For this day, we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s return to the National Mall. In this place, he will stand for all time, among monuments to those who fathered this nation and those who defended it; a black preacher with no official rank or title who somehow gave voice to our deepest dreams and our most lasting ideals, a man who stirred our conscience and thereby helped make our union more perfect." October 16, 2011.

Text of President Obama Delivers Remarks at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Dedication

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Dedicated

VOAVideo: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Dedicated

Delayed by Hurricane Irene in August, the day finally came. U.S. President Barack Obama, the country's first black president, dedicated a $120-million statue and memorial park Sunday to the slain civil rights leader who helped pave the way for him and many others in the United States. VOA's Laurel Bowman was there.

Visitors Admire MLK Memorial

VOAVideo: Visitors Admire MLK Memorial

At the age of 34, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. captivated a nation with his "I have a Dream" speech. At 35, he became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Four years later, he was assassinated. But his legacy will live on as the nation's capital gets ready to officially dedicate a memorial to him on the National Mall. On Sunday, the nation dedicates that memorial, more than a month after a hurricane forced its delay.

West Wing Week: 10/14/11 or "We Go Together"

VOAVideo: West Wing Week: 10/14/11 or "We Go Together"

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. This week, the President continued to fight for the proposals in the American Jobs Act to put folks back to work and grow the economy. The President welcomed the 1985 Chicago Bears and the Tunisian Prime Minister to the White House, traveled to Pittsburgh to convene a meeting of his jobs council, attended the forum on American Latino heritage, and hosted the President of South Korea for a State Visit. That's October 7th to the 13th or "We Go Together."

Crops of the Americas

USCIS 100:59. Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?

arago.si.edu: Crops of the Americas

The United States Postal Service issued Crops of the Americas stamps in 2006, in New York, New York.

Artist Steve Buchanan of Winsted, Connecticut, created the art for the five stamps. As reference, he used slide photographs made by his wife Rita who studied Native American farming methods in the southwestern United States. The crops shown in the stamps - corn, chili peppers, beans, squashes, and sunflowers - had been cultivated in the Americas for centuries before Columbus and Europeans arrived in the New World.

USCIS 100:59. Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?

▪ American Indians
▪ Native Americans

Reconsider Columbus Day

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

nuheightzcinema: Reconsider Columbus Day

On this Columbus Day holiday, join the call for an Indigenous People's Day.

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
▪ Creek
▪ Blackfeet
▪ Seminole
▪ Cheyenne
▪ Arawak
▪ Shawnee
▪ Mohegan
▪ Huron
▪ Oneida
▪ Lakota
▪ Crow
▪ Teton
▪ Hopi
▪ Inuit

Columbus Day

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

ELCivics.com: Columbus Day Lesson

NPR Sunday Puzzler: A Highly Logical Christopher Columbus (October 9, 2011)

Listen and identify errors of fact, logic and grammar in a short essay on Christopher Columbus.

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

Anti-Wall Street Protest Spreads To Washington

VOAVideo: Anti-Wall Street Protest Spreads To Washington

The anti-capitalist protests that began near Wall Street in New York are spreading to other cities. Unlike the Tea Party movement, which blames big government for America's economic problems, the so-called Occupy movement holds big business responsible. Our reporter went to its first rally in Washington, DC.

USCIS 100:51

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

West Wing Week 10/07/11 or "Why is that White House Pink?"

VOAVideo: West Wing Week 10/07/11 or "Why is that White House Pink?"

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. This week, the President continued to call on Congress to pass the American Jobs Act, welcomed a new Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke at the Human Rights Campaign annual dinner, hosted a Cabinet meeting, traveled to Texas, and convened a televised news conference. That's September 30th to October 6th or "Why Is That White House Pink?"

'Occupy Wall Street' Protest Joined by Labor, Community Groups

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



VOAVideo: 'Occupy Wall Street' Protest Joined by Labor, Community Groups

Anti-Wall Street protestors were joined Wednesday by labor unions and community organizers demonstrating in New York against what they see as economic injustice.

