Melting Pot of Immigrants Working to Restore US Capitol Dome

uscitizenpod: Melting Pot of Immigrants Working to Restore US Capitol Dome

The American Iron Works company is one of the firms working to renovate the iconic U.S. Capitol Dome. The company employs immigrants of many different cultural and national backgrounds. VOA’s Arman Tarjimanyan has more.
Originally published at - http://www.voanews.com/media/video/us-capitol-dome-restoration-immigrants/3395827.html

Ypu can learn more about the US Capitol by visit the Architect of the Capitol YouTube Channel.

Ramadan in the United States

VOANews: Ramadan in the United States

The different ways Muslims in the United States break the fast during the holy month of Ramadan is a reflection of the many cultures from which they come
Originally published at - http://www.voanews.com/media/video/ramadan-in-the-united-states/3397443.html

uscitizenpod: A Citizenship Quiz for the Month of Ramadan
http://goo.gl/quwYjU

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by all Muslims as a month of prayer and fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad.  Ramadan 2016 began in the evening of Sunday, June 5 and ends in the evening of Tuesday, July 5.  Peace!

This quiz is dedicated to Mohammed’s faithful daughters: Minire Karamanaga, Tasleem Khaldoon, Humaira Saleem, Munni Thankkar, and Kalsoom Bibi of Milpitas, CA.  You are all (or soon will be) great American citizens!

USCIS: Civics Questions Playlist

USCIS: Promo - Civics Practice Test for the Naturalization Test

We put together a YouTube playlist (Civics Questions Playlist) to help you prepare for the civics test during your naturalization interview.

Free Citizenship Application Workshop at the Milpitas Library

Monday, June 27 6:00pm to 8:30pm 

APPLY FOR CITIZENSHIP!

Location: Milpitas Library 160 North Main Street Street, Milpitas, CA 95035 (408) 262-1171

FREE!  IRC lawyers will help you fill out your N-400 application for Citizenship at the Milpitas Library. 

IRC Rescue.org In Northern California
1210 South Bascom Ave., Suite 227, San Jose, CA 95128, (408) 277-0255
Contact: Ketaki Srivastava, (408) 277-0255 Ext 17, Ketaki.Sriavastava@rescue.org
Contact: Olga Casarriti, (408) 277-0255 Ext 18, Olga.Casaretti@rescue.org

See our page for previous Citizenship classes at the Milpitas Library  

Joy Hakim Finds the Story in US History

Teacher Jennifer says: I love Joy Hakim's US History Books!  

She also has a new ebook: Free to Believe (or not): The Story of Religious Freedom in the US

VOANews: Joy Hakim Finds the Story in US History

All too often, school means textbooks, those thick, often boring tomes students must slog through every school year. Their bulk and format can disguise the fact that there's often a lot of great stuff between the covers. To make sure students are getting the great stuff, a former reporter is putting some zing into history and science. From Denver, Shelley Schlender reports.
Originally published at -http://www.voanews.com/media/video/joy-hakim-finds-story-in-us-history/3391023.html

Announcing the Stonewall National Monument

WH.gov: Announcing the Stonewall National Monument

"I’m designating the Stonewall National Monument as the newest addition to America’s national parks system. Stonewall will be our first national monument to tell the story of the struggle for LGBT rights. I believe our national parks should reflect the full story of our country – the richness and diversity and uniquely American spirit that has always defined us. That we are stronger together. That out of many, we are one." - President Barack Obama

On June 24, 2016 President Obama designated the site of the Stonewall uprising and birthplace of the modern LGBT civil rights movement the “Stonewall National Monument.” This new monument is a testament to the diversity, inclusiveness, and individual freedom that make America great.

uscitizenpod: A Citizenship Quiz in Honor of LGBT Pride Month
Ten questions of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month

Reactions to the Supreme Court Split Decision on DACA Plus and DAPA

VOANews: Obama Blames Republicans for Status Quo on Immigration

President Barack Obama and some Democrats in Congress have blamed Republicans for Thursday's tied vote in the Supreme Court on Obama's immigration plan. The Republican dominated Senate has refused to vote in a new justice, keeping the country's top court short one member. The eight justices were evenly divided on Obama's executive amnesty for undocumented immigrants. That deadlock leaves in place a lower court ruling that struck down Obama's plan on halting deportations. Zlatica Hoke reports.
Originally published at - http://www.voanews.com/media/video/3390317.html

VOANews: What Are DAPA and DACA?
A quick guide to the immigration plans blocked Thursday by the US Supreme Court

VOANews: Supreme Court Deadlock Thwarts Obama Immigration Plan
A deadlocked U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday thwarted President Barack Obama's plan to defer the deportation of millions of undocumented immigrants.

