US Citizenship Podcast

Celebrate the Winter Holidays with 15 Civics Questions.  I ask, you answer. Download a PDF of this quiz, click https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/uscitizenpod/winter-holidays.pdf For more Citizenship Resources for the Winter Holidays, visit https://www.uscitizenpod.com/p/us-citizenship-resources-for-winter.html. For more info on Inauguration Day, including the Oath of Office, visit https://www.usa.gov/inauguration Even during the holidays, study a little bit every day.  I know that you will be a GREAT American citizen! All rights reserved.  Do not remix!

After a long hiatus, we are back with regular podcasts that feature questions from the new USCIS N-400 Application for Naturalization.  In honor of the Bill of Rights Day, December 15, we are pairing the first ten amendments with some questions from the new N-400 Part 9 and some Civics questions.  Here is a pdf of the A Quick Review of the Bill of Rights and the N-400 (2024) Part 9 plus Civics Questions.   Image: Bill of Rights depicted in cartoon format from 1971 Young Citizen teacher's guide transparency. Courtesy: Syracuse University. CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE and for teacher printable version. Before we begin, there are four news items: 1)     On September 20, USCIS released their new “One Nation, One People: Civics Test Textbook” for adults preparing to naturalize.  In support of their commitment 2gen civic literacy, USCIS also released “Color Me Civics: U.S. Landmarks and Symbols Coloring Book” in English and Spanish.  You can download these free resources from USCIS. 2) Two new N-400 (2024) Part 9 resources: ·        Pearson ELT USA Team just release a free pdf of the UPDATED Naturalization Speaking Test from Voices of Freedom by Bill Bliss.  Download the test practice.  ·        New Readers Press has just posted a new “Tricky Vocabulary” handout (for explaining vocabulary in the new N-400 part 9):  .  This resource complements Citizenship: Passing the Test Ready for the Interview Student Book 4th Edition by Lynn Weintraub 3)     On December 13, LINCS.ed.gov The 2024 Naturalization Fee Reduction Webinar with Shawn Chakrabarti, a former Education Specialist with the office of Citizenship, USCIS.  Mr. Chakrabarti explained the USCIS naturalization fee structure, highlighting that 9.2 million people are eligible for citizenship, with 4 million likely having limited English proficiency. He detailed the new fee waiver and reduction rules, noting that 80% of LPRs may qualify for fee reductions. Mr. Chakrabarti emphasized the importance of detailed student intakes, partnering with legal service providers, and leveraging digital literacy to navigate the new fee rules. He also encouraged commenting on Federal Register notices to influence future policies.  Although this webinar was not recorded, detailed notes and resources are available on LINCS.ed.gov Civics Education and Citizenship Group under the “FOLLOW UP: 12/13 The 2024 Naturalization Fee Reduction Webinar.” 4)     Finally, a petition titled, Call to Codify Improvements to U.S. Naturalization Test, hosted on the TESOL Advocacy Action Center.  The petition asks USCIS to codify two items in the Federal Register: ·        Intermediate low level of English is the fair and appropriate level for the civics and speaking test. ·        The speaking test which is based on eligibility interview with an USCIS officer should be limited to basic questions. For complex questions, applicants may use interpreters. With just one click, you can virtually sign the petition, which is immediately sent to your US representative and both senators.  Please sign this petition immediately to protect the fairness of the Naturalization interview. Thank you!  I know that you will be a GREAT American Citizen! This podcast is copy righted by Jennifer Gagliardi and US Citizenship Podcast and may not be remixed or re-used.

In honor of Hispanic American Heritage Month, we are featuring a N-400 practice interview wth Alecia from Colombia.   U.S. Citizenship Resources for Hispanic Heritage Month page | video playlist U.S. Citizenship Resources for Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day page

Practice Citizenship interview with Sofia from Morocco. A “Typical” Citizenship Interview Based on the USCIS N-400r (4 pages) https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/uscitizenpod/n-400r-typical.pdf USCIS 100 Remix Quizzes "Ones" 01, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, 91 http://traffic.libsyn.com/uscitizenpod/q01s.pdf  "Twos" 02, 12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62, 72, 82, 92 http://traffic.libsyn.com/uscitizenpod/q02s.pdf  "Threes" 03, 13, 23, 33, 43, 53, 63, 73, 83, 93 http://traffic.libsyn.com/uscitizenpod/q03s.pdf   

In late September, DHS and USCIS released new resources about the Naturalization Test Redesign.  This prompted updated commentary from VOA News, ILRC, Bill Bliss, and other stakeholders.  In order to address and clarify to redesign process, USCIS will be hosting NIICE: National Immigrant Integration & Citizenship Education Conference, October 18-19, in Washington D.C. Plus resources to contact CONGRESS about the potential Government shutdown.  And a QUICK CITIZENSHIP QUIZ that connects the Constitution, the Fed Code, and Adult Education. 7/19/2023 Naturalization Test Redesign Resources (DHS, USCIS)  DHS Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman webpage July 19, 2023 Engagement with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on the Naturalization Test Redesign Initiative July 19, 2023 Naturalization Test Redesign Updates Power Point Presentation PDF648.78 KB0 July 19, 2023 Naturalization Test Redesign Initiative Readout PDF230.72 KB07/19/2023 July, 19, 2023 USCIS and Office of CIS Ombudsman's Webinar Series: Naturalization Test Redesign Updates VIDEO!  USCIS Naturalization Test Redesign Development 2022 webpage See also LINCS and Lynne Weintraub's Citizenship News posts for further comments. 9/19/2023: Citizenship Test Changes Might Require Better English Skills, VOA “Possible changes to the naturalization interview would make civics questions multiple choice to “reflect current best practices in test design,” USCIS said in a document explaining the update to the test. Schmelzer said that would make the test harder for immigrants who may not have a great understanding of American history or English.” Article includes audio and quiz.  You can watch a sub-titled video of VOA Learning English Podcast for Wednesday September 20, 2023. The Citizenship story starts at 11:08.  Appropriate for intermediate ESL adult learners.  09/20/2023 USCIS Naturalization Test Redesign – Flaws in Design and Transparency, ILRC ILRC attorneys and guest speaker Bill Bliss gave an overview of the USCIS naturalization test redesign announced in December 2022. Educators of low-literacy adults believe that these changes would make the test significantly more difficult for applicants. This is a free webinar. Click 9/20 USCIS Naturalization Test Redesign; create account; checkout; go to your account to view the recording.      Note: webinar resources include slides (note: slide 31 “Register comments” for email addresses), “English and US History & Government Tests” (from ILRC Naturalization & US Citizenship, and recent articles by Bill Bliss. A transcript of Bill Bliss's interview was posted as Medium: 9/22 USCIS Naturalization Test Redesign — Flaws in Design and Transparency. 10/17/2023 to 10/18/2023 NIICE: National Immigrant Integration & Citizenship Education Conference: THE ROAD TO ACCESS AND INCLUSION, USCIS Headquarters, Camp Springs, MD USCIS, in partnership with the White House Task Force on New Americans (TFNA) and the Interagency Naturalization Working Group (NWG), is bringing together professionals with equities in immigrant integration and citizenship education from both the public and private sectors. The conference is free; however, participants are responsible for transportation and lodging. The conference will take place October 17-18 with optional pre-conference activities on October 16. Virtual and in-person attendance options are available.  Please CAREULLY review the registration info under the NIICE website information and registration tabs. Please refer questions to: NIICEConference@uscis.dhs.gov. Resources to Contact CONGRESS about the Potential Government Shutdown Voice of America (VOA) US News VOA US Immigration News VOA Learrning English House.gov Senate.gov uscitizenpod: Who are my U.S. Senators and U.S. Representative? uscitizenpod: National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week Civics Quiz      

