USCIS Naturalization Ceremony Moments

USCIS Naturalization Ceremony Moments

USCIS Naturalization Ceremony Moments

Special moments at recent naturalization ceremonies. Congratulations to our #newUScitizens. Check out all of the USCIS Twitter Moments.

President Trump First 100 Days

VOA Learning English: President Trump First 100 Days

April 29th is the 100th day of Donald Trump's presidency. The power of a president is usually greatest in his first 100 days. Learning English looks at what happened in the early days of the Trump presidency.  Originally published at - http://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/president-trump-first-100-days/3830788.html

USCIS Will Issue Redesigned Green Cards and Employment Authorization Documents

USCIS.gov Release Date: April 19, 2017

WASHINGTON – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced a redesign to the Permanent Resident Card (also known as a Green Card) and the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) as part of the Next Generation Secure Identification Document Project. USCIS will begin issuing the new cards on May 1, 2017.

These redesigns use enhanced graphics and fraud-resistant security features to create cards that are highly secure and more tamper-resistant than the ones currently in use.

The new card designs demonstrate USCIS’ commitment to continue taking a proactive approach against the threat of document tampering and fraud. They are also part of an ongoing effort between USCIS, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to enhance document security and deter counterfeiting and fraud.

The Redesigned Cards

The new Green Cards and EADs will:

• Display the individual’s photos on both sides;
• Show a unique graphic image and color palette:
  • Green Cards will have an image of the Statue of Liberty and a predominately green palette;
  • EAD cards will have an image of a bald eagle and a predominately red palette;
• Have embedded holographic images; and
• No longer display the individual’s signature.

Also, Green Cards will no longer have an optical stripe on the back.

How To Tell If Your Card Is Valid

Some Green Cards and EADs issued after May 1, 2017, may still display the existing design format as USCIS will continue using existing card stock until current supplies are depleted. Both the existing and the new Green Cards and EADs will remain valid until the expiration date shown on the card.

Certain EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories have been automatically extended beyond the validity date on the card. For additional information on which EADs are covered, please visit the Temporary Protected Status and American Competitiveness in the 21st Century Act web pages on uscis.gov.

Both versions are acceptable for Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, E-Verify, and Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE). Some older Green Cards do not have an expiration date.  These older Green Cards without an expiration date remain valid. Individuals who have Green Cards without an expiration date may want to consider applying for a replacement card bearing an expiration date. Obtaining the replacement card will reduce the likelihood of fraud or tampering if the card is ever lost or stolen. 

Eligibility for Green Cards and EADs

For more information about the Green Card application process, please visit USCIS.gov/greencard.

To request an EAD, you must file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Visit uscis.gov for more information about EADs.

Last Reviewed/Updated: 04/19/201

Milpitas Adult School's Citizenship Class 2017 Number 29

A Native American interpretation of the US Flag

N-400

• A “Typical” Citizenship Interview Based on the USCIS N-400r (4 pages)
• pdf http://goo.gl/9Z97UK
• ppt https://goo.gl/2hwOsc
• vocab pdf: https://goo.gl/AMNMqy

Civics

• si.edu: Preparing for the Oath: A Growing Nation
• Voices of Freedom by Bill Bliss
• Ch 6 Native Americans, Colonization pg 91-108

Integration

• Suzan Yousef Habibi: A Quick Interview Based on the N-400r plus 10 qs in honor of Thanksgiving 2015 pdf and mp3
• Native American Tribes Puzzle 
• Columbus Day and the Columbian Exchange Puzzle 
• A Citizenship Quiz for Native American Heritage Month mp3 and pdf
• A Citizenship Quiz for Thanksgiving (2015) pdf and mp3

Check back for updates!

Free Citizenship Apps from US Citizenship

US Citizenship Podcast's FREE app 
gives you complete access to our mp3s and pdf
Or subscribe to US Citizenship Podcast via iTunes
https://goo.gl/BVrqHQs.

iPhone/iPad: 

https://goo.gl/dLiOAE

Android:

https://goo.gl/d6rs9f

iPhone/iPad: 

https://goo.gl/dLiOAE

Android:

https://goo.gl/d6rs9f

Milpitas Adult School's Citizenship Class 2017 Number 28

Just in time for World Book and Copyright Day: the proof copy of US Citizenship Bootcamp #worldbookday

N-400

• A "Common" Citizenship Interview Based on the USCIS N-400r (53qs, 2pgs) (updated 06/12/2016)
• pdf: http://goo.gl/cPTyRL

Civics

• Voices of Freedom by Bill Bliss
• Ch 5 The Constitution Sets of the  Government pg 77-99

Integration

• Fu-Chiu Chen: A Quick Interview for US Constitution and Citizenship Day pdf

Check back for mote updates...

