Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta started the United Farm Workers union, because farm workers did not have
"the legal right to organize and to vote for collective bargaining. They didn't have the right to have clean drinking water, access to portable toilets, lunch breaks, or short rest breaks during workdays. And they were not entitled to the minimum wage or unemployment insurance."
Cesar Chavez Day resources from California Department of Education
Lady Liberty Opening the gate to a immigrant Jewish family. Source.
The United States is a Nation of Immigrants. Each immigrant group brings it unique story. Passover (Pesach) is the Jewish holiday that celebrates the emancipation of the Jews from slavery in ancient Egypt. The Haggadah is a Jewish text that is read every year during the Passover meal (Seder). Here are three haggadahs which remember that the Jews were once refugees, too, and are obligated to seek justice for "the Stranger." ADL: We Were Strangers Too- A Haggadah Supplement for Your Passover Seder
In this spirit of Passover, ADL — an organization founded by immigrants and children of immigrants, and dedicated to protecting the interests of religious and ethnic minorities — organized Nation of Immigrant Seders bringing together community members, families, and leaders from all corners of the world. We joined together to recommit to our values of liberty and equality and to stand with immigrants and refugees across our country who face fear and bigotry every day.
The Passover Seder plate is one of the oldest symbolic representations of the Jewish people’s historic refugee experience. In the face of unprecedented efforts to limit refugees’ ability to seek safety in the United States – even as more people are displaced by violence and persecution than ever before – these powerful symbols of both the unimaginable suffering and the boundless resilience and hope of refugees feel particularly poignant.
This immigration-themed Haggadah from 2012 was made in collaboration with a long list of D.C.-area labor groups, who worked together to create a retelling of the Exodus story that is particularly relevant to the struggles of working people, and immigrants in America. It's probably the only Haggadah you will find with an incredibly detailed, full-page flowchart illustrating the complexities of legal immigration (page 11) or a detailed explanation of the Department of Homeland Security's "Secure Communities" program (pages 17 to 18). Despite being a few years old, this Haggadah feels especially apt for Passover 5777. Their version of the Ten Plagues, as they apply to immigration (pages 20 to 22) is especially powerful.
POP QUIZ 100:03. The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words? 100:09. What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence? 100:10. What is freedom of religion? 100:51. What are two rights of everyone living in the United States? 100:55. What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy? 100:58. What is one reason colonists came to America? 100:76. What did the Emancipation Proclamation do? 100:84. What movement tried to end racial discrimination? 100:95. Where is the Statue of Liberty?* 100:100. Name two national U.S. holidays.
Art Stations: Stations of the Cross Stations of the Cross has traveled across the world raising awareness for those in need of refuge. 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 DSJ: 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. 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 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 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. 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. USCCB: PRAYING THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS FOR VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKINGEnglish / Spanish Hear the prayers which we pour forth to you, for the freedom of captives and the conversion of those who enslave them.
More Faith-Based Immigration and Refugee Resources Beloved Community: Sanctuary Resources about the Sanctuary Movement. Those who declare sanctuary, pledge to protect immigrant families who face workplace discrimination or unjust deportation. 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.
VOANews: Cesar Chavez Day in California - Reflecting on Immigration Cesar Chavez Day, March 31, is a state holiday in California, commemorating the Hispanic civil rights leader who worked on behalf of migrant farm workers, many of them immigrants. As Mike O'Sullivan reports, Chavez remains an inspiration for many, but his legacy, for others, is complicated. Originally published here
VOANews:US Students Lead Massive Protests to Demand Gun Control Students at Majory Stoneman High School in Parkland, Florida organize the March For Our Lives after a deadly shooting at their school.
USCIS 100:51. What are two rights of everyone living in the United States?