Happy Constitution and Civics Week!  Ten civics questions that follow the structure of the US Constitution.  PDF: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/uscitizenpod/const-2023.pdf Video: https://youtu.be/41-1oMXHIvI Learn more at LINCS: Civics Resources for Constitution and Citizenship Week https://bit.ly/lincs-const uscitizenpod: U.S. Citizenship Resources for Constitution and Citizenship Week https://bit.ly/uscit-const

All Saints and Day of the Dead are part of a 3-day festival that remembers the lives of those who passed before us in 2022.   quiz pdf mp3 audio mp4 video More U.S. Citizenship Resources for Halloween, All Saints, and Day of the Dead

Ten questions for Constitution and Citizenship Week 2022 Download a pdf of this quiz: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/uscitizenpod/const-2022.pdf  Pair this 10 Question civics quiz with one of the Mix-and-Match Citizenship Interviews (https://bit.ly/mm-uscitizen) for a quick mock naturalization interview. Find more Constitution and Citizenship Week 2022 resources at https://www.uscitizenpod.com/p/us-citizenship-resources-for.html  Find more Citizenship Resources for Hispanic Heritage Month 2022 https://www.uscitizenpod.com/p/us-citizenship-resources-for-hispanic.html 

Happy Pascha! A Citizenship Quiz in Honor of Eastern Orthodox Christian Americans pdf: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/uscitizenpod/pascha-quiz.pdf  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. This is recording is an update of a 2017 podcast featuring Branka and her husband Tony, both of whom were from the former Yugoslavia by way of Canada. Branka was a longtime colleague who at the time worked as a Projects Coordinator for OUTREACH AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE NETWORK (otan.us) and had recently became a new US citizen. She then moved on to lead the Capital Adult Education Consortium. In late 2021, she and her family returned to Serbia where she continues to consult on Adult Education and digital literacy matters. Quiz answers: Colonists came to America for freedom. Freedom of religion is that you can practice any religion or not practice a religion. America bought the Louisiana Territory from France in 1803. The two parts of the US Congress are the Senate and the House of Representatives Dianne Feinstein is one of the two US senators from the state of California. Joe Biden is the current President of the United States.  Kamala Harris is the current Vice-President of the United States.  Gavin Newsom is the current Governor of California. The two major political parties are Democratic and Republican parties. The President's Cabinet advises the President. Ro Khanna is the US Representative of San Jose/Milpitas, California. 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 http://www.capradio.org/articles/2015/12/08/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.  

Happy Presidents' Week!  Happy George Washington's Birthday!  Happy 2-22-2022!  Today we have two quick practice quizzes.  Check back with uscitizenpod.com for new Presidents' Week quizzes and resources.  You can also see a video version of this interview with closed captions on the uscitizenpod YouTube channel. Download the PDFs for this episode Citizenship Interview Quiz for Presidents' Week 2022: Washington's Birthday Citizenship Interview: Series E / Practice 1 (voting/taxes) Mix-and-Match Citizenship Quiz: Name Two (or More) You can pre-order my new book, U.S. Citizenship for Dummies, by Jennifer Gagliardi at amazon.com and other fine booksellers.

Happy New Year from US Citizenship Podcast

Christmas is a federal U.S. holiday. Christians celebrate #Christmas as the birth of Jesus Christ. All Americans look forward to a long holiday of family, food, and fun. Here is a #Citizenship Quiz based on historical events which occurred on Christmas Eve (Dec 24) or Christmas Day Dec (25). Download the pdf and follow along: http://traffic.libsyn.com/uscitizenpod/christmas-quiz.pdf Video: https://youtu.be/oNIPSrSlKfk  

All Saints and Day of the Dead are part of a 3-day festival that remembers the lives of those who passed before us. Twelve civics questions paired with the following Americans. Download the pdf at https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/uscitizenpod/citz-day-of-the-dead-2021.pdf Nov 23, 2020: Bruce Boynton, African-American civil rights activist Dec 6, 2020: Paul Spyros Sarbanes, US Congressman Dec 10, 2020: Juan Pérez-Giménez, U.S. District Court for Puerto Rico judge Feb 6, 2021: George Shultz, three-time Cabinet Secretary Apr 4, 2021: LaDonna Brave Bull Allard, Native American activist Apr 19, 2021: Walter Mondale, Vice-President Aug 5, 2021 Richard Trumka, labor union leader Oct 16, 2021: Colin Powell, Secretary of State Check out all our new videos on the uscitizenpod YouTube channel

Pair this 10 Question civics quiz with one of the Mix-and-Match Citizenship Interviews (https://bit.ly/mm-uscitizen) for a quick mock naturalization interview. Find more Constitution and Citizenship Week 2021 resources at https://www.uscitizenpod.com/2020/09/citizenship-resources-for-constitution.html. Find more Citizenship Resources for Hispanic Heritage Month 2021 https://www.uscitizenpod.com/2021/09/citizenship-resources-for-hispanic.html  

On July 2, 2021, USCIS released a new report: A Quick Review of the USCIS Interagency Strategy for Promoting Naturalization.  Dr. Patricia Hernandez and Teacher Jennifer Gagliardi do a quick review of the plan and look forward to it's implementation. USCIS Interagency Strategy for Promoting Naturalization https://www.uscis.gov/promotingnaturalization  Executive Order on Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems and Strengthening Integration and Inclusion Efforts for New Americans https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/02/02/executive-order-restoring-faith-in-our-legal-immigration-systems-and-strengthening-integration-and-inclusion-efforts-for-new-americans/  Interagency Strategy for Promoting Naturalization pdf https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/reports/Interagency_Strategy_for_Promoting_Naturalization_Final.pdf  Naturalization Policies Fact Sheet https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/fact-sheets/EXA_NatzPoliciesFactSheet_06292021_SP_V2.pdf LIST OF PRO BONO LEGAL SERVICE PROVIDERS https://bit.ly/cit-lawyer   or   https://www.justice.gov/eoir/list-pro-bono-legal-service-providers 

Release Date  04/12/2021 WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced that F-1 students seeking optional practical training (OPT) can now file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, online if they are filing under one of these categories: (c)(3)(A) – Pre-Completion OPT; (c)(3)(B) – Post-Completion OPT; and (c)(3)(C) – 24-Month Extension of OPT for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students. OPT is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before completing their academic studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their academic studies (post-completion). Eligible F-1 students who receive STEM degrees may apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT. “USCIS remains committed to maximizing our online filing capabilities,” said Senior Official Performing the Duties of USCIS Director Tracy Renaud. “The I-765 online filing option allows eligible students to file forms online in a more user-friendly fashion and increases efficiencies for adjudicators.” The option to file Form I-765 online is only available to F-1 students filing Form I-765 for OPT. If an applicant submits Form I-765 online to request employment authorization on or after April 15, but is eligible for a different employment authorization category, USCIS will deny the application and retain the fee. As USCIS continues to transition to paperless operations, the agency will work to expand online filing for Form I-765 to additional categories. Online filing allows applicants to submit forms electronically, check the status of their case anytime from anywhere, and receive notices from USCIS online instead of waiting for them in the mail. USCIS is using innovation and technology to meet the needs of applicants, petitioners and employees. Regardless of the paper or electronic format of an application or petition, USCIS is committed to ensuring a secure and efficient process for all. Individuals can file 11 USCIS forms online, which can all be found on the Forms Available to File Online page. To file these forms online, individuals must first create a USCIS online account at myaccount.uscis.gov. This free account allows them to: Submit their forms; Pay their fees; Track the status of their case; Communicate with USCIS through a secure inbox; and Respond to Requests for Evidence. USCIS continues to accept the latest paper version of these forms by mail. For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and LinkedIn. https://www.uscis.gov/news/news-releases/f-1-students-seeking-optional-practical-training-can-now-file-form-i-765-online  video: https://youtu.be/g0KlqlgS2Oc 

