West Wing Week: 01/30/15 or, “Namaste Obama”

wh.gov West Wing Week: 01/30/15 or, “Namaste Obama”

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. This week, the President made history by being the first sitting President to make a second visit to India. He and the First Lady also traveled to Saudi Arabia to pay their respects to the late King. And back at home, the President convened a meeting with U.S. Mayors, and honored outgoing Secretary of Defense, Chuck Hagel. That's January 23rd to January 29th or, "Namaste Obama."

Citizenship Prep: Resources and Strategies for the USCIS Citizenship Interview

Citizenship Prep: Resources and Strategies for the USCIS Citizenship Interview  http://goo.gl/BVfvXK

4th Annual English Literacy Civics Education and Citizenship Conference
North Orange County Community College
January 30, 2015

NEW Interview Based on the USCIS N-400r for Current and Former Armed Forces Members

NEW Interview Based on the USCIS N-400r for Current and Former Armed Forces Members 
http://goo.gl/nfQcKo

NEW Interview Based on the USCIS N-400r for Senior Citizens or Those Who Request Accommodations/Exemptions

Interview Based on the USCIS N-400r for Senior Citizens 
or Those Who Request Accommodations/Exemptions 
plus the USCIS 100qs for 65/20 Applicants
http://goo.gl/xzSwJv

NEW Intermediate Citizenship Interview Script based on the USCIS N-400r

NEW Intermediate Citizenship Interview Script based on the USCIS N-400r (6 pages)
http://goo.gl/RGm3Ve

NEW Citizenship Interview Script based on the USCIS N-400r plus 2 Quizzes

A Basic Citizenship Interview based on the USCIS Revised N-400 http://goo.gl/cFLBsA

N-400r Basic Interview Quiz Part 01 to Part 10 http://goo.gl/RSWmC0

N-400r Basic Interview Quiz Part 11 http://goo.gl/57Sua3

VOA Learning English News Words: Civil War

VOA Learning English News Words: Civil War

This phrase describes a kind of war. Our hosts tell you about civil war in one minute with the pronunciation and definition. Let us know how these videos are helping you. Write a comment below and tell us.

USCIS 100:72. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1800s.
▪ War of 1812
▪Mexican-American War
▪ Civil War
▪ Spanish-American War

USCIS 100:73. Name the U.S. war between the North and the South.
▪ the Civil War
▪ the War between the States

USCIS 100:74. Name one problem that led to the Civil War.
▪ slavery
▪ economic reasons
▪ states’ rights

USCIS 100:75. What was one important thing that Abraham Lincoln did?*
▪ freed the slaves (Emancipation Proclamation)
▪ saved (or preserved) the Union
▪ led the United States during the Civil War

USCIS 100:76. What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?
▪ freed the slaves
▪ freed slaves in the Confederacy
▪ freed slaves in the Confederate states
▪ freed slaves in most Southern states

Center Helps Refugees with American Life

VOA Learning English: Center Helps Refugees with American Life

West Wing Week: 1/23/15 or, "B is for Believe"

wh.gov: West Wing Week: 1/23/15 or, "B is for Believe"

This week, the White House was a flurry of activity during the lead up to -- and the rollout of -- the annual State of the Union Address, with follow up trips to Kansas and Idaho, the second annual "Big Block of Cheese Day," and YouTube stars bringing their flair to the East Room to interview the President.

Citizenship Teacher's Quizzes and Practice Activities at Quia.com

Citizenship Teacher's Quizzes and Practice Activities at Quia.com

This page contains practice activities for the NEW U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) tests.

Activities

Civics Test Practice

		Citizenship: Constitution
		Citizenship: Early America

		Citizenship: Important People in U.S. History
		Citizenship: President

		Citizenship: U.S. History Timeline
		Citizenship: Integrated Civics
		Reading and Writing Test Practice

		Citizenship: Little Words
		Citizenship: Holidays

Citizenship: Vocabulary Hangman!

