17 Dec 2024
A Quick Review of the Bill of Rights and the N-400 (2024) Part 9 plus Civics Questions
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.
