Us Citizenship Podcast

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-answer

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 a

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://

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, USC

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-p

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.usci

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

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 H

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:/

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 intervi

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: