Rise in Immigrant Population Affecting US Elections

  Between 1990 and 2000, immigration to the United States increased greatly. The immigrant population increased by 11.3 million to 31.1 million in that decade, according to U.S. Census data. Many children born to those immigrants are now or will be 18 – the age Americans are eligible to vote. Any child born in the United States is a U.S. citizens, even if their parent is not in the country legally. They can vote when they reach 18, according to the U.S. Constitution. The effect of that wave of immigration in the United States is significant. For one, more immigrants will be able to vote in 2016 than previous U.S. presidential elections. For another, how immigration policy will be shaped is central to the 2016 presidential race. Front-running Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has focused his campaign on harsh speeches about immigrants. He proposes building a wall along the U.S.-Mexican border to keep illegal immigrants out. He proposes deporting the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants, though he says he would allow many to return. In 2013, close to 47 percent of immigrants (19.3 million) were naturalized U.S. citizens, according to the Migration Policy Institute. The remaining 53 percent (22.1 million) included legal permanent residents, unauthorized immigrants, and legal residents on temporary visas, such as students and temporary workers, the institute says. Vincent Boudreau, dean of the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership at the City College of New York, says Trump has made immigration one of the major issues. Says Boudreau: “In 2012, when American voters in New Hampshire and Iowa were asked about what issues are the most important to them, immigration didn’t make it to on their top five. And now it’s in the top three issues in those states, largely because Donald Trump insisted on putting it there.” The immigration debate is fueled by fear of terrorism, as well. Tashfeen Malik, one of the suspects in the San Bernardino, California, mass shooting last week, entered the United States last year on a special visa for loved ones of U.S. citizens. Malik entered the U.S. on a K-1 visa. It permits foreigners to travel to the United States and marry a U.S. citizen. Malik and her husband, Syed Farook, are accused of killing 14 and injuring 21 at an education center. Farook was born in the United States. They were killed in a shootout with police after they fled the scene. Some members of Congress say the San Bernardino shootings show that the visa program needs review. One of those asking for the review is Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, who ranks second to Trump among Republican presidential candidates in the latest CNN/ORC poll. But the extreme talk about immigration could hurt Republicans in the general election, analysts say.  “Some of our community members may have stayed out of national politics,” says Steve McFarland, coordinator of the Long Island (New York) Civic Engagement Center. “But the tone of this debate has really galvanized a lot of Latinos.” The Hispanic vote is credited with helping push Barack Obama to his second-term win in 2012 over Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney. Ramon Taylor reported on this story for VOANews.com. Bruce Alpert adapted this story for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   undocumented – adj.  not having the official documents that are needed to enter, live in, or work in a country legally eligible – adj. able to be chosen for something significant – adj. large enough to be noticed or have an effect harsh – adj. unpleasant and difficult to accept or experience insist – v. to demand that something happen or that someone do something crackdown – n. a serious attempt to punish people for doing something that is not allowed galvanized – v. to cause people to become so excited or concerned about an issue or idea that they want to do something about it We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or share your views on our Facebook Page.  

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For or Since: What is the Difference?