Quizzes

Civics Test Quizzes

		Citizenship: Government 1-12: Principles of American Democracy
		Citizenship: Government 1-12: Principles of American Democracy - AUDIO

		Citizenship: Government 13-47: System of Government
		Citizenship: Government 48-57: Rights and Responsibilities

		Citizenship: Government: All Questions
		Citizenship: History 58-70: Colonial Period and Independence

		Citizenship: History 71-77: The 1800s
		Citizenship: History 78-87: Recent American History

		Citizenship: History: All Questions
		Citizenship: Integrated Civics: All Questions

		Citizenship: Special Questions for 65/20
		Reading and Writing Test Quizzes

		Citizenship: Reading Question Words
		Citizenship: Dictation Words and Phrases - AUDIO

		Citizenship: Unscramble the Sentence
		Citizenship: Unscramble the Sentence - AUDIO

Obama Address Focuses on Economic Rebound, Lifting the Middle Class

VOAVideo: Obama Address Focuses on Economic Rebound, Lifting the Middle Class

President Barack Obama took his arguments to the American public in his State of the Union address, focusing on a surging economy and his plans to strengthen the middle class. On foreign policy, the U.S. leader called on a joint session of Congress to vote to authorize military force against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. Following midterm election losses, the president's domestic and overseas agenda is expected to face tough resistance. VOA’s Mary Alice Salinas reports from Washington.
Originally published at - http://www.voanews.com/media/video/2607143.html

Watch the President Obama’s 2015 State of the Union Address

Things You Didn't Know About The State of the Union

wh.gov: Things You Didn't Know About The State of the Union http://youtu.be/GZ2yFhwPDFw

The whole world will be watching tonight at 9PM ET, 6PM PT - http://www.whitehouse.gov/SOTU

Behind The Scenes: A State of the Union Sit-Down with President Obama

wh.gov Behind The Scenes: A State of the Union Sit-Down with President Obama

Listen to President Obama talk about what it is like to give the State of the Union Address as well as his preview for what he will talk about in the speech. Remember to watch at http://www.whitehouse.gov/sotu

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Video

wh.gov: Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Video

A video message from President Obama on the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.

VOANews: US Observes Martin Luther King Day

For more info, visit

• MLKDay.gov 
• Corporation for National and Community Service 
• AllGoodForAll.org http://www.allforgood.org/ for local opportunities.

On MLK Day, Americans across the country come together for a day of service, picking up the baton handed to us by past generations and carrying forward their efforts. As one people, we show that when ordinary citizens come together to participate in the democracy we love, justice will not be denied.

So make the commitment to serve your community throughout the year – and make MLK Day a day on, not a day off.

Citizenship Test in Honor of MLK Day: Krestos Negasi (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)

Prepare for your citizenship interview and Martin Luther King Day with a multiple choice test about Krestos Negasi's interview and 10 USCIS questions. (download pdf)

This test was inspired by the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. AND…

 “Holding the Bag” (a high beginning ESL novel) by Ana Gianola, 978-1-56420-544-5

Negasi is a Washington DC taxi driver from Ethiopia who has been in the U.S. for many years and has a family. He accidentally becomes involved in a robbery and faces a moral issue.

Thanks to NewReadersPress.com for their outstanding ESL/Citizenship resources. My students & I love you!

What Would King Say About Brown, Garner Cases?

VOAVideo: What Would King Say About Brown, Garner Cases?

The third Monday in January is a federal holiday in the United States, marking the birthday of renowned civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. This year, the holiday has special meaning for many, after the events of recent months in Ferguson, Missouri, and New York. VOA's Anush Avetisyan has more; Joy Wagner narrates her report.
Originally published at - http://www.voanews.com/media/video/what-would-king-say-brown-garner/2602951.html

US Honors Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.

USCIS 100:84. What movement tried to end racial discrimination?

\On Washington August 28, 1963, VOA posted a series of videos remembering the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington. The march is widely credited with helping to pass the Civil Rights Act (1964) and the Voting Rights Act (1965).

