US, China: A Look at Immigration and Migration

VOA Learning English: US, China: A Look at Immigration and Migration

The U.S. and China have the two largest economies filled with opportunities and jobs. In 2013, a Pew study found that 45 million international migrants lived in the United States. Yet only “850,000 people living in China were born in other countries.” (listen)

Tales from the U.S.-Mexico Border (VOA On Assignment Sept. 26, 2014)

VOAVideo: Tales from the U.S.-Mexico Border (VOA On Assignment Sept. 26, 2014)

Ramon Taylor of VOA's Spanish branch tells On Assignment's Alex Villarreal about the immigration dangers and difficulties he witnessed during his recent reporting trips to the U.S. border with Mexico.
Originally published at - http://www.voanews.com/media/video/2462313.html

Also watch VOAVideo: Identifying Bodies Found in Texas Border Region (heartbreaking)

Thousands of immigrants have died after crossing the border from Mexico into remote areas of the southwestern United States in recent years. Local officials in south Texas alone have found hundreds of unidentified bodies and buried them in mass graves in local cemeteries. Now an anthropologist and her students at Baylor University have been exhuming bodies and looking for clues to identify them. VOA’s Greg Flakus has more from Waco, Texas.
Originally published at - http://www.voanews.com/media/video/identifying-bodies-found-in-texas-border-region/2463459.html

Making Your USCIS Immigrant Fee Payment

USCIS: Making Your USCIS Immigrant Fee Payment

Learn how to pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee using USCIS ELIS.

Adding Family Members

USCIS: Adding Family Members

You can pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee for your family members who will be living with you in the United States. Watch this video to see how.

Paying USCIS Immigrant Fee

Paying USCIS Immigrant Fee

Learn how to provide your payment electronically for the USCIS Immigrant Fee.

Police, Citizens Work to Create Safer Neighborhoods

VOA Learning English: Police, Citizens Work to Create Safer Neighborhoods

American police are using “community policing” to both fight crime and improve relations with citizens in many areas.

• Read more
• Listen to the mp3
• Watch the video

Citizenship Quiz in Honor of Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year)

Justice Louis D. Brandeis (1856-1941)

uscitizenpod: Citizenship Quiz in Honor of Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year)
reposted with minor corrections 9/23/14 10:00pm

China Targets Chinese with Dual Citizenship

VOA Learning English: China Targets Chinese with Dual Citizenship

China’s Ministry of Public Security has announced a new policy to support reporting of Chinese dual citizens. A dual citizen is someone who accepts citizenship in another country while keeping his or her first citizenship. The new policy has led to a sharp debate. It is expected to have a major effect on Chinese citizens who live outside of China. (read more) (listen)

For further info, see US State Dept Dual Citizenship

Interview-19: Hao Thi Vu (Saigon, Vietnam)

An Easy Citizenship interview (15 questions) based on the new N-400R 
with Hao Thi Vu (Saigon, Vietnam) plus dictation and 10 USCIS 100qs.

• You can download uscitizenpod's Easy Citizenship Interview at http://traffic.libsyn.com/uscitizenpod/n-400r-easy.pdf
• You can download uscitizenpod's Interview 19 at http://traffic.libsyn.com/uscitizenpod/interview-19.mp3

Also listen to Interview 18: Do Van Nguyen or watch the video.

Arizona Non-Profit Helps Keep Dehydrated Migrants Alive

VOAVideo: Arizona Non-Profit Helps Keep Dehydrated Migrants Alive

The Sonoran desert, a common crossing point for illegal immigration into the United States, is one of the hottest places in North America. Many who attempt the journey become dehydrated and die along the way. This has prompted one non-profit organization to provide migrants with what they need most to survive. From Three Points, Arizona, I'm Ramon Taylor for VOA News.
Originally published at http://www.voanews.com/media/video/aarizona-non-profit-helps-keep-dehydrated-migrants-alive-/2454253.html

Also see: VOAVideo: Dehydration Is Top Killer of Among Southern Arizona's Migrants

The border separating the United States and Mexico spans 3,200 kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico to Baja California. Yet for the countless undocumented immigrants who attempt to cross each year, the journey is difficult, and often deadly. VOA's Ramon Taylor takes us to southern Arizona, where dehydration among migrants is the number one cause of death.

Draw a Blank

VOA LearningEnglish EIM: "Draw a Blank"

Have you ever forgotten something important such as an answer during the Citizenship Test? There is a special idiom when this happens. Watch this program to find out what this phrase is in American English.

West Wing Week 09/19/14 or, "You guys aren't normally this quiet are you?""

wh.gov: West Wing Week 09/19/14 or, "You guys aren't normally this quiet are you?""

This week, the President celebrated the 20th anniversary of AmeriCorps, awarded the Medal of Honor to two American heroes, detailed U.S. efforts to combat the outbreak of Ebola in West Africa at the CDC in Atlanta, spoke to the troops at MacDill Air Force Base about our strategy against ISIL before returning to meet with the Ukraninan President. That's September 12 to 19 or "You guys aren't usually this quiet are you?"

Constitution & Citizenship Day Celebrated Across the Country

Judiciary Now: Constitution & Citizenship Day Celebrated Across the Country

Nearly 30 federal courts across the country celebrated constitution day and citizenship day with unique naturalization ceremonies. Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is a combined event that commemorates the creation and signing of the Constitution of the United States in 1787 and celebrates everyone who, by coming of age or by naturalization, have become US citizens.

Happy Constitution and Citizenship Day 2014

Happy Constitution and Citizenship Day 2014 at Milpitas Adult School!

Happy Constitution and Citizenship Day!

Happy Constitution and Citizenship Day from Milpitas Adult School!  

I took nearly 300 pictures of our students signing and celebrating the Constitution, here are the pictures.  however I left my camera at school. I will post all of the photos as soon as possible, but in the meanwhile, please enjoy a slice of cake. Thanks Nikki for sending me the photo!

Countdown to Constitution and Citizenship Day: 01

**NEW** US Constitution Quick Quiz
   vocabulary and pictures of 

• the 3 Branches of Government
• the 1st Amendment Freedoms
• the 4 Voting Rights Amendments

use US Constitution Quick Quiz with

• uscitizenpod: US Constitution Slide Show (corrected with new sharing permissions)
• uscitizenpod: The U.S. Constitution (video)

**NEW** A Quick Interview for US Constitution and Citizenship Day 2014
     25 questions based on the new N-400r.  Also check out:

• Quick Interview plus 10Qs about the Constitution
• Twenty-seven N-400 and twenty-seven USCIS 100Qs

**NEW** The Constitution
     Beginning High reading by Elsie Chandler, Milpitas Adult School

Countdown to Constitution and Citizenship Day: 02

uscitizenpod: US Citizenship Alphabet (updated)

Countdown to Constitution and Citizenship Day: 03

USCourts.gov: American Naturalization Ceremonies: The Beautiful Mosaic

Excerpts from naturalization ceremonies conducted by federal judges across the nation show the diversity of America.

USCourts.gov: Naturalization Ceremony Celebrated at Cleveland Museum (short video)
Chief Judge Solomon Oliver, Jr. of the Northern District of Ohio presided over a naturalization ceremony at the Western Reserve Historical Society in Cleveland, OH. Oliver welcomed 119 new citizens from 15 countries.

USCourts.org: New Citizens Welcomed at Aztec Ruins Naturalization Ceremony (short video)
Gathering inside a hallowed Pueblo ceremonial room that is nearly 900 years old, the District of New Mexico's chief judge and 10 new American citizens staged a unique naturalization ceremony.

USCourts.gov: CONSTITUTION DAY AND CITIZENSHIP DAY RESOURCES

• Download the PowerPoint Presentation (ppt) (an excellent resource)
• About the U.S. Constitution
• Naturalization Ceremonies
• Podcast: Naturalization Ceremonies
• Photos: Naturalization Ceremonies Across America
• Naturalizations Highlight National Celebration of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day
  

Countdown to Constitution and Citizenship Day: 04

Bill of Rights Institute

• Constitution Day Resources (very interesting games but small text)
• Free Lesson Plans: K-12 oriented but can be adapted for ESL/Citizenship students
• Being An American: Exploring the Ideals that Unite Us, High School Ed. with ESL Guide lesson plans $35.00

ConstitutionFacts:

• U.S. Constitution Day Toolkit: Celebrate Constitution Day with crossword puzzles, treasure hunts and words finds – and much more! Click on the links below and share these free resources on Constitution Day.
• Read Famous Quotes about the U.S. Constitution and Democracy.
• Try our fun Crossword Puzzles!
• Test Your Knowledge about the U.S. Constitution.
• Explore ConstitutionFacts.com to find answers to the Treasure Hunts.
• Find the hidden words in our Word Finds.
• Check out these important Dates To Remember
• Reference  Glossary of Terms.