Have you ever wondered how to talk about an event that began in the past and continues into the present? In English, we often use prepositions to place a noun, pronoun or noun phrase in time. This way, we can communicate the passage of time. One common problem that English learners face is how to use prepositions of time. Two of the most common prepositions of time are for and since. English learners often have difficulties with these two prepositions, because their native languages may use prepositions differently.  Consider the following sentences: I've been travelling for three years. I've been travelling since 2012. Today, you will learn about why you should use for in the first sentence, and since in the second sentence. For In English, we use the preposition for to talk about an amount of time or space. The amount of time could be seconds, minutes, hours, days, months or even years. The amount of time does not need to be exact. You could use for when you are talking about vague periods of time, like "for the weekend", "for ages" or "for a long time. The important point is that for is used to specify a period of time. In English, the basic formula for using for is this: for + a period of time For can be used when talking about the past, present or future. Here are three example sentences that use similar vocabulary, but use different verb tenses. (Past) Last year, I traveled for three weeks. (Present Continuous) I'm travelling for three weeks. (Future) Next year, I will travel for three weeks. Regardless of the verb tense, the preposition for is still followed by a period of time. "For" in popular music You can hear examples of "for + a period of time" in many songs. For example, in the popular movie “Frozen” the character Anna sings, For years I've roamed these empty halls.   You heard the singer say "for years." She says "for" because the word "years" refers to a period of time. The prepositional phrase "for years" tells how long the singer has roamed the empty halls. Since In English, we use since to refer to a point of time. Since can refer to a point after a specific time or event in the past. Or it can refer to a particular point beginning sometime in the past and continuing until the present time. The particular point in time could be anything – last Tuesday, 2008 or midnight, for example. The important point is that since is used with a particular point in time. The basic formula for using since is this: since + a particular point in time. In sentences with since, we usually use perfect tenses. When using since, we normally use present perfect and past perfect tenses in the main clause of the sentence. You wouldn't use since when you are talking about the future, because, by definition, since refers to specific point in the past. Here are two examples in the present perfect tense: It has been raining since 8 a.m. I have been walking since 10 p.m.   "Since" in popular music You can hear the word since in many popular songs. Here is the group "The Temptations" using the preposition since in Since I Lost My Baby Since I lost my baby Since I lost my baby Since I lost my baby. In the song, since is followed by "I lost my baby." This means that the singer lost someone he loves. Because he lost the person he loves at a specific point in time, you use the preposition since. For vs. Since Remember, for is used with a period of time. Since is used to refer to a specific point in time. You can use for and since with similar verb tenses, if you wish. Here are two examples:  I have been walking for five hours. I have been walking since 10 p.m. We have lived here for 20 years. We have lived here since 1985. In the example sentences, both for and since show an event that began in the past and continues into the present. But please remember this: for can be used with other verb tenses, including the future! I hope that you remember this lesson for a long time! For VOA Learning English, I'm Pete Musto, And I'm John Russell. John Russell wrote this story for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. __________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story vague – adj. not clear in meaning : stated in a way that is general and not specific formula – n. a plan or method for doing, making, or achieving something roam – v. to go to different places without having a particular purpose or plan Now it’s your turn. Write a sentence with “for” or “since” and we will give you feedback in the Comments section or our Facebook page. ​

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Planned Parenthood Slaying Suspect Says He Is Guilty

The man accused of killing three people and injuring nine in a shooting in Colorado last month said in court on Wednesday that he is guilty. Police say 57-year-old Robert Dear attacked a Planned Parenthood health care clinic. Planned Parenthood offers family planning, including abortions. In court, Dear called himself a “warrior for babies.” He was charged Wednesday with murder. If he is convicted of the charge, he could be sentenced to death. In court, his lawyer told the judge that Dear is not mentally healthy enough to be tried. Neighbors described Dear as unfriendly. They said he lived alone in an old camping vehicle that did not have electricity or water. I’m Christopher Jones-Cruise.   Kenneth Schwartz wrote this report for VOANews.com. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted the story for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   abortion – n. a medical procedure used to end a pregnancy convict – v. to prove that someone is guilty of a crime in a court of law    

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Children Drown After Boat Packed With Migrants Sinks

Five children are among 11 people who drowned after a migrant boat sank near a Greek island on Wednesday. The Greek coast guard said a wooden boat with about 50 people on board sank after it left Turkey early in the morning. Thirteen people are still missing, but 26 were rescued. The deaths are just the latest in what has turned out to be a dangerous passage between Turkey and the Greek islands in the Aegean Sea this year. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) says more than 900,000 migrants made sea crossings into Europe this year from countries in the Middle East and Africa. Thousands more are trying to make the trip. The IOM reports almost 5,000 migrants were rescued in the first part of December by the Italian coast guard and Navy. The organization says over 21,000 migrants arrived in Greece by sea this month. In total, 3,600 migrants died making journeys from their home countries to Europe this year. On Tuesday, the Associated Press news agency reported six children died after a rubber boat sank shortly after leaving Turkey. I’m ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Dan Friedell.   Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English based on reporting from NBC News and the Associated Press. Kathleen Struck was the editor.   Is there a way to prevent these deaths as people set off for Europe by boat? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section or on our Facebook page.   ________________________________________________________________   Words in This Story migrant - n. someone who moves from one place to another, usually for economic reasons passage – n. a voyage or journey usually on a boat journey - n. a trip