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

▪ speech
▪ religion
▪ assembly
▪ press
▪ petition the government

ESL Podcast 726 – Taking the Driving Test

USCIS 100:42. Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the states.
What is one power of the states?

ESL Podcast 726 – Taking the Driving Test

Learning to drive can be scary – for you, and the teacher. Learn about taking a driving test in this episode. Download Podcast

More study material for the California Driver's License test.

• CA.DMV.gov Publication and handbooks


• CA.DMV.gov Videos- Captioned

USCIS 100:42. Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the states. What is one power of the states?

▪ provide schooling and education
▪ provide protection (police)
▪ provide safety (fire departments)
▪ give a driver’s license
▪ approve zoning and land use

Hispanic Heritage Month

ChannelOneNews: Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

USCIS Aids Victims of Human Trafficking & Other Crimes

USCIS.gov: Victims of Human Trafficking and Other Crimes

USCIS helps protect victims of human trafficking and other crimes by providing immigration relief. There are two types of immigration relief we provide to victims of human trafficking and other crimes:

T Nonimmigrant Status (T Visa)
T nonimmigrant status provides immigration protection to victims of trafficking. The T Visa allows victims to remain in the United States and assist law enforcement authorities in the investigation or prosecution of human trafficking cases.

U Nonimmigrant Status (U Visa)
U nonimmigrant status provides immigration protection to crime victims who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse as a result of the crime. The U visa allows victims to remain in the United States and assist law enforcement authorities in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity.

Resources for Victims of Human Trafficking & Other Crimes
USCIS offers resources for victims of human trafficking and other crimes and the organizations that serve them. This information is designed to help answer any questions you or your family might have about obtaining T or U Nonimmigrant status.

Naturalization Ceremony with Outstanding American by Choice, Madeleine Albright

USCIS: Naturalization Ceremony with Outstanding American by Choice, Madeleine Albright

Friday, September 23, 2011, 50 U.S. permanent residents took the Oath of Allegiance to become U.S. citizens in the heart of our nation's capital.

Our newest citizens follow in the footsteps of our 64th Secretary of State Madeleine Albright -- herself a naturalized citizen -- who was recognized during the event as an Outstanding American by Choice. Secretary Albright's inspiring remarks reminded us all of the incredible contributions naturalized citizens can bring to our nation.

Also see the DHS.gov Blog post: Celebrating Citizenship Day and the Outstanding American by Choice Initiative

National Hispanic Heritage Month: USPS Stamps

Arago: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage: People, Places and Events on Stamps

In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Arago: the Smithsonian National Postal Museum has a great online exhibit: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage: People, Places and Events on Stamps (updated 9/10/2012). Check it out!

National Hispanic Heritage Month

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

West Wing Week 9/30/11 or "Set Your Sights High"

wh.gov: West Wing Week 9/30/11 or "Set Your Sights High"

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. This week, the President announced reforms to No Child Left Behind, traveled to California to hold a town hall on job growth at LinkedIn, spoke on what the American Jobs Act could mean for America's schools and gave his third annual Back To School address. That's September 23rd to September 29th or "Set Your Sights High

Flag of the American Women Veterans

Flag Mosaic of American Women Veterans at The Steps-N-Stages Jubilee House
Please click the Flag to make it larger

wh.gov: Joining Forces With Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (video)

First Lady Michelle Obama travels to Fayetteville, North Carolina to join Extreme Makeover: Home Edition as they build a dream home for Barbara Marshall, a veteran, and her military family. This is what Joining Forces is all about, and because of everyone's hard work and her new home, Barbara Marshall is able to better serve her community but most of all inspire others to do the same.