Delia, a student of Dr. Patricia Hernandez, talks about her recent "virtual" citizenship interview

Dr Hernandez and Teacher Jennifer give tips about The Stressed-out USCIS Officer and More Tips for Your Citizenship Interview (in English) https://youtu.be/HnpGEtdmUhI  El estrés de los oficiales de USCIS, y sugerencias que pueden facilitar su entrevista de ciudadanía https://youtu.be/5dqymNu9u1s  US Citizenship Resources for Women's History Month https://www.uscitizenpod.com/ 

You will hear the announcement in English, Español, 廣東話,普通話, Tiếng việt 2021-02-22 USCIS Reverts to the 2008 Version of the Naturalization Civics Test https://youtu.be/BbgG43pEpnw https://www.uscis.gov/news/news-releases/uscis-reverts-to-the-2008-version-of-the-naturalization-civics-test USCIS Vuelve a la Versión del 2008 del Examen de Educación Cívica para Naturalización https://www.uscis.gov/es/noticias/comunicados-de-prensa/uscis-vuelve-a-la-version-del-2008-del-examen-de-educacion-civica-para-naturalizacion 美國公民及移民服務局恢復為2008年版本的入籍公民測試 您只學習100個公民問題。 新的128個問題太難了！ 我們真高興！ 謝謝美國移民局！ USCIS Hoàn nguyên về Phiên bản 2008 của Bài kiểm tra Công dân Nhập tịch Bạn chỉ học 100 câu hỏi môn công dân. 128 câu hỏi mới quá khó! Chúng tôi rất vui! Xin cảm ơn USCIS! Thank you USCIS for listening to the people!

Before we start the interview, I share some news about the 128 civics questions (check with USCIS.gov for confirmation).  Then Thao answers N-400 and 10 civics questions, plus 1 reading and dictation question.  Happy New Year, Happy New U.S. Citizen Thao Nguyen! Citizenship Resources for February http://www.uscitizenpod.com/2021/02/us-citizenship-resources-for-february.html  Biden Is Planning To Scrap Trump's Version Of The Citizenship Test That Critics Said Was More Confusing https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/hamedaleaziz/biden-us-citizenship-test-change  Biden Is Planning To Scrap Trump's Version Of The Citizenship Test! https://youtu.be/ELelLHy2ZLA   

This is an extended N-400 Part 12 vocabulary review with Quynh.  When she doesn't understand a questions, she asks for clarification. This interview is based on N-400r Part 12 Overview Quiz (27 questions) http://goo.gl/3m3t7K

Nga Trans answers questions from the Basic Citizenship Interview, plus 10 Civics Questions, and then talks about her Citizenship interview.

USCIS: USCIS Application Support Centers Updates, Dec 29, 2020 https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/USDHSCISINVITE/2020/12/29/file_attachments/1635668/ASC%20Updates.pdf  Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, USCIS has experienced delays in scheduling or rescheduling application support center (ASC) appointments to collect biometrics. Current processing times are affected by several variables including demand and capacity at individual ASCs. The information below may help you understand what to expect with your biometrics appointment. Safely Reopening ASCs USCIS temporarily suspended in-person services between March and June to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and ensure employee and applicant safety. As a result, we cancelled approximately 280,000 appointments. USCIS began a phased reopening of our ASCs in July, after we installed protective screens and incorporated proper social distancing measures across 132 sites. Since reopening, there have been sporadic and temporary ASC closures for reasons such as local stay-at-home orders, COVID-19-related cleaning and extreme weather. From July to September, ASCs were operating at below 50 percent of pre-COVID levels. By late October, we increased ASC operations to approximately 65 percent of pre-COVID levels. Current State We are working to safely maximize appointment capacity at ASCs and are also reusing previously collected biometrics to conduct background and security checks when authorized by law. Based on capacity limitations unique to each ASC, we have not yet rescheduled all cancelled appointments. USCIS is scheduling approximately 10,400 appointments per day. Approximately 1.3 million applications are awaiting biometrics appointments as of mid-December. Applicants should continue to wait for an ASC appointment notice or a Form I-797, Notice of Action, from USCIS indicating that their previously collected biometrics may be reused. Priority of ASC Appointments Biometrics appointments are scheduled based on the prioritization of benefit types, considering adjudication capacity and processing times. Within a benefit type, USCIS generally schedules appointments on a first-in, first-out basis. The wait time for appointments will vary geographically, based on capacity and varying demand at individual ASC locations. Biometrics Reuse USCIS is authorized to reuse biometrics under limited circumstances, and usually where we must verify an individual’s identity and the case is otherwise ready to adjudicate. If USCIS will reuse biometrics for a pending application, we will mail a Form I-797 notice to the applicant stating that we will be reusing the applicant’s biometrics and that the applicant is not required to appear at an ASC. Not all applications meet the requirements for biometrics reuse. Walk-ins Because of our COVID facility constraints, we cannot process walk-ins for biometrics collection except for military applicants and their family members when the principal applicant is scheduled for an appointment. Before visiting any USCIS facility, check the USCIS Office Closings webpage for the current operating status. For more information about USCIS ASCs, visit our ASC information webpage. Please use our online tools for help in managing your application and to track the status of your case. If you have questions that are not addressed in your appointment notice, you may connect with the USCIS Contact Center. USCIS Application Support Centers Updates https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/USDHSCISINVITE/2020/12/29/file_attachments/1635668/ASC%20Updates.pdf  Dec 31, 2020 USCIS Application Support Centers Updates https://youtu.be/50HbACj-j74 Dec 13, 2020 What's happening with USCIS Biometrics Appointments? https://youtu.be/sqgdBXfkV_w  Dec 21, 2020 BIOMETRICS Plus USCIS TOOLS: Case Status, Case Inquiry, & Processing Times https://youtu.be/BN1sGQjx1tw  More links: USCIS Office Closings  https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/uscis-office-closings  USCIS Application Support Centers https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-guidance/preparing-for-your-biometric-services-appointment  USCIS Tools https://www.uscis.gov/tools   Check Your Case Status https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do  USCIS Contact Center. https://www.uscis.gov/contactcenter 

Ahmed Khan is a Silicon Valley entrepreneur who is practicing for his naturalization interview this week.  We included extra civics and dictation practice.  Let's get started! 

Hung went to his interview in Santa Ana, CA. Before the interview began, they gave him an iPad. The officer then went to another office, took off his mask, and talked to Hung via the iPad. Hung was able to see and hear the officer clearly. Also Hung answered questions in Vietnamese in a separate video. Videos Hung Do talks about his U.S. Citizenship Interview (English) https://youtu.be/T_IaF6qTuiA Hùng Đỗ nói về cuộc Phỏng vấn Quốc tịch Hoa Kỳ của mình. https://youtu.be/yhJAVhusDGQ  

USCIS has revised the civics portion of the naturalization test. All applicants for naturalization with a filing date on or after Dec. 1, 2020, will be required to take the 2020 version of the civics test. For more information, visit The 2020 Version of the Civics Test page. Applicants for naturalization with a filing date before Dec. 1, 2020, are required to take the 2008 version of the civics test. With the 2020 version of the civics test, the USCIS officer will ask you to answer 20 out of the 128 civics test questions. You must answer at least 12 questions correctly to pass the 2020 version of the civics test. All questions on the test are asked orally. There are no changes to the English portion of the naturalization civics test. You must demonstrate an understanding of the English language, including the ability to read, write, and speak basic English. Video: https://youtu.be/k6qzt1AcxEE https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship-resource-center/the-2020-version-of-the-civics-test/128-civics-questions-and-answers-2020-version

All Saints and Day of the Dead are part of a 3-day festival that remembers the lives of those who passed before us. We honor the following list of Americans who passed before us: Jan 24 Pete Stark, member of the U.S. House of Representatives (1973–2013). Feb 23 Ahmaud Arbery, jogger, shot. Feb 24 Katherine Johnson, NASA mathematician, Mar 2 Charles Trimble, Native American advocate. Mar 13 Barbara Harris, American Episcopal prelate. Mar 13 Breonna Taylor, African-American woman and EMT. Apr 9 Phyllis Lyon, American gay rights activist. Apr 16 Jane Dee Hull, Governor of Arizona (1997–2003). May 6 Carlos Ernesto Escobar Mejía, Salvadoran-born American immigrant, COVID-19. May 25 George Floyd, American police detainee. July 17 John Lewis and C. T. Vivian, American civil rights leaders Sept 18 Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court   Citizenship Quiz for All Saints and Day of the Dead 2020 video: https://youtu.be/enB6QoyU16c pdf: http://bit.ly/2020-dotd Citizenship Quiz for All Saints and Day of the Dead 2019 listen: http://traffic.libsyn.com/uscitizenpod/citz-day-of-the-dead-2019.mp3  read: http://traffic.libsyn.com/uscitizenpod/citz-day-of-the-dead-2019.pdf watch: https://youtu.be/T7suXxNUFME Citizenship Quiz for All Saints and Day of the Dead 2018 listen: http://traffic.libsyn.com/uscitizenpod/citz-day-of-the-dead-2018.mp3 read: http://traffic.libsyn.com/uscitizenpod/citz-day-of-the-dead-2018.pdf watch: https://youtu.be/8keZs7fjIDc Citizenship Quiz for All Saints and Day of the Dead 2017 listen: http://traffic.libsyn.com/uscitizenpod/citz-day-of-the-dead-2017.mp3 read: http://traffic.libsyn.com/uscitizenpod/citz-day-of-the-dead-2017.pdf watch: https://youtu.be/ihsW_9GiO3Q Citizenship Quiz for All Saints and Day of the Dead 2016 listen: http://traffic.libsyn.com/uscitizenpod/day-of-the-dead-2016.mp3 read: http://traffic.libsyn.com/uscitizenpod/citz-day-of-the-dead-2016.pdf A Citizenship Quiz for All Saints Day Podcast 2015 listen: http://traffic.libsyn.com/uscitizenpod/citz-all-saints.mp3 read: http://traffic.libsyn.com/uscitizenpod/citz-all-saints.pdf Citizenship Quiz for Day of the Dead Podcast 2015 read: http://traffic.libsyn.com/uscitizenpod/citz-day-of-the-dead.mp3 listen: http://traffic.libsyn.com/uscitizenpod/citz-day-of-the-dead.pdf Also see: I am the American Way https://youtu.be/26Y2MXPUo7s 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 Dead Honored in Various Ways https://youtu.be/f3cRohj2vEA

Dr. Hernandez describes how her student found time to study for and pass her Citizenship interview. Super quick review of some Part 12 Vocabulary plus many interview tips! A mother with a newborn reports back about her Citizenship Interview video: https://youtu.be/b3bD3QxSIlE Una madre con un recién nacido informa sobre su entrevista de ciudadanía video: https://youtu.be/JYM5mJs7F-8 Examples of Dr. Hernandez's worksheets: What's happening with the USCIS Openings? Week 4 video: https://bit.ly/uscis-week-04 worksheet: https://bit.ly/ez-n400-part12 What's happening with the USCIS Openings? Week 6 video: https://bit.ly/uscis-week-06 worksheet: https://bit.ly/uscis-week-06-x U.S. Citizenship Prep Activities 1: Part 12 Vocabulary Bingo video: https://youtu.be/qOU4BGdOQ-8 To join Dr. Patricia Hernandez's class Contact: Adult Education Center (AEC) 2510 Lincoln Boulevard - Room 203 Santa Monica, California 90405 Telephone: 310-664-6222 Fax: 310-664-6220 Online Registration https://smmusd.asapconnected.com/  

Teacher Patricia Hernandez and Teacher Jennifer Gagliardi talk about getting organized for your U.S. Citizenship Interview. These tips are for everyone, especially those whose eligibility is based on marriage to a U.S. citizen. We also talk about recent immigration news, encourage everyone to complete their Census, and advocate for alternative funding for USCIS. UPDATED VISA INFO IN SHOW NOTES! You can watch this podcast on YouTube https://youtu.be/LrjLoMZle9A ---- USCIS responds to a judge's order to stop the increase of the citizenship fee from $725 to $1170 on October 2. CNN reported Tuesday night that a Federal judge blocked attempt to hike naturalization fees by 80%. The fee hike was supposed to go up on Oct.2. See the details at https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/29/politics/naturalization-fees-judge/index.html USCIS Response to Preliminary Injunction of Fee Rule https://www.uscis.gov/news/news-releases/uscis-response-to-preliminary-injunction-of-fee-rule Judge Blocks Trump’s Ban on Foreign Workers https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/01/us/foreign-workers-visas-h-1b-trump.html Trump Virtually Cuts Off Refugees as He Unleashes a Tirade on Immigrants https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/01/us/politics/trump-refugees.html NPR: Hansi Lo Wang Hansi Lo Wang (he/him) is a national correspondent for NPR based in New York City. He reports on the people, power and money behind the 2020 census. https://www.npr.org/people/177498291/hansi-lo-wang   VISA AND GREEN CARD UPDATES! Here is a link to the October Visa Bulletin https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2021/visa-bulletin-for-october-2020.html Adjustment of Status Filing Charts from the Visa Bulletin https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/visa-availability-priority-dates/adjustment-of-status-filing-charts-from-the-visa-bulletin Visa Appointment Wait Times https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/wait-times.html Websites of U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions https://www.usembassy.gov/ October Visa Bulletin: Significant Changes for #Indian and #Chinese Nationals Immigration Nerds Podcast Erickson Immigration Group's Managing Director, Hiba Anver joins. Skilled Indian workers make up roughly 75% of the employment-based green card backlog, a category that only accepts up to 7% of applicants from each country. Today, the number of total green cards issued each year is limited to 140,000. There's currently over 700,000 Indian workers waiting in a line now that is likely to stretch for decades. This discussion addresses how Octobers bulletin may effect this particular cohort, and others like them. #EB2 #India #EB3 #H1B # China #India #visa #USCIS #fees Listen to this #podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hiba-anver-october-visa-bulletin-significant-changes/id1400312981?i=1000493401079 I am not a lawyer. I cannot answer any questions about this info. Please contact: List of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers | EOIR | Department of Justice https://bit.ly/cit-lawyer  