Mercury News: Thousands in Bay Area join March for Our Lives protests Joining millions of other demonstrations across the nation, Bay Area protesters in San Jose, Oakland, San Francisco and elsewhere voice their support for stricter gun control in the United States. Video by Ray Chavez and Anda Chu/Bay Area News Group
USCIS 100:51. What are two rights of everyone living in the United States?
Have you checked out the NEW LOOK for www.uscis.gov homepage? It is much easier to view on your smart phone too! You may have noticed the CHECK PROCESSING TIMES link is now on the homepage. Click on it, and you will also see…No More Yellow And Green Charts. We are piloting a *new style* based on stakeholder feedback, such as,“I would rather see a time range” and “We just want to know when we should be worried about a case.” For 4 applications - N-400, I-90, I-485, and I-751 – there is also new calculation for showing the month range –see below for details. Feel free to contact me with questions, or if you have feedback public.engagement@uscis.dhs.gov
NATIONAL UPDATES
FORM I-864: We recently updated the following USCIS form(s): Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INANew edition dated 03/06/18. Starting 05/16/2018, we will only accept the 03/06/18 edition. Until then, you can use previous editions. For more information, please visit our Forms Updates page.
“USCIS FEES BY CREDIT CARD, TELECONFERENCE: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) invites you to participate in a teleconference on Tuesday, March 27, from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM PST(2:00 – 2:30 p.m. Eastern) to discuss the expanded options for paying USCIS fees by credit card. Subject matter experts from USCIS’ Office of Intake and Document Production as well as the U.S. Department of the Treasury will provide information regarding this expansion, give helpful tips, and answer a few non-case specific questions.
Saturday, April 7, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM – We will have a Resource Table at Santa Rosa’s Immigrant Resource Fair, Santa Rosa Junior College, Bertolini Student Center, 101 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. We have organized this resource fair as a follow-up to the survivors of the fire who we know are still recovering. This is in collaboration with the Mexican Consulate, Catholic Charities of Santa Rosa and several agencies and organizations.
Monday, April 30, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM – We are helping to organize a San RafaelImmigrant Resource Fair in collaboration with the Mexican Consulate and several partners. Location TBD.
San Francisco Field Office Meetings
Thursday, April 5, 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM – Legal Community Meeting at the San Francisco Field Office. This meeting is open to open to all attorneys, accredited representatives, supervised law students.
Thursday, May 17, 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM – Community Based Organization Meeting at the San Francisco Field Office. This meeting is open to all accredited representatives, immigration non-profits, citizenship/civics/ESL teachers.
San Jose Field Offices Meetings
Tuesday, June 5, 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM– Community Based Organization Meeting at the San Jose Field Office.This meeting is open to all accredited representatives, immigration non-profits, citizenship/civics/ESL teachers.
Thursday, June 7, 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM– Legal Meeting at the San Jose Field Office. This meeting is open to open to all attorneys, accredited representatives, supervised law students.
email from:
The People’s Community Relations Officer,
Nina K. Sachdev U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today launched a pilot to test a redesigned processing times webpage that displays the data for all forms in an easier-to-read format and also tests a new way of collecting data and calculating the processing times for some forms.
The pilot will test four forms using a new automated methodology for calculating processing times. The four forms are:
Form N-400, Application for Naturalization;
Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card;
Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status; and
Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence.
The new webpage makes it easier for anyone to see approximately how long it will take USCIS to process a form, which will help users determine when it is necessary to contact USCIS to make an inquiry if their case is outside the normal processing time.
For the four pilot forms, the information on the webpage reflects a new methodology for collecting and calculating processing times. The new methodology is automated, more accurate, and allows USCIS to post data on processing times within two weeks, compared to six weeks under the old methodology.
The updated page displays processing times in a range for each form based on the date USCIS receives it. The low end of the range for pilot forms shows the time it takes to complete 50 percent of cases, and the high end shows the time it takes to complete 93 percent of cases. The high end for the non-pilot forms will be adjusted by 30 percent above current cycle times to reflect the time it takes to complete a majority of the cases.