POV: The Learning

POV | The Learning - Documentary Trailer - POV 2011 | PBS http://youtu.be/Lm9FnhJ17T4

You can watch the 90 min film of THE LEARNING at http://www.pbs.org/pov/learning/ til Oct 20

One hundred years ago, American teachers established the English-speaking public school system of the Philippines. Now, in a striking turnabout, American schools are recruiting Filipino teachers. The Learning is the story of four Filipina women who reluctantly leave their families and schools to teach in Baltimore. With their increased salaries, they hope to transform their families’ lives back in their impoverished country. But the women also bring idealistic visions of the teacher’s craft and of life in America, which soon collide with Baltimore’s tough realities. A co-production of CineDiaz and ITVS in association with The Center for Asian American Media, with funding provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and American Documentary | POV. (90 minutes)

West Wing Week 09/23/11 or "It's Math"

wh.gov: West Wing Week 09/23/11 or "It's Math"

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. This week, the President signed patent reform into law with the America Invents Act, spoke to the American people on his common-sense proposal to deficit reduction,traveled to New York City to meet with world leaders and address the United Nations General Assembly before visiting Cincinnati to speak on jobs. That's September 16th to September 22nd or "It's Math."

American History: The Cold War

USCIS 100:83. During the Cold War, what was the main concern of the United States?

VOANews: American History: The Cold War

Tensions rose between the United States and the Soviet Union after World War Two THE MAKING OF A NATION (download mp3)

USCIS 100:83. During the Cold War, what was the main concern of the United States?

▪ Communism

WhiteHouse.gov/WeThePeople

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



WhiteHouse.gov/WeThePeople video: http://youtu.be/MdcotOjqnVI

We the People provides you with a new way to create and join petitions the federal government to take action on a range of issues. If a petition gets enough signatures, White House staff will review it, ensure it is sent to the appropriate policy experts, and issue an official response. This video is a walk through of how it works.

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

▪ petition the government! Now we can petition the government via www.WhiteHouse.gov/WeThePeople. Watch http://youtu.be/MdcotOjqnVI

Constitution Day 2011--Federal Observance Marks Signing of U.S. Constitution in 1787

SLATE V: Constitution Day 2011--Federal Observance Marks Signing of U.S. Constitution in 1787

Happy Constitution Day! The federal observance is trending but many are unsure about its specifics. Formerly known as Citizenship Day, the holiday marks the formal adoption of the U.S. Constitution and recognizes those who have become U.S. citizens. Itapos;s observed on Sept. 17? adjacent weekdays in case the day falls on a weekend as it does this year. Thatapos;s the date in 1787 when the Constitution was signed by 39 statesmen.

USCIS to Welcome More Than 27,000 New Citizens During Annual Constitution Day and Citizenship Day Celebration

A naturalization ceremony held at Arches National Park

USCIS.gov USCIS to Welcome More Than 27,000 New Citizens During Annual Constitution Day and Citizenship Day Celebration

WASHINGTON - In recognition of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day on Sept. 17, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will welcome more than 27,000 new American citizens during 285 naturalization ceremonies held across the country and around the world during the week of Sept. 15. As part of this celebration, USCIS is again partnering with the National Park Service (NPS) to hold naturalization ceremonies at 14 national park sites across the country.(read more)

US Constitution and Citizenship Day 2011 at Milpitas Adult School

Photos of US Constitution and Citizenship Day 2011 at Milpitas Adult School http://flic.kr/s/aHsjw5eLT2

Happy US Constitution and Citizenship Day!

A Quick Interview for US Constitution & Citizenship Day

A new multiple choice quiz: 20 N-400 interview questions and 10 USCIS 100 questions about the US Constitution. Direct download: Const-Day-Quick-Interview.pdf

Here is yesterday's 4 page multiple choice quiz: Const-Day-Int-Quiz-2011.pdf

Constitution Week: Friday

NEW INTERVIEW/QUIZ: Twenty-seven N-400 & USCIS 100 Qs for US Constitution & Citizenship Day

Here is a two part, 4-page quiz: twenty-seven questions based on the N-400 interview PLUS twenty-seven USCIS 100 Qs reflecting the Preambles, Articles, and 27 amendments of the US Constitution. Direct download: Const-Day-Int-Quiz-2011.pdf

Photos from the "We Signed the Constitution" will be posted soon!

Constitution Week: Thursday

Today's Topic: The 15th, 19th, 24th, and 26th Amendments

After the Civil War, the 15th Amendment gave the right to vote to all male US Citizens.

However, some communities refused to allow certain minorities to vote.