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Nigeria Social Media Bill Criticized

Nigerians protested Tuesday at the National Assembly against a bill they say would punish those who criticize officials and politicians on social media. Critics say the bill attacks free speech and violates the constitution. But Senate leaders say critics do not understand the proposed legislation. Social media and text messaging services like Whatsapp are popular in Nigeria both for communication and for spreading news. Mausi Segun is an expert on Nigeria and works for Human Rights Watch. She said the bill was written to “stifle, and to have a chilling effect on, freedom of speech.” Segun said the bill would give officials the power to fine or jail people who publish an “abusive statement” against organizations or individuals. She said she dislikes another part of the bill that would let officials jail someone who spreads, in the bill’s words, “false information.” People could be sentenced to two to seven years in prison and fined between $10,000 and $25,000. Segun said Nigeria has laws that punish people for publishing information that is wrong. She says the new bill is not necessary. She said lawmakers should be working to deal with the Boko Haram terrorist group, violence and corruption rather than trying to limit free speech. AlJazeera reported that Internet activists, technology experts and rights groups have joined “to call for the withdrawal of (the bill).” They are using the hashtag #NoToSocialMediaBill. Senator Aliyu Sabi is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs. He said many Nigerians misunderstand the intent of the bill. InformationNigeria.com reported he said the bill was written “to protect all individuals and institutions, including journalists and social media users.” He said “the senate is committed to freedom of speech and a fully inclusive and participatory democracy.” Sabi said the Senate “is conscious of its responsibility to the people and will not do anything that will stifle participation and inclusion.” AlJazeera reported the senate president and minority leader support the bill. Japheth Omojuwa writes often on social media and on blogs. He says he does not believe the bill will become law. But he said “if it gets passed, it puts you in a situation where you’re mentally, subconsciously afraid to question those in authority and those in government.” He says if the bill is approved he would leave Nigeria. A senate committee will hold hearings on the bill. Critics and supporters may speak at the hearings. The committee will decide if the full senate should vote on the bill. If the senate approves it, it must also be approved by the House of Representatives and then signed by the president before it can become law. But President Muhammadu Buhari does not appear to support the bill. He is a former military leader who suppressed free speech in the 1980s. In a statement posted on Facebook, his spokesman said the president would not support “any legislation that may be inconsistent with the constitution of Nigeria.”  I’m Christopher Jones-Cruise.   Chris Stein in Nigeria reported on this story for VOANews.com. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted the story for Learning English. He also used reporting by InformationNigeria.com and AlJazeera.com, and information from Human Rights Watch. Kathleen Struck was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   stifle – v. to stop (someone) from doing or expressing something chilling effect – expression the discouragement of the exercise of rights by the threat of legal action intent – n. the thing that you plan to do or achieve; an aim or purpose inclusive – adj. open to everyone; not limited to certain people subconsciously – adv. being affected by what exists in the part of the mind that a person is not aware of inconsistent – adj. not always acting or behaving in the same way    

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American Craft Beer on Tap in Russia