USCIS responds to a judge's order to stop the increase of the citizenship fee from $725 to $1170 on October 2. CNN reported Tuesday night that a Federal judge blocked attempt to hike naturalization fees by 80%. The fee hike was supposed to go up on Oct.2. See the details at https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/29/politics/naturalization-fees-judge/index.html USCIS Response to Preliminary Injunction of Fee Rule https://www.uscis.gov/news/news-releases/uscis-response-to-preliminary-injunction-of-fee-rule WASHINGTON-U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Deputy Director of Policy Joseph Edlow issued the following statement in response to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California issuing a nationwide preliminary injunction enjoining fee increases for citizenship and other immigration benefits. “This unfortunate decision leaves USCIS underfunded by millions of dollars each business day the fee rule is enjoined. Unlike most government agencies, USCIS is fee funded. As required by federal law, USCIS conducted a comprehensive biennial fee review and determined that current fees do not recover the cost of providing adjudication and naturalization services. This is nothing new or abnormal. In fact, the fee rule is two years behind schedule, and is a smaller percentage increase than the previous. In a fee-funded agency such as USCIS, this increase is necessary to continue operations in any long-term, meaningful way to ensure cost recovery. This decision barring USCIS from enacting its mandatory fee increase is unprecedented and harmful to the American people.” TRASLATION VIA GOOGLE TRANSLATE: Respuesta de USCIS a la regla de orden judicial preliminar Fecha de lanzamiento 30/09/2020 WASHINGTON-EE. UU. El Director Adjunto de Política de los Servicios de Ciudadanía e Inmigración, Joseph Edlow, emitió la siguiente declaración en respuesta a que el Tribunal de Distrito de los EE. UU. Para el Distrito Norte de California emitió una orden judicial preliminar a nivel nacional que ordena aumentos de tarifas para la ciudadanía y otros beneficios de inmigración. “Esta desafortunada decisión deja al USCIS sin fondos suficientes en millones de dólares cada día hábil que se impone la regla de tarifas. A diferencia de la mayoría de las agencias gubernamentales, USCIS se financia mediante tarifas. Como lo requiere la ley federal, el USCIS llevó a cabo una revisión de tarifas bienal integral y determinó que las tarifas actuales no recuperan el costo de brindar servicios de adjudicación y naturalización. Esto no es nada nuevo ni anormal. De hecho, la regla de las tarifas tiene un retraso de dos años y es un aumento porcentual menor que el anterior. En una agencia financiada con tarifas como USCIS, este aumento es necesario para continuar las operaciones de cualquier manera significativa a largo plazo para garantizar la recuperación de costos. Esta decisión que prohíbe al USCIS promulgar su aumento de tarifas obligatorio no tiene precedentes y es perjudicial para el pueblo estadounidense ”. Para obtener más información sobre USCIS y sus programas, visite uscis.gov o síganos en Twitter (@uscis), Instagram (/ uscis), YouTube (/ uscis), Facebook (/ uscis) y LinkedIn (/ uscis).Respuesta de USCIS a la regla de orden judicial preliminar Fecha de lanzamiento 30/09/2020 WASHINGTON-EE. UU. El Director Adjunto de Política de los Servicios de Ciudadanía e Inmigración, Joseph Edlow, emitió la siguiente declaración en respuesta a que el Tribunal de Distrito de los EE. UU. Para el Distrito Norte de California emitió una orden judicial preliminar a nivel nacional que ordena aumentos de tarifas para la ciudadanía y otros beneficios de inmigración. “Esta desafortunada decisión deja al USCIS sin fondos suficientes en millones de dólares cada día hábil que se impone la regla de tarifas. A diferencia de la mayoría de las agencias gubernamentales, USCIS se financia mediante tarifas. Como lo requiere la ley federal, el USCIS llevó a cabo una revisión de tarifas bienal integral y determinó que las tarifas actuales no recuperan el costo de brindar servicios de adjudicación y naturalización. Esto no es nada nuevo ni anormal. De hecho, la regla de las tarifas tiene un retraso de dos años y es un aumento porcentual menor que el anterior. En una agencia financiada con tarifas como USCIS, este aumento es necesario para continuar las operaciones de cualquier manera significativa a largo plazo para garantizar la recuperación de costos. Esta decisión que prohíbe al USCIS promulgar su aumento de tarifas obligatorio no tiene precedentes y es perjudicial para el pueblo estadounidense ”. Para obtener más información sobre USCIS y sus programas, visite uscis.gov o síganos en Twitter (@uscis), Instagram (/ uscis), YouTube (/ uscis), Facebook (/ uscis) y LinkedIn (/ uscis).  

Dr. Patricia Hernandez and Teacher Jennifer Gagliardi get together for a practice interview plus interview tips. This video is based on report-backs from recent Citizenship interviews in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Jose. You can watch the zoom video with sub-titles here:

Download the PDF and take the quiz: Twenty-seven N-400 & Civics Qs for US Constitution & Citizenship Week https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/uscitizenpod/Const-Week-Quiz-2015.pdf Then listen to Teacher Jennifer's comments. Citizenship Resources for Constitution Day and Citizenship Week are available at http://www.uscitizenpod.com/2020/09/citizenship-resources-for-constitution.html

Good News from USCIS! News Alert Aug 25, 2020 No furlough!   https://www.cbsnews.com/news/uscis-abandons-furloughs-13000-employees-us-immigration-system/ Biometrics fee included in new N-400 fee Oct 2: https://s3.amazonaws.com/public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2020-16389.pdf pg 277 No New DACA Applications (This is bad news, but we think this will change soon because the Supreme Court ruled in favor of potential DACA applicants) https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/uscis-implements-dhs-guidance-on-daca Plus make a plan to vote early by mail or drop it off at your County Registrar of Voters!

The new fee structure, unveiled by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), is expected to take effect October 2. The cost of online naturalization applications is increasing from $640 to $1,160. There will also be a $50 fee for asylum-seekers. USCIS Adjusts Fees to Help Meet Operational Needs https://www.uscis.gov/news/news-releases/uscis-adjusts-fees-to-help-meet-operational-needs Increase in US Immigration Fees Announced https://www.voanews.com/usa/immigration/increase-us-immigration-fees-announced 

Dr. Patricia Hernandez and Jennifer Gagliardi discuss 20 basic USCIS N-400 Part 12 vocabulary terms. Includes a quiz, an exploration of the new USCIS.gov website, news about the Furlough, and so much more! What's happening with the USCIS Openings? Week 7 Video with audio (1 hour!) https://bit.ly/uscis-week-7 Video with slides only, no audio (9 min) (Posted 7/26/2020) https://bit.ly/uscis-week-07-no 2020-07-25 Agenda 1. N-400 Part 12 Picture Vocabulary and Definition Quiz a. Overview of the Revised N-400 Part 12 https://bit.ly/n400-p12-interview-intro b. Intro to the N-400 Part 12 Quiz Picture Vocabulary https://bit.ly/n400-p12-interview-intro c. Intro to the N-400 Part 12 Quiz https://bit.ly/n400-p12-quiz-intro 2. USCIS website update a. https://www.uscis.gov/ b. uscitizenpod video about update: https://bit.ly/new-uscis-gov 3. TEACHER ALERT: USCIS Citizenship Resource Center a. https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship b. USCIS Lesson plans have moved! https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/resources-for-educational-programs/educational-products-for-educators-and-program-administrators c. Teachers: update your links to USCIS lesson plans! 4. USCIS ASC Re-openings and Furlough a. ASC re-openings: https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/uscis-office-closings b. 7/23 USCIS Furlough Update from Rep. Peter Welch https://bit.ly/rep-welch-uscis c. 7/24 Senator Leahy announce that USCIS is postponing USCIS furloughs of 13,00 civil servants d. Call Congress & the White House to fully fund USCIS!  

Dr. Patricia Hernandez and Jennifer Gagliardi start with a shortened USCIS N-400 interview which focuses on difficult Part 12 vocabulary. 07/18/2020 Agenda: Practice Interview Don’t just say NO! 7 simple definitions for some new Vocabulary New Citizenship Resource: Voices of Freedom ebook USCIS San Jose Webinar (and more info about USCIS outreach) More info about immigration scams Migration Policy Institute Webinar Good News! DACA and ICE Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) announcement What's happening with the USCIS Openings? Week 6 Video with audio (40 min +) https://bit.ly/uscis-week-06  Video with slides only, no audio (4 min) https://bit.ly/uscis-week-06-no Seven Part 12 simple definitions https://bit.ly/uscis-week-06-x  Watch video: https://bit.ly/uscis-week-04  worksheet: https://bit.ly/ez-n400-part12  N-400 Part 12 playlist (16 videos) https://bit.ly/n400-part12  Voices of Freedom Digital Book and Audio http://buymylab.com/accesscode/?page_id=1806   Upcoming Local Engagements https://www.uscis.gov/outreach/upcoming-local-engagements  Good Info about Scams: FTC.gov Fotonovelos ftc.gov: Notario scams (English) https://bit.ly/ftc-notario-scams  ftc.gov: Estafas de Notario (Spanish) https://bit.ly/ftc-notario-estafa  More Info: uscitizenpod’s US scams playlist https://bit.ly/USscams  07/16 Migration Policy Institute Webinar A Rockier Road to U.S. Citizenship? Findings of a Survey on Changing Naturalization Procedures https://www.migrationpolicy.org/research/changing-uscis-naturalization-procedures  A Bumpy Path to U.S. Citizenship: A Survey of Changing USCIS Practices (video) https://www.migrationpolicy.org/events/bumpy-path-us-citizenship-survey-changing-uscis-practices 

Dr. Patricia Hernandez and Jennifer Gagliardi talk very briefly about video comments and then move on to a practice USCIS N-400 interview and much more. 07/11/2020 Agenda: 1. Quick Comments and Request 2. Practice Interview 3. New Citizenship Resources--(Sorry, we skipped it. See below) 4. 2020 Calendar—before and after COVID-19 5. USCIS Webinar Seattle plus Migration Policy Institute Webinar 6. Immigration news headlines 7. ICE Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) announcement and our response This podcast is almost 50 minutes! Here is the video with closed caption: https://bit.ly/uscis-week-05  Here is the video with slides only, no audio: (3.5 minutes) https://bit.ly/uscis-week-05-no  Google slides https://bit.ly/uscis-week-05-gslides  Podcast: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/uscitizenpod/2020-07-11.mp3  New Citizenship Resources Voices of Freedom Digital Book and Audio http://buymylab.com/accesscode/?page_id=1806%C2%A0  05/06/2020 COABE webinar: Resources for Online Citizenship Classes google slides: https://bit.ly/2020-coabe-cit  (UPDATED) 07/06/2020 COABE: Hit the Deck Running: 2020 Census, Civics, and Citizenship google slides: https://bit.ly/2020-coabe-3cs  News You Can Use PBS: The American Experience: The Vote video/website: https://bit.ly/wom-vote  VOANews: New US Citizens Sworn In at Los Angeles Drive Through video: https://bit.ly/oath-drivethru  NPR: How The Pandemic Will Affect This Year's Election video: https://bit.ly/pan-vote  NPR: The Long, Perilous Route Thousands Of Indians Have Risked For A Shot At Life In U.S. read/listen: https://bit.ly/indian-migrants  NYTimes: How ICE Helped Spread the Coronavirus | Coronavirus News video: https://bit.ly/ICE-covid  NPR: Foreign Journalists Working For U.S. Government Broadcasters (VOANews) May Lose Visas Read/listen: https://bit.ly/voa-jvisas  VOA Learning English: Who Is Affected by the US Visa Ban? read/listen: https://bit.ly/visas-ban-2020  VOA Learning English: New Rules: Foreign Students Must Leave US if Classes Go Online read/listen: https://bit.ly/online-go-home 

Dr. Patricia Hernandez and Jennifer Gagliardi talk very briefly about USCIS Outreach events and then move on to simple definitions to complex USCIS N-400 Part 12 vocabulary. Download Dr. Hernandez's USCIS N-400 Part 12 worksheet, watch the video, and write in the N-400 vocabulary. Watch video: https://bit.ly/uscis-week-04 worksheet: https://bit.ly/ez-n400-part12 Upcoming National Engagements USCIS holds a variety of external stakeholder events in which we share information and obtain feedback on USCIS programs and policies. https://www.uscis.gov/outreach/upcoming-national-engagements Upcoming Local Engagements Community Relations Officers build collaborative relationships with local stakeholders in many ways, including regular meetings, special sessions with specific and targeted agendas, educational presentations, email dissemination of communications materials, and phone conversations. https://www.uscis.gov/outreach/upcoming-local-engagement  

Dr Hernandez and I talk about the good news and bad news from USCIS June 18-26: DACA victory, Visa bans, Civics Pilot, SF/SJ re-opening, possible new procedures, impending furlough, participating in democracy, DC statehood and more! What's happening with the USCIS Openings? Week 3 The video with full audio is about 40 minutes long. Watch it at https://bit.ly/uscis-week-03 QUICK TAKE: USCIS Openings Week 3 Video with slides only, no audio. 10 seconds per slide, approximately 3.5 minutes https://bit.ly/uscis-week-03x One big concern: a possible USCIS furlough in August. This can greatly delay naturalization and immigration petitions. Please contact Congress to fully fund USCIS! Write or say this message: I SUPPORT THE FULL FUNDING OF USCIS Example of the address: Honorable Lucille Roybal-Allard Chairwoman, Homeland Security Subcommittee House Appropriations Committee 2006 Rayburn House Office Bldg Washington, DC 20515 More information about who to contact about USCIS funding: House Committee on Appropriations Homeland Security subcommittee 2006 Rayburn House Office Building (202) 225-5834 https://appropriations.house.gov/subcommittees/homeland-security-116th-congress Committee Membership: Lucille Roybal-Allard, Chairwoman Henry Cuellar Dutch Ruppersberger David E. Price Debbie Wasserman Schultz Grace Meng Chuck Fleischmann, Ranking Member John Rutherford Dan Newhouse Steven Palazzo Pete Aguilar You can also direct postal correspondence to your representatives as follows: The Honorable (Name) U.S. House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 (202) 224-3121 http://clerk.house.gov/member_info/

Dr Hernandez and I talk about the June 18 USCIS Webinar. We summarize and comment on USCIS info about case backlog priorities, Oath Ceremonies, requirements to enter USCIS facilities, citizenship interviews, fingerprint appointments, translators, and much more! One big concern: a possible USCIS furlough in August. Please contact the White House and Congress to fully fund USCIS! The President 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500 Comments: 202-456-1111 https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ You can also direct postal correspondence to your senator as follows: The Honorable (Name) United States Senate Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-3121 https://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm You can also direct postal correspondence to your representatives as follows: The Honorable (Name) U.S. House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 (202) 224-3121 http://clerk.house.gov/member_info/ Watch Dr Hernandez's interviews here: What's happening with the USCIS Openings? Week 2 video https://youtu.be/-3AQ_5udfek  What's happening with the USCIS Openings? Week 1 https://youtu.be/MdVzv5Ei43Y Travel Questions during the USCIS Interview with Dr Patricia Hernandez https://youtu.be/a10VzAppCFo Preguntas de Viaje durante la Entrevista de USCIS con Dr Patricia Hernandez https://youtu.be/p4Ninazqln0