National Constitution Center

• Constitution Day 2014: The Bill of Rights
• Constitution Day Resources
• Naturalization Test

USCIS Constitution Day and Citizenship Day

On September 17, 1787, the Founding Fathers signed the U.S. Constitution. For the past 225 years, the Constitution has served as the supreme law of the land. The Constitution, along with the Bill of Rights and other amendments, define our government and guarantee our rights. Each year, on September 17, Americans celebrate Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. In addition, September 17-23 is also recognized as Constitution Week. During this time, USCIS encourages Americans to reflect on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and what it means to be a U.S. citizen.

US Department of Education: Commemorating Constitution Day and Citizenship Day

Each educational institution that receives Federal funds for a fiscal year is required to hold an educational program about the U.S. Constitution for its students. This posting is intended to remind affected educational institutions of this responsibility and to provide resources for them to use in developing their program. To assist in planning Constitution Day programs, we are pleased to provide links to Web sites that contain materials that can be publicly accessed for general use or for use as teaching materials in the classroom.

Countdown to Constitution and Citizenship Day: 05

AmericanHistory.si.edu/Citizenship/ for Constitution and Citizenship Day

1. Government Basics USCIS 100: 2, 1, 3, 13
2. Writing the Constitution: USCIS 100: 65, 66, 67, 4, 7, 5
3. Transcripts & Words Lists: download pdfs for study and create handouts

West Wing Week: 9/12/14 or, "Meeting Those Threats with Strength and Resolve"

wh.gov: West Wing Week: 9/12/14 or, "Meeting Those Threats with Strength and Resolve"

This week the President concluded a summit in Wales with NATO allies, hosted a White House meeting with Congressional leadership on foreign policy, addressed the nation in primetime and commemorated the 13th anniversary of the September 11th attacks

Countdown to Constitution and Citizenship Day: 06

Heritage.org: We the People: Honoring Constitution Day

As we celebrate another Constitution Day, we should take time to reflect on the awesome gift of the Constitution and work to commit ourselves further to the principles of the Founding.

Obama, Families of September 11 Victims Pause to Remember

VOANews: Obama, Families of September 11 Victims Pause to Remember

Politicians, dignitaries, relatives of those who died gather in New York, Washington, Pennsylvania commemorate nearly 3,000 people killed in al-Qaida's attack on US.

Also watch:

• VOAVideo: 9/11 The Day That Was A video montage of how that fateful day unfolded 10 years ago
• VOAVideo: 9/11 - Ten Years Later How did the September 11, 2001 attacks on the US change life for Americans and the world? VOA attempts to answer that question in this series of reports.
• VOAVideo: Public Reacts to 9/11 Museum The general public now has access to the 9-11 Museum in New York - at the site of the 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. But the opening comes with some key issues

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

a.  Capitalists attacked China.
b.  Communists attacked Afghanistan.
c.  Fascists attacked India.
d.  Terrorists attacked the United States.

Countdown to Constitution and Citizenship Day: 07

USCIS: Oath of Allegiance - Constitution Week 2013

**NEW** USCIS: Naturalization Ceremony at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on 8-28-2014, August 28, 2014
Naturalization ceremony held at the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial. Featured USCIS Director Leon Rodrigeuz.

USCIS: Citizenship Day Naturalization Ceremony at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, September 17, 2013
Join us in welcoming 25 new U.S. citizens during a special Constitution Day and Citizenship Day naturalization ceremony at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. U.S. Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Rand Beers will administer the Oath of Allegiance. USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas will present the candidates for citizenship and Danielle Gray, Cabinet Secretary and Assistant to the President, will provide remarks. Sree Sreenivasan, Chief Digital Officer for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, will give the keynote speech. While you watch the ceremony we encourage you to express your thoughts and congratulations with your fellow Americans by following us on Twitter @USCIS and using #newUScitizen.