VOANews: US Honors Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.

This month, the United States is honoring the legacy of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. Fifty years ago ((August 28, 1963)) Reverend King led the famous March on Washington and gave the "I Have a Dream" speech, a masterpiece that galvanized the nation to support equal rights for African Americans. VOA correspondent Meredith Buel has this profile of King and his fight for desegregation and against racism.

Watch the entire VOA The King Legacy Marching Forward series:

• US Honors Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.
• Contributions of Civil Rights Workers Recognized
• Young People Look at the Legacy of Civil Rights Leader Martin Luther King Jr
• Southern Communities Rebound From Racial Barriers
• African American Remember Discrimination of the Past
• King's Role in Obama's Rise to Power

Citizenship Kahoot in Honor of Martin Luther King, Dr Day!

Kahoot.it: Citizenship Questions in Honor of Martin Luther King, Dr Day!

Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr Day and study for your Citizenship Interview with a new quiz from #Kahoot http://goo.gl/jJHWrF #MLK2015

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Game

U.S. Citizenship 21: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
://goo.gl/pTgVXD

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day honors Rev. Dr, Martin Luther King, Jr., a Baptist minister and Civil Rights leader.
MLK Day is celebrated on the third Monday in January.
MLK Day is a national holiday in the United States.

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

USCIS 100:84. What movement tried to end racial discrimination?

USCIS 100:85. What did Martin Luther King, Jr. do?*

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

Martin Luther King, J. Bingo Cards

BingoMaker: Martin Luther King, J. Bingo Cards http://goo.gl/IHOQnB

Voting Rights Act Remembered in Film, 50 Years Later

VOAVideo: Voting Rights Act Remembered in Film, 50 Years Later

In March 1965, 600 people set out from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, in a nonviolent march for voting rights. State troopers attacked the protesters at the edge of the city, and the violence galvanized activists. A few weeks later, President Lyndon Johnson introduced the Voting Rights Act, which guaranteed the right to vote regardless of race or ethnicity. Filmmaker Ava DuVernay interprets these and other events in her epic drama “Selma.” VOA’s Penelope Poulou reports. http://www.voanews.com/media/video/voting-rights-act-remembered-fifty-years-later/2592614.html

USCIS Understanding Key Concepts Found in Form N-400, Application for Naturalization

USCIS.gov: Understanding Key Concepts Found in Form N-400, Application for Naturalization

A Guide for Adult Citizenship Teachers http://goo.gl/F7SYFK

This guide provides teaching ideas and classroom materials on eight key concepts found on Form N-400.

Download file 

Undocumented Immigrants Apply for Driver’s Licenses in California

VOAVideo Undocumented Immigrants Apply for Driver’s Licenses in California http://youtu.be/rEfsF03smmk

Undocumented immigrants in California can now drive legally under a new state law. More than a million people are expected to apply for driver’s licenses. Even though California is not the first U.S. state with such a law, it has the largest number of undocumented immigrants in the country. Correspondent Elizabeth Lee reports.
Originally published at -http://www.voanews.com/media/video/undocumented-immigrants-apply-driver-licences-california/2592878.html

Also, check out these new games on LearningChocolate.com by Milpitaschat (aka uscitizenpod).  More games coming soon!

Traffic Signal Lights new	Traffic Signs Part 1 new	Traffic Signs Part 2 new	Traffic Signs Part 3 new	Traffic Signs Part 4 new
Traffic Signs Part 5 new	Traffic Signs Part 6 new

To learn more, go to California Driver Handbook:Traffic Signal Lights at http://goo.gl/XEGFzW or go to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website.

Are You in the Homeland Generation?

VOA Learning English: Words and Their Stories: Are You in the Homeland Generation?

