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

watch: https://youtu.be/7_5ofzC8oEE

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

2024-2025 MAE Citizenship Class 08

New York Historical Society: Voting Rights // The Citizenship Project [E10]

Also watch: VOA News Vietnamese Americans in California turn to politics to address local, national concerns

Residence and Voting plus Quiz 15: Civil Rights

Voices of Freedom: Ch 8: The Constitution; pg Quiz 137

Preparing the Oath: Writing the Constitution  |  Voting

uscitizenpod: Citizenship Class 5 B-400 Quiz pg 1

uscitizenpod: A Citizenship Quiz for Halloween 

More Resources

• U.S. Citizenship Resources for October

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?

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.

Introducing the USCIS Civics Guide: One Nation, One People

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

2024-2025 MAE Citizenship Class 07

New York Historical Society: The Constitution // The Citizenship Project [E07]

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

uscitizenpod: Name One of Several Possible Answers: History

uscitizenpod: Citizenship Class 4 Quiz: Based on the SCCL N-400 Casual Interview and USCIS U.S. Constitution (Int.) Lesson Plans

CASAS: G/H test

Voices of Freedom: Ch 8: The Constitution

Preparing the Oath: Writing the Constitution

More Resources

• U.S. Citizenship Resources for October

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.

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.

Learn more: Chicanos Por La Causa - CPLC

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

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

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:

• Voting and Election Resources for Adult Students  long link | bit.ly/voting-padlet

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.

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:

• Voting and Election Resources for Adult Students  long link | bit.ly/voting-padlet

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

uscitizenpod: Name One of Several Possible Answers

Preparing the Oath: Establishing Independence

More Resources

• U.S. Citizenship Resources for October

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.

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.

• USCIS Officers will be supplied with a list of federally recognized American Indian tribes. Is your local tribe on this list?  Why or why not?

Also see:

U.S. Citizenship Resources for Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day

Naturalization ceremony for 53 new US citizens held at Yellowstone National Park

KPAX-TV: Naturalization ceremony for 53 new US citizens held at Yellowstone National Park

A total of 53 people became American citizens during a ceremony just outside of Yellowstone National Park in Gardiner.

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:

• PBS: The Issues that Matter to a Future Voter | VOCES: Latino Vote 2024
• PBS: How Latinos Will Impact the Election | Full Documentary | VOCES: Latino Vote 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.

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.

Using AI Tools in Citizenship Preparation and Civics Education

Using AI Tools in Citizenship Preparation and Civics Education 

ProLiteracy 2024 

Jennifer Gagliardi 

jgagliardi@musd.org 

October 9, 2024 

Padlet: Teaching U.S. Citizenship Preparation 2024 bit.ly/uscit-padlet

10 Scripts based on the New N-400 2024

https://www.uscitizenpod.com/2024/09/10-practice-citizenship-interview-based.html

Election and Voting Resources for Adult Learners

 

 bit.ly/voting-padlet

https://padlet.com/jgagliar/voting-and-election-resources-for-adult-ed-students-ej4tmthjczgnvnam

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.

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.

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.

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.

U.S. Citizenship Quiz in Honor of Rosh Hashanah

L'shana tova tikatevu! 
Citizenship Quiz in Honor of Rosh Hashanah pdf

2024-2025 MAE Citizenship Class 05

 

ABC 10 News: The history of Hispanic Heritage Month

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

USCIS 100 Quiz: Name Two (or More)

The Colonial Quiz

¡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

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:

• News and Media Literacy for Adult Education long link |  bit.ly/ae-medialit
• Teaching U.S. Citizenship Preparation 2024 long link | bit.ly/uscit-padlet
• Voting and Election Resources for Adult Students  long link | bit.ly/voting-padlet

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.

VOA News: Vance, Walz prepare for US vice presidential debate

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?