Applicants, petitioners, and requestors can create an online account at uscis.gov/casestatus to track the status of their cases. They may make an “outside normal processing time” case inquiry for any cases pending longer than the time listed for the high end of the range by submitting a service request online or calling the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283.
USCIS will continue to seek user feedback during the test phase and expand this methodology to additional forms in the future.
uscitizenpod: Citizenship Interview Quiz for Presidents’ Week 2017: Hushang Ansary (Iran) (pdf) A citizenship multiple-choice quiz based on the N-400 Application for Naturalization plus 10 civics questions.
On January 8th, the Trump administration announced that it was terminating the Temporary Protected Status of approximately 260,000 Salvadorans who live in the US. As a result, Nelsy Umanzor, a Salvadoran TPS holder, is now at risk of losing the temporary legal status that has allowed him to work and raise a family in Maryland for the past 17 years. But he won’t be giving up his status without a fight. Umanzor is lobbying congress to turn TPS into a path to residency before his status expires.
Vox Voices is an on-going series with a focus on human stories. Each episode is a personal narrative that helps define the issues of our time. Watch more episodes here: http://bit.ly/2Fai0o8
Vox.com is a news website that helps you cut through the noise and understand what's really driving the events in the headlines. Check out http://www.vox.com.
uscitizenpod: Citizenship Interview Quiz for Presidents’ Week 2017: Hushang Ansary (Iran) (pdf) A citizenship multiple-choice quiz based on the N-400 Application for Naturalization plus 10 civics questions.
Practice Citizenship Interviews with Iranian-Americans
uscitizenpod: Citizenship Interview Quiz for Presidents’ Week 2017: Hushang Ansary (Iran) (pdf)
A citizenship multiple-choice quiz based on the N-400 Application for Naturalization plus 10 civics questions.
uscitizenpod: 2016 Spring Citizenship Interview with Ali Akbari (Iran/Malaysia) (mp3)
A practice citizenship interview recorded in honor of Persian New Year (2016)
uscitizenpod: A Basic Citizenship Interview with Pari Akibari (Esfahan, Iran) (mp3)
A practice citizenship interview recorded in 2007. Note: N-400 Part 10 is now N-400 Part 12 and the Civics questions are obsolete (ex: George W Bush was the current president in 2007).
More ESL/Civics Resources in English and Farsi
ACLU: Immigrants' Rights: What To Do If Stopped (IN FARSI) (video)
ACLU: What To Do When Faced With Anti-Muslim Discrimination (in Farsi) (video) CA DMV: California Driver Handbook (pdf) CLINIC: 100 Civics Questions in Farsi (pdf)
ESL Library: Nauruz (Norooz) Festival (article)
In this lesson, students read about the Persian New Year's festival (New Day). They learn about the ceremonial table, and create their own in small groups. Students also learn idioms related to nature. Note: A number of different English spellings are used for this holiday. The UN recognizes March 21 as the International Day of Nowruz
John Q. Khosravi Law Firm (JQK Law Firm): Naturalization for Iranians (Farsi/Persian) سیتیزنشیپ وتابعیت امریکا برای ایرانیان (video)
More Citizenship and Immigration videos in English and Farsi at John Q. Khosravi Law Firm (JQK Law Firm) (YouTube channel)
MedicinePlus: Health Information in Farsi (فارسی) (web page) Must See Iran
FB page that introduces Iran's cultural, historical, and natural tourist attractions. Many good Nowruz videos in English and Farsi.
PARS Equality Center
Pprovides free or low-cost legal immigration services to qualified individuals. We provide community members with integration support by offering immigration education, representation and advocacy.
SSA: Social Security Resources in Farsi (web page)
ShareAmerica: Nowruz in the United States: Rising with the spring sun (article, video)
Every year, Americans with roots in Eurasian countries organize public festivals featuring music, dancing, and food to mark the Nowruz holidays. In cities from New York to Los Angeles, Chicago to Houston, Americans introduce and inspire others unfamiliar with Nowruz and its celebrations.
ShareAmerica: First Lady Michelle Obama Nowruz Address (2015) (article, video)
“I think it’s so fitting that we’re holding this celebration here today, because one of my favorite things about the White House is how it is truly the People’s House — a house that reflects the diversity of culture and traditions that make us who we are as a country,” the First Lady said. “And Nowruz is one of those traditions.” SJ Mercury News: Saratoga: Iranian-American community celebrates Persian New Year amid political anxieties (article)
Persian New Year or "Nowruz," typically a time of celebration for the Iranian-American community, undoubtedly will be tempered this year by the climate of fear and anxiety created by the Trump administration's travel ban.
The Obama White House: President Obama’s Nowruz Message to the Iranian People (video)
President Obama sends best wishes to everyone celebrating Nowruz, March 20. 2016.
White House: Statement by President Donald J. Trump on Nowruz 2018 (article)
USIP: Iran Primer: Nowruz: Traditions for Persian New Year (article)
Ironically, the most widely celebrated holiday in the Islamic Republic of Iran long predates the official religion. Nowruz, literally “New Day” in Farsi, marks the first day of spring and the Persian New Year. The holiday, which falls on March 20 this year, is widely celebrated across the Middle East and Central Asia.
VA Health: Public Health Info in Farsi (webpage) VOANews: New in Farsi (web page)
News in Farsi from the Voice of America
VOANews: Iranian Americans Confused and Angered Over Trump Travel Ban (video)
President Donald Trump’s revised executive order banning entry to the U.S. from six Muslim majority countries is due to take effect on March 16. Among the six countries is Iran. Even the threat of the revised order is causing major disruptions, not only there, but in Los Angeles, home to the largest group of Iranians living outside of Iran. VOA’s Elizabeth Lee reports from the neighborhood called Persian Square. Originally published at - http://www.voanews.com/a/3766574.html
VOANews: Iranians Prepare For Traditional New Year Celebrations (video)
Iranians around the world are preparing to celebrate their traditional new year, Nowruz, which falls on Thursday. The ancient tradition is also celebrated by Kurds and marks the arrival of spring. Zlatica Hoke reports.
VOANews: Iraq Norwuz (video) It's time for celebration in Iraq. Men and women rang in a new year, as millions of Kurdish people celebrated Nowruz. The celebration falls on the first day of spring, symbolizing the passing of the dark season and the arrival of the season of light. VOANews: Kurds Celebrate 'Nawroz' - New Years (video) Kurdish residents of the northern Syrian city of Kobani are marking the New Year festival Nawroz. Celebrations were held along the border with Turkey, where many of Kobani's citizens fled when the city came under attack by Islamic State militants. Video by VOA Kurdish service reporter Mahmoud Bali. VOA Learning Engish: Once a US Soldier, Iranian Immigrant Now Serves Veterans (article, mp3, video)
Assal Ravandi knows service. First, as a soldier in the United States Army in Afghanistan. Now, as a soldier for soldiers at the organization she founded: Academy of United States Veterans. Read, listen to, and watch more great stories from VOA Learning English series: People in America
VOA Learning Engish: Mahsa, English Teacher in Iran, Talks About Spending Nowruz With Family (video of Skype interview)
Avi Arditti from VOA Learning English and Mehrnaz Sami from VOA's Persian Service (and an English teacher) talk to a Skype caller about the Persian New Year (2013)
VOA Learning Engish: Mohsen, Engineering Student in Iran, Talks About Nowruz (video of Skype interview)
Avi Arditti from VOA Learning English and Mehrnaz Sami from VOA's Persian Service (and an English teacher) talk to a Skype caller about the Persian New Year Vox: Persian New Year, or Nowruz, explained for non-Persians (article)
CA SOS: United States Citizenship Naturalization Ceremony – Sacramento, CA California Secretary of State Alex Padilla speaks to nearly 1000 new United States citizens about his family’s immigration to the United States, and the courage it takes to go through the naturalization process. He encourages the new citizens to register to vote, participate in our democracy, and to continue to keep the American dream alive. Our New Citizens Guide to Voting is available online in 10 languages:
A Citizenship Quiz in Honor of St Patrick's Day and Irish-American Heritage Monthmp3 / pdf(10Questions)
03. From 1820 to 1860, almost 2 million Irish immigrants came to America to escape "The Great Hunger." What is one reason colonists came to America? Q4: The "Know-Nothings" (1850s) was a group of native-born Americans which tried to stop Irish immigration. The "Know-Nothings" thought that the Irish were “alien” and would not support US democracy because of their Catholic religion. The "Know-Nothings" became too violent and failed. The Irish persevered and overcame discrimination and exploitation. 100 years later, what movement tried to end racial discrimination?