USCIS: Gettysburg Dedication Day Ceremony a Naturalization Ceremony & remarks from Steve Spielberg, Nov 20, 2012
Since 1938, the Lincoln Fellowship of Pennsylvania has been commemorating the anniversary of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address with their Dedication Day program. November 19th was officially designated as Dedication Day by a Joint Resolution of Congress on the anniversary of the Gettysburg Address in 1946. In recent years, the National Park Service and the Civil War Institute at Gettysburg College have joined with the Lincoln Fellowship in sponsoring the ceremonies. This ceremony was held in Gettysburg PA on November 19th, 2012.

USCIS: Naturalization 6-21-2012
USCIS Naturalization ceremony at the U.S. State Department.

USCIS: Oakland Naturalization - 02/15/12
On February 15th, USCIS Deputy Director Lori Scialabba naturalized 1,268 candidates from 114 countries at the historic Paramount Theater in Oakland, California. Anni Chung was recognized as an "Outstanding American by Choice" for her 36 years of service with the organization "Self Help for the Elderly".

USCIS: Naturalization Ceremony with Outstanding American by Choice, Madeleine Albright, Sept. 23, 2011
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.

USCIS: USCIS Naturalization at Basic Training: Fort Sill, Oklahoma, May 20, 2011

USCIS: Veterans Day Iraq Naturalization, Nov 30, 2010
Stephanie Ostapowich visits Iraq to cover the Veterans day naturalization ceremonies.

USCIS: Iraq Naturalization Video, Nov 11, 2010
USCIS Public Affairs Officer Stephanie Ostapowich covers the USCIS military expedited citizenship program in Iraq.

USCIS: Military Naturalization at the Pentagon, Nov 2, 2010

USCIS: Chicago Naval Naturalization, Nov 1, 2010
Video coverage of a large naval naturalization in Chicago.

Happy Birthday, 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?*

Countdown to Constitution and Citizenship Day: 08

Constitution and Citizenship Day is on Wednesday, Sept. 17--just a week away.

Prep your students and staff with this slideshow and handout.

What is US Constitution and Citizenship Day?  (Google Slides)

What is US Constitution and Citizenship Day? handout pdf

Countdown to Constitution and Citizenship Day: 09

Today we are featuring the Constitution resources ELCivics.com--perfect for beginning and intermediate ESL/Citizenship student.  Area of particular interest for Constitution and Citizenship Day:

• The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution
• U.S. Constitution
• Constitution notes for Students
• Bill of Rights
• Rights and Freedoms
• Voting Amendments
• Three Branches of Government 
• Civics Education
• The Federalist Papers
• Civics Test PowerPoint, Citizenship Questions 1-50
• Civics Test PowerPoint, Citizenship Questions 51-100

Kudos to Christina Niven for all her good works!

s. 

I Love You, California

The Star-Spangled Banner is the name of the national anthem.
What is the name of state anthem of California?

Get ready for California Admissions Day (Sept 9) by learning California's state anthem!

State Song of California — "I Love You, California" by Rafael Florént

I.
I love you, California, you're the greatest state of all.
I love you in the winter, summer, spring and in the fall.
I love your fertile valleys; your dear mountains I adore.
I love your grand old ocean and I love her rugged shore.

Chorus
Where the snow crowned Golden Sierras
Keep their watch o'er the valleys bloom,
It is there I would be in our land by the sea,
Every breeze bearing rich perfume.
It is here nature gives of her rarest. It is Home Sweet Home to me,
And I know when I die I shall breathe my last sigh
For my sunny California.

II.
I love your red-wood forests - love your fields of yellow grain.
I love your summer breezes and I love your winter rain.
I love you, land of flowers; land of honey, fruit and wine.
I love you, California; you have won this heart of mine.

III.
I love your old gray Missions - love your vineyards stretching far.
I love you, California, with your Golden Gate ajar.
I love your purple sun-sets, love your skies of azure blue.
I love you, California; I just can't help loving you.

IV.
I love you, Catalina, you are very dear to me.
I love you, Tamalpais, and I love Yosemite.
I love you, Land of Sunshine, half your beauties are untold.
I loved you in my childhood, and I'll love you when I'm old.