Women could not vote until the 19th Amendment (1920).

The Chinese Exclusion Act which took away the right to vote from US native-born citizens of Asian ancestry was repealed in 1943.

Jim Crow laws in the Southern United States which strongly discouraged African-Americans to vote was repealed by the 24th Amendment, 1964 & the Voting Rights Act 1965.

The Nineteenth Amendment gave suffrage (the right to vote) to women.

VOANews: Susan B. Anthony, 1820-1906: She Led the Fight to Gain Equal Rights for Women, Including the Right to Vote

The nineteenth amendment to the U.S. Constitution won final approval in 1920 but she did not live to see it. Transcript of radio broadcast: 14 June 2008


24th Amendment made it illegal to make a citizen pay a voting fee. It is illegal to make a citizen take a reading test to vote. The 24th Amendment (1964) and the Civil Rights Movement led by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. crushed Jim Crow laws which discriminated against African Americans.

VOANews: Civil Rights Movement: In the '60s, a Struggle for Equality in US: Activists marched, held sit-in protests and led "freedom rides" to demand better treatment of black Americans. Martin Luther King Junior lived by the idea of nonviolence, but his murder led to riots in more than 100 cities.


26th Amendment: US citizens who are 18 years old or older have the right to vote. 1971.

VOANews: Nixon Promises to 'Bring the American People Together' After '68 Win
Richard Nixon lost the 1960 election to John Kennedy, but he was known for his ability to fight, to lose, and to keep trying. Those skills would soon be tested.

• USCIS 100:48. There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.


• USCIS 100:48.49. What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens?*


• USCIS 100:48.50. Name one right only for United States citizens.


• USCIS 100:48.54. How old do citizens have to be to vote for President?*


• USCIS 100:48.55. What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?


• USCIS 100:48.77. What did Susan B. Anthony do?


• USCIS 100:48.84. What movement tried to end racial discrimination?


• 85. What did Martin Luther King, Jr. do?*

More activities from USCitzenPod:

• Here is a pdf of Voting Rights.


• Here is a pdf of Voting Cloze Essay.

Constitution Week: Wednesday

Today's Topic: The First Amendment

The First Amendment to the United States Constitution is a part of the United States Bill of Rights that protects freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, and the right to petition. Here is a (.pdf) or (.doc) of this webpage:The First Amendment.

Freedom of speech
A person can say or think anything they want.






Freedom of religion
A person can practice any religion or no religion. The government cannot establish a national religion.





Freedom of assembly
People can come together to have peaceful meetings, rallies, marches, or demonstrations.






Freedom of the press
A person can read, write, publish, or broadcast anything they want.







Right to petition
People can ask the government to change the law.






Here is a (.pdf) or (.doc) of this webpage:
The First Amendment.

Constitution Week: Tuesday

Today's Topic: The Preamble

The Premble lists the reasons that the 13 original colonies separated from their mother ountry, and became an independent nation.

We the People of the United States,

in Order to form a more perfect Union, good government

establish Justice, good laws

insure domestic Tranquility, peace in our homes

provide for the common defence, national security

promote the general Welfare, healthy communities

and secure the Blessings of Liberty freedom

to ourselves and our Posterity, children

do ordain and establish give power to

this Constitution the supreme law of the land

for the United States of America.

Here is class handout of the Preamble Puzzle pdf

Here is class handout of a Summary of the US Constitution.
Direct download: const-summary.pdf

Constitution Week: Monday

Here is a slide show of the US Constituion.

Constitution Day (or Citizenship Day) is an American federal holiday that recognizes the ratification of the United States Constitution. Citizenship Day also recognizes all who have become citizens due to either coming of age or naturalization. It is celebrated on September 17, the day the U.S. Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution in 1787.

Before Constution Day, students study the US Constitution, focusing on the rights and responsibilites of American Citizenship. On Constitution Day, students sign a large copy of the Constitution and are given pocket-sized copies of the Constitution. Many Adult Schools honor the students who were naturalized as American citizen during the previous school year. The school also encourages the students who are preparing for naturalization during the upcoming school year.