60-Second Civics is a daily podcast that provides a quick and convenient way for listeners to learn about our nation’s government, the Constitution, and our history. Recent episodes have focused on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
Besides the Civics quiz, Citizenshipworks recently upgraded their app to help people find free or low-cost legal assistance. This app is also available in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Korean.
3. Countable: Contact your Reps, Influence Congress, Vote on Bills
The Countable app helps you make your voice heard by using email and social media to contact your US representatives. Set up alertsand act on issues of personal importance such as immigration, DACA, H4EAD, and gun control.
4. Fisher-Hill: U.S. Citizenship for Spanish Speakers
Fisher Hill publishes a series of workbooks for Spanish-speaking teens and adults acquire English and Civics literacy skills. They have two new bilingual Citizenship paper back workbooks about how to prepare for the Naturalization Test.
Get Epic! is the Leading Digital Library for Kids 12 & Under. Educators can create online classes and assign books and resources so that parents and children can read together in preparation for the US Citizenship interview. Check the show notes for my US Citizenship Collection of digital books and videos.
Informed Immigrant connects the undocumented immigrant community and service providers with the information and resources they need to become empowered in our current political environment. Check out their updated website and awesome collection of immigrant rights guides.
7. New Readers Press: Holding the Bag by Ana Gianola
Many teachers and students use New Readers Press Citizenship textbook series by Lynn Weintraub, but are you familar with High-Beginning Level ESL novel: HOLDING THE BAG by Ana Gianola? Negasi is a taxi driver from Ethiopia, who has been in the Washington D.C. for many years and has a family. He accidentally becomes involved in a robbery and faces a moral issue. Negasi's story offers many opportunities to discuss the N-400 Application for Naturalizantion and the Civics Questions. The paperback edition includes vocabulary exercise whereas the ebook contains the text only. Students can also download the free mp3s and listen at home.
USA Learns has a FREE online Citizenship course to help you prepare for your naturalization interview. Teachers can create their own classes and keep track of their students' procress. The course has four units:
Applicants can file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization online through their USCIS online account. When they use the interactive Form N-400, applicants will see questions, alerts, and notifications specific to the answers they provide while completing the form. Applicants will also see prompts and reminders to upload required evidence. This means each person follows a personalized path for completing the form based on the information that they provide. At this time, applicants must submit a paper Form N-400 if they are requesting a fee waiver or reduced fee.
10: uscitizenpod: Thu Thi Nguyen Practice Citizenship Interview
Our latest video features a full-length video with closed captions based on the current USCIS N-400 Application for Naturalization plus Civics questions. Also check out our YouTube channel for the new playlist: US Citizenship--Apply Online!
UPCOMING!
US Citizenship Bootcamp: The Mobile Edition (mid-April 2018)
The paperback version of my book is available on Amazon or from the publisher, ESLPublishing.com, which also offer discounts for class sets. In April 2018, an updated and reformatted ebook will be available on Apple iBooks.