America's Presidents - John Tyler plus POP QUIZ

VOA Learning English: America's Presidents - John Tyler
Originally published at - http://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/us-presidents-10-john-tyler/3815375.html

USCIS CIVICS POP QUIZ: Watch the video, then take the quiz

1. We elect a President for how many years?

2. What is the name of the President of the United States now?*

3. What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now?

4. If the President can no longer serve, who becomes President?

5. What does the President’s Cabinet do?

6. What are two Cabinet-level positions?

7. What are the two major political parties in the United States?*

8. What is the political party of the President now?

9. In what month do we vote for President?*

10. Name the U.S. war between the North and the South.

Naturalization: Becoming an American | The New York Times

NYTimes: Naturalization: Becoming an American | The New York Times

Carmen Joan Edwards spent 15 years trying to change her status from illegal immigrant to naturalized citizen. She is now eligible to vote on Election Day.

Citizenship Resources for Earth Day

uscitizenpod: GO GREEN with USPS Stamps

In honor of Earth Day 2011 and in celebration of the new USPS GO GREEN Forever stamp series, US Citizenship Podcast presents a collection of stamps reflecting America's ongoing commitment to make EARTH DAY, EVERY DAY!

uscitizenpod: 10 Citizenship Questions in Honor of Earth Day (pdf)

More Earth Day, Arbor Day, and National Parks Weeks Resources

• American English at State: Celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day
• American English at State: Spotlight: Earth Day
• ELCivics.com: Arbor Day
• ELCivics.com: Earth Day
• ESL Holiday lessons: Earth Day
• ESLlibrary: Earth Lessons and Earth Day Idioms Poster
• EPA.gov: Earth Day
• LOC.gov: Earth Day
• NPS.gov: National Park Week, April 16 to 24, 2016
• PBS: Ken Burns' National Parks: America's Best Idea
• UW: US Senator Gaylord Nelson and Earth Day
• VOA Learning English: National Park week Features Free Park Entry

Family Fun

• Apple: Earth Day on the iPad Lessons
• BlueBonkers: Earth Day Coloring Pages
• DLTK: Earth Day Coloring Pages
• Sierra Club: Earth Day (John Muir, founder of the Sierra Club, was a naturalized US Citizen)
• Starfall: Earth Day
• TweetTweetParakeet: (naturalized US Citizen) John James Audubon Bird Paintings on Stamps (video)

Check back for updates!

H1-B Visas Let US Firms Hire Foreigners for Specialized Jobs

VOANews: H1-B Visas Let US Firms Hire Foreigners for Specialized Jobs
Not a US citizen? Got skills? Need work? This might be the visa for you.
Originally published at - http://www.voanews.com/a/visas-let-united-states-firms-hire-foreigners-for-specialized-jobs/3815828.html

READ MORE ABOUT H1-B Visas

VOANews: US Homeland Security Announces Steps Against H1-B Visa Fraud (2017-04-03)
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced steps on Monday to prevent the fraudulent use of H1B visas, used by employers to bring in specialized foreign workers temporarily. (READ MORE)

VOANews: Employers Look to Fill Seasonal Jobs; Advocates Look to Protect Workers (2017-04-17)
Much of the recent anti-immigration rhetoric in Washington most loudly comes from factions on the political right: H1B, H2B, it’s all about protecting American jobs. But progressive groups — while pro-immigrant — are just as critical of foreign worker visas. Federal regulations on the books, they argue, are inherently insufficient to protect visa holders from abuse. (READ MORE)

Milpitas Adult School's Citizenship Class 2017 Number 27

N-400

• An “Everyday” Citizenship Interview based on the USCIS N-400 (51qs, 2pgs) (updated 06/12/2016)
• pdf http://goo.gl/Nt0bOf
• ppt https://goo.gl/yR4jvx
• vocab pdf: https://goo.gl/nPY0Js

Civics

• Si.edu: Preparing for the Oath
• videos
• cloze transcipt
• Voices of Freedom by Bill Bliss
• Ch 4 Branches of Government pg 57-76

Integration

• "Everyday" Citizenship Quiz pdf
• 10 Citizenship Questions in Honor of Earth Day http://goo.gl/SEkw48
• Citizenship Resources for Earth Day https://goo.gl/iZmjY5

Lino habla de su entrevista de Ciudadanía

uscitizenpod: Lino habla de su entrevista de Ciudadanía
Lino habla de su examen y entrevista de ciudadanía en español y inglés.