For more info, see:

America Reads the Constitution
The National Constitution Center held the first “America Reads the Constitution” on September 17, 2004. A diverse group of people read the Constitution from start to finish, from “We the People” to the final words of the 27th Amendment. “America Reads the Constitution” pdf includes the words of the Constitution for 100 readers.

ELCivics.com: The US Constitution
Learn about the US Constituion with Pictures, Easy Lessons, and Fun Activities

ESLPOD English 92
LISTEN to the Preamble to the US Constitution.

The National Archives
On September 17, 1787, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention met for the last time to sign the document they had created. The National Archives and Records Administration celebrates this important day in our nation's history by presenting the following activities, lesson plans, and information. We encourage teachers and students at all levels to learn more about our Constitution and government.

National Constitution Center: Home
The National Constitution Center, located on Philadelphia's Independence Mall, is the worlds only museum devoted to the US Constitution.

NCC: We the People
Resources to help you celebrate Constitution Day – the birthday of your government – featuring over 200 activities, lessons, books, DVDs and more from over 30 different providers. Plan your Constitution Day celebration here!

US Citizenship Podcast
Check back every day for updated materials for Constitution Day. Ex: Constitution Quiz Based on the USCIS 100

9/11 10th Anniversary

USCIS 100:86. What major event happened on

September 11, 2001, in the United States?

VOAVideo: 9/11 10th Anniversary Special Report Part 1

Learn how the events of September 11, 2001 impacted the United States and the world in the decade since.

VOAVideo: 9/11 10th Anniversary Special Report Part 2

Learn how the events of September 11, 2001 impacted the United States and the world in the decade since.

Read more at VOANews: 9/11 10th Anniversay Special Report

USCIS 100:86. What major event happened on September 11, 2001, in the United States?

▪ Terrorists attacked the United States.

Words and Their Stories: Voices From 9-11 Tell Story of Fast-Moving Events

VOANews: Words and Their Stories: Voices From 9-11 Tell Story of Fast-Moving Events

A new report presents recordings of air controllers, military officials and hijackers as the attacks took place WORDS AND THEIR STORIES (download mp3)



USCIS 100:86. What major event happened on September 11, 2001, in the United States?

▪ Terrorists attacked the United States.

USCIS 100:California!

Today is California Admissions Day.

I have created and uploaded a simple fact sheet about the State of California. I also included info about our local government officials for the students of Milpitas Adult School.

I uploaded this as a .doc file instead of .pdf so you can easily modify the .doc with the info/pictres of your own state and local officials. Have fun!

USCIS 100:20. Who is one of your state’s U.S. Senators now?*

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

USCIS 100:43. Who is the Governor of your state now?

USCIS 100:44. What is the capital of your state?*

West Wing Week: 9/9/11 or "American Jobs Act"

West Wing Week: 9/9/11 or "American Jobs Act"

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. This week, the President visited New Jersey communities recovering from Hurricane Irene, celebrated Labor Day in Detroit, welcomed NASCAR Champions to the White House, and unveiled the American Jobs Act before a Joint Session of Congress. That's September 2nd to September 8th or "American Jobs Act"

President Obama Presents American Jobs Act (Enhanced Version)

wh.gov: President Obama Presents American Jobs Act (Enhanced Version)

Shares plan to create jobs with joint session of Congress. September 8, 2011.

Read the Transcript

See the Enhanced Graphics

Get Ready for CA Admissions Day, 9/11, Constitution Day

I am currently working on resources for California Admissions Day, 9/11 and Constitution Day. Meanwhile, check out these 2010 posts.--Teacher Jennifer

• Happy California Admissions Day Sept 9, 2010


• VOANews Special Report 9/11--10 years later (new)


• Constitution Week 2010: Tuesday


• Constitution Week 2010: Wednesday


• Constitution Week 2010: Thursday


• Constitution Week 2010: Monday


• Constitution Day 2010: WE SIGNED THE CONSTITUTION!


• NEW for 2010 USCIS CITIZENSHIP RESOURCE CENTER*