After the 2001 terrorist attacks, we've heard the word “homeland” more often in the United States. Some are even proposing the word as the name for today’s generation of young people. But the word holds many different meanings around the world -- some positive and some quite negative. LISTEN:

West Wing Week: 1/9/15 or, "SOTU Spoiler Alert!"

wh.gov: West Wing Week: 1/9/15 or, "SOTU Spoiler Alert!"

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, and on the road to the State of the Union. This week, the President traveled to Michigan and Arizona to preview new policy initiatives from his upcoming State of the Union address on January 20th. His actions will focus on helping middle class families buy a home and land solid, good paying jobs. That's January 2nd to January 8th or, "SOTU Spoiler Alert!"

U.S. Money

Learning Chocolate.com U.S. Money: Dollar Bills 
http://goo.gl/PZG3D7

LearningChocolate: U.S. Money 02: Coins
http://goo.gl/vVCVGe

Being Biden: A Senate Swearing-In

USCIS 100:29. What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now?

wh.gov: Being Biden: A Senate Swearing-In

Join Vice President Biden as he heads to Capitol Hill to swear in the the United States Senate.

USCIS 100:29. What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now?

▪ Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
▪ Joe Biden
▪ Biden

USCIS Training Seminars

DEADLINE IS JANUARY 6, 2015. 

FOR MORE INFO, SEE http://goo.gl/blGhul

JANUARY 2015
Date	Time	City/State	Location	Type of Event	Registration
1/14	9 AM- 4 PM	Fresno, CA	Fresno Adult School 2500 Stanislaus Street Room 110/111	Full-Day Seminar	Open
1/16	9 AM- 4 PM	Miami, FL	Lindsey Hopkins Technical Education Center 750 N.W. 20th Street Cafeteria	Full-Day Seminar	Open
1/16	9 AM- 4 PM	San Francisco, CA	USCIS San Francisco District Office 630 Samsome Street 10th Floor, Room 1050	Full-Day Seminar	Open

USCIS offers free training for adult educators, program directors, volunteers, and representatives from immigrant-serving organizations. These seminars are designed to enhance the skills needed to teach U.S. history, civics, and the naturalization process to immigrant students and to administer comprehensive adult citizenship education programs.

DEADLINE IS JANUARY 6, 2015.  FOR MORE INFO, SEE http://goo.gl/blGhul

US Immigration Reform Appears Unlikely in 201

wh.gov: US Immigration Reform Appears Unlikely in 2015

Over the span of several U.S. election cycles, there have been calls for comprehensive immigration reform to fix a system that people on both sides of the political spectrum agree is broken. But some observers say President Barack Obama’s recent executive action aimed at temporarily shielding some undocumented foreigners from being deported may have doomed his longer-term goal of forging a comprehensive agreement with Congress. VOA’s Greg Flakus has more in this report from Houston, Texas.
Originally published at http://www.voanews.com/media/video/us-immigration-reform-appears-unlikely/2577764.html

West Wing Week: 1/2/15 or, "That Zingy Sting: A Special, Year-End Edition"

wh.gov: West Wing Week: 1/2/15 or, "That Zingy Sting: A Special, Year-End Edition"

Welcome to this special, year-end edition of West Wing Week. We know you all are busy with the holidays, so we'll keep it short. We here at West Wing Week have a word we use to describe the funny bit we put at the end of each episode, and that word is: Sting. So, for the end of the year, we thought we'd string together a little entertaining compilation of stings, for those of you who might not have made it to the very end of every single episode. Enjoy, and see you next year!

Happy 2015 from Americans from Around the World!

USCIS: Happy 2015 from Americans from Around the World!

http://youtu.be/01mkSvzjdws via @YouTube #newUScitizen

Happy new year!

We invited Americans and US permanent residents to share their new year cheer, and then we put them all together.

If we missed your video, we're sorry! Please share it in the comments below.

Happy 2015!

Here's the original video inviting people to record their greetings: http://youtu.be/qGWf6JMQImc

Teacher Jennifer's comment--My beloved student Vu Thi Hao appears with her husband around 00:58--that's them in the preview! Thank you, USCIS!