Also watch Lino's Citizenship Interview 
mp4: https://youtu.be/GrwVBoS_r7U

Lino's interview is based on A “Regular” Citizenship Interview Based on the USCIS N-400r (6 pgs, 75 questions) (updated 10/01/2016)
pdf: http://goo.gl/Q5BhXk
ppt: https://goo.gl/GUfiKY
vocab pdf: https://goo.gl/PsDrG9

Milpitas Adult School's Citizenship Class 2017 Number 26

N-400

• A "Casual" Citizenship Interview Based on the USCIS N-400r (40qs, 2pgs) (updated 06/12/2016)
• pdf: http://goo.gl/3tQWXw
• ppt: https://goo.gl/pctBRb (corrected!)
• vocab pdf: https://goo.gl/kaekRV

Civics

• Voices of Freedom by Bill Bliss
• Ch 3 Branches of Government pg 47-56
• si.edu: Preparing the Oath: Government Basics
• videos

Integration:

Quiz based on the Casual Interview (in development)

Income Tax Day
* mp3: http://goo.gl/zRqXYX
* pdf: http://goo.gl/VfuJW2
* Kahoot http://goo.gl/MmQgfx

Extra Credit:

KQED California Report: Tax Filings Seen Dipping Amid Trump Crackdown On Illegal Immigration

Millions of taxpayers are rushing to complete their federal and state filings before the April 18 deadline. Among them are several million people in this country illegally, and there are signs that fewer such immigrants are filing than in years past. (Listen and Read)

Income Tax Day

USCIS 100:56. When is the last day you can send in federal income tax forms?*

Income Tax Day
Here are fifteen citizenship questions from the N-400 and the USCIS Civics Test about taxes and our economic system. Happy Income Tax Day!

* mp3: http://goo.gl/zRqXYX
* pdf: http://goo.gl/VfuJW2
* Kahoot http://goo.gl/MmQgfx

USCIS 100:56. When is the last day you can send in federal income tax forms?*
* April 15

Three Videos about DACA and Immigration Law from VOA News

•  2:15

  US Attorney General Announces 'New Era' of Immigration Law Enforcement
•  2:26
  

  Trump's Stance on DACA Has Immigration Hardliners Concerned
 
•  2:12

  Life in DACA Limbo Requires Courage

 
•  1:58

  Between the U.S. and Mexico: What Migrants Left Behind

Happy Pascha! A Citizenship Quiz in Honor of Eastern Orthodox Christian Americans

Happy Pascha! A Citizenship Quiz in Honor of Eastern Orthodox Christian Americans 

mp3: https://goo.gl/Ei8g2T
pdf: http://goo.gl/YE8yR8

I wrote this quiz for several reasons. First, to honor Central/Eastern European-American Heritage. Second, to showcase the diversity in the American christian community. Third, to celebrate Easter.

In the past, Western Christians and the Eastern Orthodox have been divided by religion, history, and politics, but as Americans, we are united as one people, and this year, we are celebrating Easter on the same day.

I would also like to introduce, Branka and Tony, from Canada and the former Yugoslavia. Branka is a longtime colleague who currently Projects Coordinator for OUTREACH AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE NETWORK (otan.us) and recently became a new US citizen.

Quiz answers:

1. Colonists came to America for freedom.
2. Freedom of religion is that you can practice any religion or not practice a religion.
3. America bought the Louisiana Territory from France in 1803.
4. The two parts of the US Congress are the Senate and the House of Representatives
5. Dianne Feinstein is one of the two US senators from the state of California.
6. Donald Trump is the current President of the United States.
7. Mike Pence is the current Vice-President of the United States.
8. Jerry Brown is the current Governor of California.
9. The two major political parties are Democratic and Republican parties.
10. The President's Cabinet advises the President.
11. Ro Khanna is the US Representative of San Jose/Milpitas, California.
12. Two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy are join a civic group and join a community group.

EXTRA CREDIT: Listen to a great interview with Vlade Divac!

• StoryCorps: Vivek and Vlade: From New Arrivals To Kings
• Former Sacramento Kings center and current general manager Vlade Divac is interviewed by his boss, majority owner Vivek Ranadive, in this StoryCorps segment. They talk a little basketball but mostly focus on their shared experience as immigrants.

A Change of Heart for Chef Tim Ma

VOA Learning English: A Change of Heart for Chef Tim Ma

Tim Ma’s parents came to the United States from Taiwan in the 1970s. They opened a restaurant. It was not a success. They found success in America, however, in computers and engineering. Read more...

Originally published at - http://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/3624950.html

GOOD FRIDAY Faith-Based Immigration and Refugee Resources

Cross at the Arizona/Mexico Border Photo Source

Stations of the Cross: The American Immigrant Experience
Via Cruces: La Experiencia de los Inmigrantesen Los Estados Unidos
Based on the Scriptural Version of the Stations by Fr. Jon Pedigo, STL

Im/migration: Stations of the Cross
The following series of stations was curated by Grace Commons during Lent 2012, contemplating each station through the lens of immigration and migration.

USCCB: PRAYING THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS FOR VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING  English / Spanish
Hear the prayers which we pour forth to you, for the freedom of captives and the conversion of those who enslave them.

JRUSA: The Jesuit Refugee Service Way of the Cross
Christ calls us to keep watch. Let us accompany Jesus on this journey as we watch and pray over all that is going on with many of our sisters and brothers around the world. pdf

Trocaire: Stations of the Cross: Reflections on war by Syrian Child Refugees
Trócaire is delivering humanitarian assistance to those fleeing conflict and seeking refuge. Download and use our stations of the cross with reflections on war by Syrian child refugees.

MIGRANT STATIONS OF THE CROSS ARE IN EXHIBITION AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL
Lenten worshippers admired the artwork exhibit created with sacred artifacts found along the U.S.-Mexico border

Coexist House: Stations of the Cross 2017
This unique exhibition—held in 14 locations across Washington, D.C. — will use works of art to tell the story of the Passion in a new way, for people of different faiths. The Stations weave through religious as well as secular spaces. App

SVD: STATIONS OF THE CROSS OF JESUS, THE MIGRANT AND REFUGEE
The Way of the Cross is directed towards those communities and people who are living the painful experience of migration and refugee status, to all who work with migrants and refugees in order to build a better world, a world without borders, and to all men and women of goodwill who wish to be involved in this noble task.

More Faith-Based Immigration and Refugee Resources

CLINIC: Praying the Rosary with Our Lady of Guadalupe and Tales of Immigrants - The Luminous Mysteries
CLINIC invites you to join us in praying for dignity and justice for our immigrant sisters and brothers. Just as the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary shed light on an important aspect of Christ’s mission, we hope these reflections will shed light on some immigrant experiences.

ESA: Immigration and Refugee Resources
We propose a discussion based on the reality that immigrants (authorized or otherwise) are human beings made in the image of God.  Download ESA's Citizen Among Us: Loving the Immigrant as Ourselves, ESA’s free small group study guide on immigration

IIC: Holy Days and Holidays Resources
The Interfaith Immigration Coalition (IIC) is a partnership of faith-based organizations committed to enacting fair and humane immigration reform that reflects our mandate to welcome the stranger and treat all human beings with dignity and respect. Coalition members work together to advocate for just and equitable immigration policies, educate faith communities, and serve immigrant populations around the country.

LIRS: Be Not Afraid / No Temas 
Be Informed materials to host a Know Your Rights session for immigrants in your community.

National Library Week, Jefferson's Birthday, PLUS POP QUIZ

See the original NLW 1958 poster

In honor of Thomas Jefferson's Birthday (April 13, 1743), US Citizenship Podcast celebrates National Library Week 2017. Libraries help transform immigrants into newUScitizens-to-be by providing including study guides, cds/dvds, online courses, and ESl/Citizenship classes.  Learn more about US Citizenship at your local library and check out our Citizenship @ the Library page.



POP Quiz:

After the British burned U.S. capital to the ground (1814), Jefferson donated his personal library to the US government.  Jefferson's library became the core of the Library of Congress, the national library of the United States.

Name one war fought by the United States in the 1800s.

Name one branch or part of the government.*

Who makes federal laws?

What are two rights of everyone living in the United States?

What is the capital of the United States?*

NEW PODCAST: Su Lan Li's Citizenship Interview

Su Lan (center), Lisha, and Tsz Mei celebrate their classmate's naturalization

Su Lan Li's Citizenship Interview mp3

This interview is based on:
A “Regular” Citizenship Interview Based on the USCIS N-400r
pdf / ppt / vocab

You Have Rights

iAmerica: You Have Rights

Coming to America: How Refugees Tackle English

VOANews: Coming to America: How Refugees Tackle English

From October 2015 to September 2016, the United States admitted more than 31,000 refugees from around the world. To put these newcomers on the road to self-sufficiency, federally-funded programs provide cash assistance as well as job readiness and employment services. Sarah Zaman of VOA's Urdu Service visited an adult learning program in the state of Maryland to see how refugees, who cannot speak English, are taught the most basic skill they need to thrive in America.
Originally published at http://www.voanews.com/a/refugees-learning-english-esl-class/3803564.html

25 Immigrants Become Citizens at the Cesar Chavez National Monument

23 ABC News | KERO: 25 people become US citizens at naturalization ceremony
Ceremony held at Cesar Chavez National Monument on what would have been Chavez's 90th birthday

NPS.gov: Cesar E. Chavez National Monument is a 116-acre (47 ha) U.S. National Monument in Keene, Kern County, California. The property was the headquarters of the United Farm Workers, and home to César Chávez from the early 1970s until his death in 1993; it includes his gravesite.

CDE.CA.gov: César Chávez Day: Model Curriculum And Resources for Teachers
Resources in English, Spanish, Chinese.Vietnamese, Hmong, andTagalog

Lino's Practice Citizenship Interview

uscitizenpod: Lino's Practice Citizenship Interview

Lino's Citizenship interview is next week, so plug in your head phones, turn up the volume, and follow along with the pdf.  Lino's interview is based on:

• US Citizenship Podcast: A “Regular” Citizenship Interview Based on the USCIS N-400r (6 pgs, 75 questions) (updated 10/01/2016)
• pdf: http://goo.gl/Q5BhXk
• ppt: https://goo.gl/GUfiKY
• vocab pdf: https://goo.gl/PsDrG9

Centennial of US Entry Into World War I Marked PLUS POP QUIZ!

VOANews: Centennial of US Entry Into World War Marked

Shift from a position of neutrality came nearly three years after the start of the bloody conflict that came to be known as 'the Great War'
Originally published at - http://www.voanews.com/a/3798480.html

POP QUIZ

01. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s.* (78)

02. Who was President during World War I? (79)

03. Who is the Commander in Chief of the military? (32)

04. Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the federal government. What is one power of the federal government? (41)

05. There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them. (48)

06. What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen? (53)

07. What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy? (55)

08. When must all men register for the Selective Service? (57)

09. What is the capital of the United States?* (94)

10. Name two national U.S. holidays. (100)

Milpitas Adult School's Citizenship Class 2017 Number 25

#newUScitizen Que Nguyen: #AdultEducationMatters

N-400

• A Basic Citizenship Interview based on the USCIS Revised N-400 (2pgs, 38 qs) (updated 06/12/2016)
• pdf: http://goo.gl/cFLBsA
• pptx  https://goo.gl/eh19Gh 
• video: https://youtu.be/DnD5GRf1oDI
• vocab ppt: https://goo.gl/uiOJJc
• pdf:   N-400r Basic Interview Quiz Part 01 to Part 11 http://goo.gl/e9NnSR (new url)
• pdf:   N-400r Basic Interview Quiz Part 12 http://goo.gl/U4cjDA (new url)

Civics

• Voices of Freedom by Bill Bliss
• Ch 2 Symbols pg 39-46

• si.edu: Preparing for the Oath: Symbols
• This teacher guide features a student handout, Finish This Sentence—Symbols & Holidays, and steps for taking the class through the Symbols & Holidays theme. Download teacher guide.
  In this lesson plan, students will follow the Symbols & Holidays theme in Preparing for the Oath and further familiarize themselves with the lyrics of the Star-Spangled Banner. Download lesson plan.

Integration

• Basic Citizenship Interview (in development)
• Happy Pascha! A Citizenship Quiz in Honor of Eastern Orthodox Christian Americans http://goo.gl/YE8yR8