Dr Hernandez and I compare notes about what is happening in Los Angeles and Northern Californian USCIS office re-opening. We talk about Oath Ceremonies, citizenship interviews, office openings and closings, fee increase (no date yet), travel, summer citizenship classes via zoom (email uscitizenpod@gmail.com), and much more! Video of this zoom call with closed captions: https://youtu.be/MdVzv5Ei43Y Watch Dr Hernandez's two earlier interviews here: Travel Questions during the USCIS Interview with Dr Patricia Hernandez https://youtu.be/a10VzAppCFo Preguntas de Viaje durante la Entrevista de USCIS con Dr Patricia Hernandez https://youtu.be/p4Ninazqln0

video: USCIS Offices Preparing to Reopen on June 4   USCIS: USCIS Offices Preparing to Reopen on June 4 https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/uscis-offices-preparing-reopen-june-4   On March 18, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services temporarily suspended in-person services at its field offices, asylum offices, and application support centers (ASCs) to help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). USCIS is readying offices to reopen on or after June 4. Employees in these offices are continuing to perform mission-essential services that do not require face-to-face contact with the public while the offices are closed.   While offices are temporarily closed, USCIS will continue to provide limited emergency in-person services. Please call the USCIS Contact Center for assistance with emergency services.   USCIS field offices will send notices to applicants and petitioners with scheduled appointments and naturalization ceremonies impacted by the extended temporary closure. USCIS asylum offices will send interview cancellation notices and automatically reschedule asylum interviews. When the interview is rescheduled, asylum applicants will receive a new interview notice with the new time, date and location of the interview. When USCIS again resumes operations for in-person services, USCIS will automatically reschedule ASC appointments due to the temporary office closure. Individuals will receive a new appointment letter in the mail. Those who had InfoPass or other appointments must reschedule through the USCIS Contact Center once field offices are open to the public again. Please check to see if the respective office has been reopened before calling the Contact Center.   Please also visit https://www.uscis.gov/coronavirus for updates. For the latest information on the status of an office, visit https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/uscis-office-closings   Oficinas de USCIS se Preparan para Reabrir el 4 de Junio https://www.uscis.gov/es/noticias/alertas/oficinas-de-uscis-se-preparan-para-reabrir-el-4-de-junio   El 18 de marzo, el Servicio de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de Estados Unidos suspendió temporalmente los servicios en persona en sus oficinas locales, oficinas de asilo y centros de asistencia en solicitudes (ASC, por sus siglas en inglés) para ayudar a frenar la propagación del coronavirus (COVID-19). USCIS está en el proceso de preparar las oficinas para su reapertura en o después del 4 de junio. El equipo de trabajo de USCIS continúa brindando servicios esenciales para la misión, que no requieren contacto en persona con el público mientras las oficinas permanecen cerradas.   Mientras las oficinas estén cerradas temporalmente, USCIS continuará los servicios en persona en limitadas situaciones de emergencia. Por favor, llame al Centro de Contacto de USCIS para asistencia con los servicios de emergencia.   Las oficinas locales de USCIS enviarán notificaciones a los solicitantes y peticionarios con citas y ceremonias de naturalización programadas afectadas por el cierre temporal extendido. Las oficinas de asilo de USCIS enviarán notificaciones de cancelación y reprogramarán entrevistas de asilo automáticamente. Cuando se reprograme una entrevista, los solicitantes de asilo recibirán una nueva notificación de entrevista con una nueva hora, fecha, y lugar de la entrevista. Cuando USCIS reanude las operaciones para servicios en persona, UCIS reprogramará automáticamente las citas en el ASC debido al cierre temporal de la oficina. Las personas recibirán una nueva Notificación de Cita por correo postal. Las personas que tenían una cita InfoPass u otras citas, deben reprogramar su cita a través del Centro de Contacto de USCIS cuando abran nuevamente las oficinas al público. Por favor verifique si la oficina respectiva ya ha sido abierta antes de llamar al Centro de Contacto de USCIS.   También, por favor visite https://www.uscis.gov/es/coronavirus para actualizaciones. Para la información actualizada sobre el estatus de oficinas, visite https://www.uscis.gov/es/estatus-oficinas

Our seventh daily Citizenship lesson features: a. the B-2 Citizenship interview b. USCIS 100:58, 100:64 (European colonists, Thanksgiving) For all the links, please go to: U.S. Citizenship 07, COVID-19 Break, Milpitas Adult School http://www.uscitizenpod.com/2020/03/us-citizenship-07-covid-19-break.html Daily U.S.Citizenship Lessons 07 summary video https://youtu.be/B2uPd_j4qBQ N-400 Easy Interview Interview B-2 Entrevista B-2 Civics si.edu: Preparing the Oath: Pilgrims / European Immigrants (requires flash) USCIS 100:58, 100:64 English transcript Spanish transcript USCIS: Lesson Plans Thanksgiving 1, 2, 3 (beginning)  Early America pdf (intermediate) ELCivics.com  ELCivics.com: Thanksgiving ELCivics.com: The 13 Original Colonies ELCivics.com: American Indian Tribes LearningChocolate.com  U.S. Citizenship 15: Mayflower U.S, Citizenship 15a: Thanksgiving U.S. Citizenship 5: American Indian Tribes    Integration Colonial Quiz Citizenship Quiz B-2 (added 04/05/2020) Extra Credit: Native American Tribes Puzzle pdf Thanksgiving Video Citizenship Resources for Thanksgiving (November) A US Citizenship Quiz about the History of Thanksgiving video / mp3 / pdf Thanksgiving N-400 Interview (2016) pdf and mp3 

Our sixth daily Citizenship lesson features: a. the B-1 Citizenship interview b. USCIS 100:59, 100:87 (Native Americans) For all the links, please go to: U.S. Citizenship 06, COVID-19 Break, Milpitas Adult School http://www.uscitizenpod.com/2020/03/us-citizenship-06-covid-19-break.html A video summary is available at https://youtu.be/w7idHmunGOw  

Our fifth daily Citizenship lesson features: a. the A-5 Citizenship interview b. a grammar tip about your Permanent Residence Card c. N-400 and Civics quiz (geography and symbols) d. a reading and dictation sentence e. All of the above! For all the links, please go to: U.S. Citizenship 05, COVID-19 Break, Milpitas Adult School http://www.uscitizenpod.com/2020/03/us-citizenship-05-covid-19-break.html uscitizenpod: Daily U.S.Citizenship Lessons 05(video summary) N-400 Beginning Interview Interview A-5 Entrevista A-5 Civics The Star Spangled Banner! On March 3, 1931, President Herbert Hoover signed a congressional resolution officially making “The Star Spangled Banner” the national anthem of the United States of America.  Now, we celebrate National Anthem Day on March 3! A Spanish Version of The Star-Spangled Banner: Nuestro Himno (Our Anthem) Arlington County: Special US Naturalization - Arlington VA Deaf Performance of the Star Spangled Banner by Mayari Loza minute 8:56 to 10:31 (video) EL Civics: The Nation Anthem (for beginners) ListenandReadAlong: The Star Spangled Banner Presented by the United States Air Force Band NIEonline: Star Spangled Banner mini-page si.edu: The Star-Spangled Banner - National Museum of American History Star Spangled Music and their YouTube channel features diverse performances of the National Anthem--wonderful! WFMT: Chicago Violist Plays National Anthem at Her Own Naturalization Ceremony VOANews: Celebrating America in Song  

Our fourth daily Citizenship lesson features: a. the A-4 Citizenship interview b. USCIS 100:99-100 (Symbols part 2) For all the links, please go to: U.S. Citizenship 04, COVID-19 Break, Milpitas Adult School http://www.uscitizenpod.com/2020/03/us-citizenship-04-covid-19-break.html The summary video for this lesson is available on the uscitizenpod YouTube channel as uscitizenpod: Daily U.S.Citizenship Lessons 04 USCIS: Response to COVID-19: Closures, Cancellations, and Rescheduling 03/17/2020 (video)In order to protect the public and the USCIS workforce, USCIS has issued a series of guidelines related to in-person services. N-400 Beginning Interview Interview A-4 Entrevista A-4 Civics si.edu: Preparing the Oath: Symbols and Holidays (requires flash) English transcript Spanish transcript USCIS: Symbol (intermediate) lesson plan / student pdf    Integration N-400 Easy Interview and more USCIS Geography and Symbols   Extra Credit: VOANews: Celebrating America in Song  Americans celebrate the Fourth of July with family gatherings, parades, speeches and fireworks. They also celebrate with patriotic music | American Mosaic | LISTEN VOA Learning English Quiz: CELEBRATING AMERICA  