Also see bendstunde49: "I Love You, California" - Prince's Orchestra (1914) California State Song (instrumental--great old pictures)

Countdown to Constitution and Citizenship Day: 10

ListenAndReadAlong: THE MAKING OF A NATION -- American history in VOA Special English

• American History - Part 015 - Birth of the Constitution Start at minute 2:10
• American History - Part 016 - Birth of the Constitution - Part 2
• American History - Part 017 - Birth of the Constitution - Part 3 - Making of a Nation
• American History - Part 018 - Birth of the Constitution - Part 4 - Executive Branch
• American History - Part 019 - Birth of the Constitution - Part 5 - Big State vs Small State
• American History - Part 020 - Birth of the Constitution - Part 6 - Slaves
• American History - Part 021 - Birth of the Constitution - Part 7 - States Ratify
• American History - Part 022 - Bill of Rights

Countdown to Constitution and Citizenship Day: 11

The Constitution of the United States with a Side-by-Side Translation in Simple English
by Elizabeth Claire, MA TESOL, Editor, Easy English NEWS
Download the free PDF!

Citizenship Questions and Answers 
from elizabethclaire.com 
Download the free PDF!

***Teacher Jennifer's comments: My students and I love the Easy English News monthly newspaper and resources.  Kudos to Elizabeth Claire for all her good works!

West Wing Week 09/05/14 or, "Every Gray Hair Is Worth It"

wh.gov: West Wing Week 09/05/14 or, "Every Gray Hair Is Worth It"

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. This week, the President celebrated Labor Day and American Economic Patriotism at Milwaukee's Laborfest, then traveled East for a three day, two country trip to Estonia and then on to the NATO summit in Wales.

Countdown to Constitution and Citizenship Day: 12

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

US Workers, Politicians Debate Low Wages

VOAVideo US Workers, Politicians Debate Low Wages

Thousands of protesters gathered at fast food restaurants around the United States on Thursday to demand a higher minimum wage for American workers. Mike O'Sullivan reports from Los Angeles that in the absence of action by Congress, the debate over raising the minimum wage is taking place city by city and state by state. Originally posted at http://www.voanews.com/media/video/2439210.html

Countdown to Constitution and Citizenship Day: 13

uscitizenpod: The U.S. Constitution (video)

A basic introduction to the Constitution for ESL/Citizenship students. This video is based upon a ppt that I made in 2005 and modified in 2008. Thanks for studying the U.S. Constitution--I know that you will be a great American citizen!

Countdown to Constitution and Citizenship Day: 14

uscitizenpod: US Constitution Slide Show (corrected with new sharing permissions)

Countdown to Constitution and Citizenship Day: 15

Constitution and 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 Constitution Day, students study the US Constitution, focusing on the rights and responsibilities 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. For example, watch our video US Constitution.

USCIS Citizenship Resource Center
Benjamin Franklin and the U.S. Constitution - Beginning Level

Benjamin Franklin and the U.S. Constitution lesson plan and handouts for literacy students and low beginners covering civics test items 1, 2, 3, 12, 13, 14, 65, 66, 67, and 68.

Download file (255.8 KB)  | 08/07/12

Download handouts (424.5 KB) 
Download answer key (210.9 KB) 

One Family Faces the Immigration Debate | The New York Times

NYTimes: One Family Faces the Immigration Debate | The New York Times

With comprehensive immigration reform on hold in Congress, Nancy Paredo’s family is waiting on a promise from President Obama to take executive action. Here’s a look at some steps he might take.

Produced by: Emily B. Hager and Natalia V. Osipova

Read the story here: http://nyti.ms/1pIHKsN

Subscribe to the Times Video newsletter for free and get a handpicked selection of the best videos from The New York Times every week: http://bit.ly/timesvideonewsletter

Subscribe on YouTube: http://bit.ly/U8Ys7n

Watch more videos at: http://nytimes.com/video

Labor Day Quiz

Citizenship? WE CAN DO IT!

Ten Labor Day questions which combines US Labor History with the USCIS 100qs (download quiz)

Why do Americans and Canadians celebrate Labor Day? - Kenneth C. Davis

TED-ED: Why do Americans and Canadians celebrate Labor Day? - Kenneth C. Davis

View full lesson: http://bit.ly/1yZVuly

In the United States and Canada, the first Monday of September is a federal holiday, Labor Day. Originally celebrated in New York City's Union Square in 1882, Labor Day was organized by unions as a rare day of rest for the overworked during the Industrial Revolution. Kenneth C. Davis illustrates the history of Labor Day from Union Square to today.