VOANews: Hopes for Obama Immigration Legacy Dashed as Presidency Wanes
He had vowed to overhaul country’s 'broken' immigration system, but he and Republican-led Congress still remain at bitter odds on the issue

VOANews: Immigrants, Advocates React Tearfully to High Court Split
Opponents of Obama's plan to extend deportation protection to millions of undocumented immigrants 'will see the answer in November,' a woman says outside court

WH.gov Blog: President Obama on the Supreme Court Ruling on Immigration Reform

WH.gov: Remarks by the President on the Supreme Court Decision on U.S. Versus Texas

WH.gov: President Obama Delivers a Statement on the Supreme Court's Ruling on Immigration (video)

Resources and Strategies for the CASAS CIT Test

Resources and Strategies for the CASAS CIT Test
#casassi2016
https://goo.gl/9zjYrE

Citizenship Summer 2016: USCIS Top 10 Links PLUS Tip Sheets and Idea Boards

USCIS: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (10 quick links)

1. USCIS.gov: The Official Website of the Department of Homeland Security
2. USCIS.gov/es: Sitio web oficial del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional
3. N-400: Application for Naturalization 
4. Citizenship Resource Center: Educational Tools and Info for Citizenship Prep 
5. Study Materials for the English Test: the Speaking, Reading, and Writing tests
6. Study Materials for the Civics Test: The 100 US Civics and History Questions 
7. USCIS Multilingual Resources: USCIS Resources in languages other than English.
8. Preparing the Oath: A joint resource of the Smithsonian National American History Museum and the USCIS.  A collection of mini-videos, activities, and quizzes for each of the 100 question.  BEST! RESOURCE! EVER!
9. Oath of Allegiance - Constitution Week 2013 (video): The Oath of Allegiance recited by #newUSCitizens at Oath Ceremonies across America. Very inspirational!
10. Also check out USCIS and USCIS Español and MyUSCIS on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube

USCIS: Tip Sheets and Idea Boards

Tips for Teaching Vocabulary in the Adult Citizenship Classroom

Spotlight on Form N-400, Application for Naturalization

This tip sheet provides teachers with tips to identify challenging words that applicants may encounter during the naturalization process, as well as strategies for teaching vocabulary.

Download file (81 KB)

Teaching Reading

Basic Strategies for Teaching Reading Skills for the Naturalization Interview and Test

Most permanent residents must demonstrate an ability to read in English to qualify for naturalization. This tip sheet provides strategies for teaching reading skills in the adult citizenship education classroom.

Download file (124 KB)

Teaching Writing

Basic Strategies for Teaching Writing Skills for the Naturalization Interview and Test

Most permanent residents must demonstrate an ability to write in English to quality for naturalization. This tip sheet provides strategies for teaching writing skills in the adult citizenship education classroom.

Download file (129 KB)

Essential Ways to Enhance Learning for Older Students in the Adult Citizenship Education Classroom

The educational needs of older students are diverse and vary from person to person. This tip sheet provides ideas on supporting older learners in your classroom.

Download file (117 KB)

Marketing Your Program

Many citizenship programs rely on word of mouth to inform prospective students about new classes. Learn about more ways to market your program.

Download file (520 KB)

Providing Holistic Orientation to Promote Retention

Think of orientation as a separate event where the goal is retention and consider the ideas found in this document.

Download file (461 KB)

Open Entry/Open Exit vs. Managed Enrollment

Here are some tips for implementing a managed enrollment system, while at the same time providing your students and potential students with high quality services.

Download file (457 KB)

Building a Course Syllabus

A course syllabus identifies the parameters of a course in terms of structure, expectations, and content. Learn more about building a course syllabus.

Download file (451 KB)

Managing Student Levels in a Multi-Level Classroom

Learn about strategies for developing courses that can meet the English-language learning needs of students in a multi-level class.

Download file (451 KB)

Choosing a Textbook for Your Citizenship Class

A textbook sets the scope and sequence needed to build your curriculum to fit the class schedule and number of class hours in each semester, quarter, or session. Check out tips about choosing a textbook at the right level.

Download file (459 KB)

Using Volunteers to Enhance Your Adult Citizenship Program

Volunteers can be a great resource to support the administrative and instructional needs of your adult citizenship program. Use this document for ideas.

Download file (472 KB)