Our third daily Citizenship lesson features: a. the A-3 Citizenship interview b. USCIS 100:88-90 (Symbols part 1) For all the links, please go to: U.S. Citizenship 02, COVID-19 Break, Milpitas Adult School http://www.uscitizenpod.com/2020/03/us-citizenship-03-covid-19-break.html The summary video for this lesson is available on the uscitizenpod YouTube channel as Daily U.S.Citizenship Lessons 03 https://youtu.be/3atpN7XQRag    uscitizenpod: USCIS: Response to COVID-19: Closures, Cancellations, and Rescheduling 03/17/2020 In order to protect the public and the USCIS workforce, USCIS has issued a series of guidelines related to in-person services. N-400 Beginning Interview Interview A-3 Entrevista A-3 Other resources for the Beginning Interview LearningChocolate.com http://goo.gl/pSIIZF PPTX http://goo.gl/BeFXUD Video http://goo.gl/OzkLxC Kahoot.it http://goo.gl/N7FHco Civics si.edu: Preparing the Oath: Symbols and Holidays (requires flash) English transcript Spanish transcript USCIS: Symbol (beginning) lesson plan / student pdf  Learning Chocolate (literacy/beginners vocabulary) U.S. Citizenship 02: Federal Holidays U.S. Citizenship 30: Symbols   Integration N-400 Easy Interview and USCIS Geography and Symbols

Our second daily Citizenship lesson features: a. the A-1 Citizenship interview b. USCIS 100:88-90 (Geography part 1) For all the links, please go to: U.S. Citizenship 02, COVID-19 Break, Milpitas Adult School http://www.uscitizenpod.com/2020/03/us-citizenship-02-covid-19-break.html The summary video for this lesson is available on the uscitizenpod YouTube channel as Daily U.S.Citizenship Lessons 02 https://youtu.be/WPkB7ZlQqLo   N-400 Beginning Interview Interview A-2 Entrevista A-2 Other resources for the Beginning Interview LearningChocolate.com http://goo.gl/pSIIZF PPTX http://goo.gl/BeFXUD Video http://goo.gl/OzkLxC Kahoot.it http://goo.gl/N7FHco Civics si.edu: Preparing the Oath: Geography (requires flash) English transcript Spanish transcript USCIS: Geography (Intermediate) lesson plan / student pdf  Integration Geography Quiz N-400 Beginning Interview Quiz Two Citizenship Questions for St Patrick's Day A Citizenship Quiz in Honor of St Patrick's Day and Irish-American Heritage Month http://goo.gl/l9aCOV 

Milpitas Adult School, like many schools, is closed until April 3 (and may be even longer). During the next three weeks (or perhaps longer), I will post daily Citizenship lessons available from public sources. This lesson was originally posted as U.S. Citizenship 01, COVID-19 Break, Milpitas Adult School at http://www.uscitizenpod.com/2020/03/us-citizenship-01-covid-19-break.html and video summary appears on uscitizenpod's YouTube channel as Daily U.S. Citizenship Lesson 01 https://youtu.be/CxdBbzsjrno USCIS: Lessons Plans si.edu: Preparing the Oath (list of links) (transcript of videos) uscitizenpod: Mix-and-Match U.S. Citizenship Interviews and Quizzes uscitizenpod: Mezclar y Combinar Entrevistas y Exámencitos de Ciudadanía uscitizenpod: Thirty N-400 Section Practice Interviews Based on the USCIS Application for Naturalization uscitizenpod: N-400 pdfs MilpitasChat: ESL COVID-19 Resources YouTube: uscitzenpod channel new: Shape the Future: Filing Out the 2020 Census new: Thuan Thi Dieu Vo's Practice U.S. Citizenship Interview If you need more focused or class-based practice, go to USALearns.org Citizenship course. If you have any further questions or concerns, please email me at jgagliar@musd.org Preparing for Naturalization Kahoot http://goo.gl/8f6myD LearningChocolate Part 1 http://goo.gl/IY39S1 LearningChocolate Part 2 http://goo.gl/CHYgue PPTX http://goo.gl/p6kNWH Quiz based on Video transcript http://bit.ly/1xosSkj Video http://bit.ly/usnatzvideo N-400 Beginning Interview Interview A-1 Entrevista A-1 Other resources for the Beginning Interview LearningChocolate.com http://goo.gl/pSIIZF PPTX http://goo.gl/BeFXUD Video http://goo.gl/OzkLxC Kahoot.it http://goo.gl/N7FHco Civics si.edu: Preparing the Oath: Geography (requires flash) English transcript Spanish transcript USCIS: Geography (Beginning) lesson plan / student pdf  Please note: I usually give the civics quiz the next day.  Tomorrow I will use the Geography quiz from Mix-and-Match or  Mezclar y Combinar Integration Naturalization Picture Vocabulary Quiz http://goo.gl/w86kWi Beginning Interview Picture Vocabulary Quiz http://goo.gl/TXQhuX

This is also available as a video: USCIS Temporary Office Closure Extended Until At Least May 3 https://youtu.be/8vu-vT48DMc On March 18, to protect our workforce and to help mitigate the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in our communities, USCIS temporarily suspended all routine face-to-face services with applicants at all of our offices, including all interviews and naturalization ceremonies. The temporary suspension is extended through May 3, and USCIS offices will begin to re-open on May 4 unless the public closures are extended further. This includes interviews, naturalization ceremonies and biometric collection appointments. However, we will continue to provide emergency services during this time. If you have an emergency service request, please contact the USCIS Contact Center. Employees in these offices are continuing to perform mission-essential services that do not require face-to-face contact with the public. USCIS field offices will send notices to applicants and petitioners with scheduled appointments impacted by the temporary public closure. We will also send notices to naturalization applicants scheduled for naturalization ceremonies. We will reschedule all applicants when USCIS resumes normal operations. USCIS asylum offices will send interview cancellation notices and automatically reschedule asylum interviews. When the interview is rescheduled, asylum applicants will receive a new interview notice with the new time, date and location of the interview.  USCIS will also automatically reschedule application support center appointments due to the temporary office closure. Those impacted will receive a new appointment letter in the mail. Individuals who had InfoPass or other appointments at the field office must reschedule through the USCIS Contact Center once field offices are open to the public again. Please check to see if the office in your jurisdiction has been reopened before reaching out to the USCIS Contact Center. Additionally, USCIS is postponing all in-person public engagement and outreach events for the duration of the temporary office closure. Please contact public.engagement@uscis.dhs.gov if you have an immediate engagement question during this time. Education and precautions are the strongest tools against infection. Get the latest facts by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s COVID-19 website. Continue to practice good health habits, refrain from handshakes or hugs as greetings, and clean hands and surfaces appropriately. USCIS will provide further updates as the situation develops and will continue to follow CDC guidance in response to this situation. Please visit uscis.gov/coronavirus for updates.  Kind regards, Public Engagement Division U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

ALERT: As of March 18, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has suspended routine in-person services until at least April 1 to help slow the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). USCIS staff will continue to perform duties that do not involve contact with the public. However, USCIS will provide emergency services for limited situations. To schedule an emergency appointment contact the USCIS Contact Center. Visit CoronaVirus.gov for a complete list of CDC travel health notices. Learn about the Department of Homeland Security’s response.