Tuesday, November 19, 2024

2024-2025 MAE Citizenship Class 11

Sunday, November 17, 2024

Indianapolis airport hosts first naturalization ceremony

WTHR: Indianapolis airport hosts first naturalization ceremony

The Indianapolis International Airport hosted its first naturalization ceremony. 
On Tuesday, Nov. 12, 47 people were sworn-in at the airport, where they raised their right hands and took the Oath of Citizenship, all becoming U.S. citizens. 

The new citizens immigrated from 24 countries across the world, IND officials said. 

“The Indy airport welcomes millions of people through its doors each year, and today, we were truly moved in welcoming 47 individuals who have proudly walked the road to citizenship,” said Mario Rodriguez, Indianapolis Airport Authority executive director.

The ceremony was presided over by Jane E. Magnus-Stinson. Newly naturalized citizen Abdullah Zedan, the youngest of the candidates, led the Pledge of Allegiance. Gadi Rwenyaguza, the oldest of the newly naturalized citizens, was presented with an American flag from The International Center.

Saturday, November 16, 2024

US prepares for presidential transition, a process that dates to 1797

VOA News: US prepares for presidential transition, a process that dates to 1797 

Experts share their perspectives on the critical process of peaceful transfer of power and what’s involved in the US presidential transition

Thursday, November 14, 2024

Transition period for US president-elect takes weeks

VOA News: Transition period for US president-elect takes weeks 

Although Trump has won the presidential election, nearly 11 weeks will pass before he can assume office, giving him 76 days to prepare a new government.

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

2024-2025 MAE Citizenship Class 10

 

uscitizenpod: New York Historical Society: The Emancipation Proclam!ation

(printer failure!  had to use backup lessons)

uscitizenpod: A “Typical” Citizenship Interview Based on the USCIS N-400r (4 pages)
Voices of Freedom: Ch 8: 1800s

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Mohammad’s Practice U.S. Citizenship Interview

uscitizenpod: Mohammad’s Practice U.S. Citizenship Interview (premiere 11/12 6:00 am PT)

Mohammad is preparing for his Naturalization Interview based on the new N-400. He is a mechanic from Afghanistan where he worked for Doctors Without Borders. He is a husband and a proud father of four children. Veysel, who is a new father, recorded this practice interview. Before he came to California, he served in Turkey’s Navy. I know that they will be great American citizens!

Monday, November 11, 2024

U.S. Citizenship Resources for Veterans Day


 


A Citizenship Question in Honor of Veterans Day

This quiz is based on :
  •  A 21-Question “Salute” for Veterans Day Quiz based on the USCIS 100qs (PDF) pdf  |  mp3

More from uscitizenpod
  • More Veterans Day Resources from uscitizenpod:
  • Veterans Day for Beginning Level ESL/Citizenship Students video
  • LearningChocolate.com U.S. Citizenship 12: Veterans Day activity
  • Veterans Day Quiz 2014 pdf
  • Veterans Day 2014 pptx google slides
  • Kahoot.it: A Veterans Day Kahoot! link
  • Veterans Day Salute 2012 video
  • Thank You Women Vets! 2012 video
  • N-400r-12j  Military Service pdf
  • Interview Based on the USCIS N-400r for Current and Former Armed Forces Members (8 pgs) pdf
  • Anh Thi Vu Interview's for Presidents' Day 2016
  • Twenty-seven questions based on the N-400r plus ten USCIS Questions in Honor of President's Day. Note Anh's military service in the ROTC and Army Reserves. mp3 (2016) and pdf (2015)

Government Resources

VOA

Wednesday, November 6, 2024

2024-2025 MAE Citizenship Class 09



 

 


Voices of Freedom: Ch 9: 1800s pg 145-155

uscitizenpod: Interview E-1 (N-400 Part 12 focus on voting and paying taxes)

uscitizenpod: Dollar Quiz 1 (2021)

uscitizenpod: Electoral College Citizenship Quizzes
    • Part 1: U.S. Civics mp3 / pdf
    • Part 2: U.S. History mp3 / pdf
uscitizenpod: A Quick Interview Based on the N-400r plus 10qs about Voting and Elections pdf and mp3

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Why are US federal elections always held on a Tuesday? The history behind weekday selection

VOA News: Why are US federal elections always held on a Tuesday? The history behind weekday selection

Have you ever wondered why America’s presidential elections always fall on a Tuesday? The tradition stretches back almost 200 years to a time when the U.S. looked very different from how it does today. 

Also see

Monday, November 4, 2024

How America’s first election paved the way

VOA News: How America’s first election paved the way 

The first United States presidential election took place between 1788 and 1789, with only 10 states participating and a winner that was preordained. Nevertheless, it created a tradition that has continued to this day.

Sunday, November 3, 2024

Friday, November 1, 2024

U.S. Citizenship Resources for November


Padlets:

Heritage:
  • U.S. Citizenship Resources for Native American Heritage Month page
  • U.S. Citizenship Resources for Halloween, All Saints, and Day of the Dead page
  • U.S. Citizenship Resources for Veterans Day page
  • U.S. Citizenship Resources for Thanksgiving page

Thursday, October 31, 2024

Happy Halloween!



Many children like to dress up as superheroes for Halloween. Their favorite, Superman, was a refugee who made America his home. Superman, like many immigrants, "fights for truth, justice and the American Way!" 
What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen? (53)

Trick or Treat! A Halloween Citizenship Interview 2019

A Citizenship Quiz for Halloween 
listen: http://traffic.libsyn.com/uscitizenpod/citz-halloween-quiz.mp3
read: http://traffic.libsyn.com/uscitizenpod/citz-halloween.pdf


More Resources:

5 Ghosts of Presidents Haunting White House: Lincoln's Ghost and 4 more!
https://youtu.be/Pr11DyYT1s8 


24 children receive U.S. citizenship at Halloween-themed ceremony (2019)
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/immigration/story/2019-10-24/24-children-receive-us-citizenship-at-halloween-themed-ceremony

Halloween
https://americanenglish.state.gov/files/ae/resource_files/halloween.pdf

Kids Get Citizenship Certificate Dressed in Halloween Costumes
https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/california/Kids-Get-Citizenship-Certificate-Dressed-in-Halloween-Costumes-563814671.html

Los Angeles Marks American Tradition with 'Pumpkin Nights'
https://youtu.be/q43q0k8fD0I

Special Halloween-themed citizenship ceremony takes place in Chicago
http://www.fox32chicago.com/news/local/special-halloween-themed-citizenship-ceremony-takes-place-in-chicago

Washington Residents Celebrate Halloween With Healthy Run Through Cemetery
https://youtu.be/sliDJMhKbdQ

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Unpacking the difference between the Electoral College and the popular vote

VOA News: Unpacking the difference between the Electoral College and the popular vote 

Americans go to the polls November 5 to choose the next U.S. president. However, the national vote tally does not determine which candidate wins the White House. The Electoral College has the final say. But how does this work?

Monday, October 28, 2024

Unpacking America's urban-rural divide


VOANews: Unpacking America's urban-rural divide 

Cities favoring Democrats and rural areas favoring Republicans isn’t new. But since 2000, the gap between urban and rural voters has grown dramatically. What is behind this trend? The answer is part economic, part cultural. Produced by Yass Monem and Nicky Woolf.

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Citizenship Preparation Program - How to Start It and How to Expand It


Citizenship Preparation Program - How to Start It and How to Expand It 
Contra Costa County Adult School Professional Development Day 10/25/2024 Presented by: Name: Jennifer Gagliardi 
Email: jgagliardi@scoe.net 
Phone: 408-635-2692

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Where have all the bellwether counties gone?

VOA News: Where have all the bellwether counties gone? 

 From 1980 to 2016, 19 U.S. counties voted for the presidential winner every time. But the streak was broken in 2020, when only one of those counties, in Washington state, voted for the winner, President Joe Biden. The rest voted for Donald Trump, the incumbent.

Sunday, October 20, 2024

Near US-Mexico border, immigrants take final steps toward citizenship with community support

VOA News: Near US-Mexico border, immigrants take final steps toward citizenship with community support

Becoming a U.S. citizen is an important moment for many immigrants, giving them a voice in the nation's democratic process. In Tucson, Arizona, a city just an hour's drive from the border with Mexico, community leaders are working to help others achieve this step. VOA’s Aline Barros has more.

Saturday, October 19, 2024

MUST READ: The Danger In Believing that You are Powerless: A citizen’s guide to defending the 2024 election By Anne Applebaum

Generated by MS Image Designer 10/19/2024 10:57 pm


MUST READ: The Danger In Believing that You are Powerless: A citizen’s guide to defending the 2024 election By Anne Applebaum


Excerpt:

•Talk about local issues.

•Talk about what your state and local leaders are doing to ensure a safe election.

•Emphasize our shared values—the large majority of Americans still feel that democracy is preferable to all other forms of government—and our historical ability to deliver safe and fair elections, even in times of warfare and social strife.

•Don’t dismiss people’s concerns about election irregularities . . . Despite a lack of evidence for this notion, many people may sincerely believe that this kind of electoral cheating is real.

•Don’t rely on statistics to make your case, because people aren’t convinced by them; talk, instead, about what actions are being taken to protect the integrity of the vote.

•Finally, don’t inadvertently undermine democracy further: Emphasize the strength of the American people, our ability to stand up to those who assault democracy. Offer people a course of action, not despair.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Learn more:

Friday, October 18, 2024

Understanding political polls: From history to interpretation


VOA News: Understanding political polls: From history to interpretation 

In any election campaign, candidates and the public rely on opinion polls to comprehend the state of the race and inform their actions and choices. But polls can be confusing, contradictory, and, historically, even occasionally flat-out wrong. It’s both an art and a science — and you can easily become tripped up if you don’t know what to look for.

Thursday, October 17, 2024

Millions who don't cast ballots on Nov. 5 are still voting in US election

VOA News: Millions who don't cast ballots on Nov. 5 are still voting in US election 

US Election Voting Methods: The 2024 U.S. election allows Americans to have their voices heard. But what if they can’t reach the polls on November 5? Luckily, there’s more than one way to vote — here are all the options.

Learn more:

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

2024-2025 MAE Citizenship Class 06

 

New York Historical Society: The Declaration of Independence // The Citizenship Project [E01]

06 Practice Citizenship Interview based on the USCIS Form N-400 (2024)

Voices of Freedom: Ch 7: Revolutionary War & War of Independence

uscitizenpod: Nithya Deepak: Quick Interview Based on the N-400r plus 10qs for Independence Day pdf


Preparing the Oath: Establishing Independence

More Resources

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

What is 'gerrymandering' and how does it work?

VOA News: What is 'gerrymandering' and how does it work?

Many U.S. politicians throughout history owe their success to the drawing of boundary lines on a map that made their election a near certainty. Here is how it worked and continues to work to this day.

Monday, October 14, 2024

Indigenous Peoples Day: Muwekma Ohlone Tribe Trail Demands Federal Recognition

 

Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay: Muwekma Ohlone’s Trail of Truth | Justice Delayed is Justice Denied

The Trail of Truth is a 90-day horseback journey across the United States, all the way from San Francisco to Washington, beginning August 4th. Led by the members of the Muwekma Ohlone tribe and Chairwoman Nijmeh, the protest aims to raise awareness about the injustice that the unrecognized tribes in the Bay Area have had to endure for decades.

The protest encourages other such unrecognized tribes to join the journey to DC and present their demands to the State & Federal governments and seek justice for their people and communities.

After four Decades of our tribe's struggle to be seen to be heard by the federal government, this Cross Country journey is about honoring our Legacy and sacrifices of our elders who are alive today and our ancestors before us.

It's also about demanding Justice from California, Congress, and this Administration.

Justice delayed is Justice denied and we have been denied justice for way too long. 

We need you to support us.

We need your help to tell the truth and to demand Justice.

POP QUIZ:

USCIS 100:87.  Name one American Indian tribe in the United States.
Also see:

Saturday, October 12, 2024

A First-Time Voter’s Complicated Path Navigating Family and Politics


PBS: A First-Time Voter’s Complicated Path Navigating Family and Politics | VOCES: Latino Vote 2024

Jerry Reyes was born and raised in the heart of California’s Central Valley, surrounded by a sweltering expanse of industrial agriculture. He never worked in the fields, but his parents and grandparents did – picking the very grapes that Cesar Chavez once boycotted. And while Jerry is a citizen, his family members were all undocumented and at risk of deportation over the years and administrations. 

Sitting at a crowded taquería, Jerry talks about the upcoming election, and describes what matters to him as a 24-year old, first-time voter: he wants to “make money.” And while he concedes he himself is a product of immigrants, he thinks it’s time to close the border. Jerry sells insurance, is a registered Republican, and is voting for Trump. This decision has meant multiple family members will no longer speak to him, a consequence Jerry believes is an unfortunate necessity of being a “free thinker.”

Also watch:

Friday, October 11, 2024

USCIS Tech Talks - October 8, 2024

USCIS: USCIS Tech Talks - October 8, 2024 

During this engagement, on October 8, 2024, USCIS reviewed the PDF intake filing option and addressed recently received questions on online filing. We also responded to live questions.

Thursday, October 10, 2024

Understanding political polls: From history to interpretation

VOA News: Understanding political polls: From history to interpretation 

During any campaign, it is crucial that voters and candidates have a way to measure the state of public opinion. Polling — surveying representative samples of the electorate — allows everyone to understand and adapt to prevailing sentiments. But it has its flaws.

Sunday, October 6, 2024

Dozens of people become US citizens at Grand Canyon

 
 
Arizona’s Family (3TV / CBS 5): Dozens of people become US citizens at Grand Canyon 

 30 people from 11 countries were sworn in as United States citizens on Friday and it's the first naturalization ceremony there since the pandemic.

Saturday, October 5, 2024

Voting by mail — how does it work?


VOA News: Voting by mail — how does it work? 

America's voting landscape is shifting. While many still cast ballots at local polls, mail-in voting is on the rise. Once limited to military personnel and homebound citizens, it's now the primary method in several states.

Friday, October 4, 2024

The Inside Story | USA Votes 2024: The Vice Presidential Debate

VOA News: The Inside Story | USA Votes 2024: The Vice Presidential Debate 

This week on The Inside Story, we travel to Springfield, Ohio, to capture reactions to the vice presidential debate. We also report on the Haitian community's response to the controversial accusations made by the Republican candidates. Plus, a major milestone for former President Jimmy Carter as he celebrates his 100th birthday.

Thursday, October 3, 2024

Nearly 24M immigrants eligible to vote in U.S. election

VOA News: Nearly 24M immigrants eligible to vote in U.S. election

In the United States, nearly 24 million immigrants are eligible to vote in November’s presidential election, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of U.S. census data. VOA’s Jeff Swicord spoke with two naturalized citizens about the choices they are making in this vote.

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

2024-2025 MAE Citizenship Class 05

 

05 Practice Citizenship Interview based on the USCIS Form N-400 (2024)



¡Viva Boricua! A Citizenship Quiz In Honor of Puerto Rico for Hispanic American Heitage Month pdf 

Voices of Freedom: Ch 6: Early America

Preparing the Oath: A Growing Nation

More Resources

U.S. Citizenship Resources for October


Heritage Months: Hispanic, Italian, German
  • U.S. Citizenship Resources for Hispanic Heritage Month page | video playlist
  • A Citizenship Quiz in Honor of Italian-American Heritage Month mp3 | pdf | audiogram
  • A Citizenship Quiz in Honor of German-American Day mp3 | pdf | audiogram

Padlets:

Holidays

  • U.S. Citizenship Quiz in Honor of Rosh Hashanah pdf
  • U.S. Citizenship Resources for Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day page
  • Two Citizenship Questions for United Nations Day audiogram
  • U.S. Citizenship Resources for Halloween, All Saints, and Day of the Dead page

Vance, Walz prepare for US vice presidential debate

Tim Walz and JD Vance will face off in a vice presidential debate on Oct. 1 9pm EDT in New York City.  Watch it on CBS, PBS, YouTube, or other streaming services.



In the U.S. election, vice presidential candidates JD Vance and Tim Walz meet Tuesday for their first, and only, debate. VOA Correspondent Scott Stearns looks at what to expect when the candidates meet in New York.

Use LWV Bingo cards to keep track of the issues.

Also watch:

VOA News: How do JD Vance and Tim Walz differ on foreign policy? 

The foreign policy positions of the two vice presidential candidates are coming into sharper focus. Democratic nominee Tim Walz and Republican nominee JD Vance present distinctly different approaches to global challenges. 

POP Quiz:

 USCIS 100:28. What is the name of the President of the United States now?* 

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

 USCIS 100:36. What are two Cabinet-level positions?

Monday, September 30, 2024

Sunday, September 29, 2024

Saturday, September 28, 2024

The Inside Story | USA VOTES 2024

 VOA News: The Inside Story | USA VOTES 2024 

Join us on The Inside Story as we report on President Biden's final address in NY at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Plus, we report on the potential shifts in foreign policy and what they might look like after Americans vote in the presidential election this coming November. That's this week on The Inside Story USAVOTES 2024.

Friday, September 27, 2024

What is the Electoral College?

VOA News: What is the Electoral College?  

The Electoral College is how we refer to the process by which the citizens of the United States elect the president. Here’s how it works.

US Citizenship Podcast
  • Electoral College Citizenship Quizzes
    • Part 1: U.S. Civics mp3 / pdf
    • Part 2: U.S. History mp3 / pdf