  Russian relations with the United States may be strained, but not when it comes to beer. American-style craft beer is winning over Russian beer drinkers, according to some producers in Russia. Craft beer is defined as a beer produced by a small brewery, using traditional ingredients such as malted barley. Craft brewers also tend to add unusual ingredients -- pumpkin is one -- to produce a distinct flavor. That definition of craft brewing comes from the U.S.-based Brewers Association. “Being an American in the craft beer industry is a good thing because America has a great reputation as far as craft beer goes,” says Dan Madden, president of Dok’n’Dan Brewing, a small Russian brewery. Madden is a former Los Angeles businessman who moved to Moscow seven years ago and opened up his brewery selling craft beers. Madden says: “Everybody wants to know what the American says, or what the American’s ideas are, because it is very interesting to them because of what we have done, you know, for beer over the past 30 years.” Craft Beer sales have grown from hardly registering a decade ago to about 12 percent of total Russian beer sales, according to Journal.Beer, a European-based publication covering the beer industry. “Almost every month new breweries appear, every week new craft beer bars open in Moscow, a lot of new sorts of craft beers appear,” says Anton Pligin, co-owner of Craft Republic, a beer pub in Moscow. Craft beers in Russia are getting favorable reviews. Nick Zaporozsky, art director at the Martdesign Studio in Siberia, says Russians like “very hoppy and bitter” beer. “I think Russia is connected with the whole world and influenced by world trends, such as local food and craft beer,” he tells VOA. “The most popular sorts of craft beers are Indian Pale Ale, American Pale Ale and Russian Imperial Stout.” “Slipp 23” writing on Trip Advisor, praises the “Mutant Disco Indian Pale Ale (IPA)" from Estonia he drank during a visit to the Beergeek Craft Beer Bar & Store in St. Petersburg. “Some great local brews, had one of my favorite white IPAs here. Great spot, go here, grab some brews,” Slipp 23 writes. “And by some, I mean at least five.” Christopher H. on Yelp says he likes the Moscow Brewing Company. “Beer is very good,” he writes. “Atmosphere is awesome, especially when garage door is open. Wish it was a little bigger and served food because I would be there every Saturday afternoon.” The growth of American-style craft beer sales in Russia comes as the relationship between the Russian and U.S. governments remains tense. The government of Vladimir Putin banned imports of products from the United States and European nations last year. Putin said it was in response to U.S.-European sanctions against Russia for deploying troops in Crimea to support its separation from the Ukraine. The U.S. and Russia have clashed over Russia’s support for Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad’s bloody civil war in Syria. I'm Anne Ball. Daniel Schearf reported on this story for VOANews.com. Bruce Alpert adapted this story for Learning English. Kathleen Stuck was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section or share your views on our Facebook Page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   strained -- adj. not friendly traditional – adj. based on a way of thinking, behaving, or doing something that has been used by the people in a particular group, family, society, etc., for a long time ingredients – n. things that are used to make a food, product definition -- n. an explanation of the meaning of a word distinct – adj. noticeably different hoppy – n. full of hops bitter – n.  having a strong and often unpleasant flavor that is the opposite of sweet awesome – adj. causing feelings of fear and wonder reputation – n. the common opinion that people have about someone or something decade – n. a period of 10 years relationship – n. the way in which two or more people, groups, countries, etc., talk to, behave toward, and deal with each other

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Social Media Criticizes Supreme Court Justice for Affirmative Action Comments

  This is What's Trending Today... Antonin Scalia trends after comments on affirmative action The United States Supreme Court on Wednesday heard arguments in an important case on affirmative action at universities. Affirmative action is the practice of improving educational opportunities for members of groups that were not treated fairly in the past because of race, gender or other factors. This case is debating whether race-based affirmative action at universities is legal under the U.S. Constitution. During oral arguments on the case Wednesday, Justice Antonin Scalia questioned the benefit of admitting more African-American students to elite colleges. He went on to say that most black scientists in this country have come “from lesser schools, where they don’t feel that they’re being pushed ahead – in classes that are too – too fast for them.” His comments sent social media into a heated debate. The editor of Essence magazine tweeted: "If I listened to #Scalia I never would have applied to and graduated from 2 Ivy League schools. This level of ignorance is dangerous.” At the same time #Scalia trended on Twitter in the United States, #13thamendment was also a trending topic. The U.S. marked the 150th anniversary of the ratification of the 13th Amendment with a ceremony Wednesday at the Capitol building. The 13th amendment formally abolished slavery. Twitter user sojochick wrote, “ I saw #13thAmendment and Scalia trending and figured Scalia wants to repeal it. Turns out, not that far off.” More Trump comparisons go viral Yesterday, the Philadelphia Daily News compared Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler. Now, British author JK Rowling has compared Trump to her character Voldemort in Harry Potter. She posted on Twitter: “How horrible. Voldemort was nowhere near as bad.” Trump said earlier this week he would ban all Muslims from entering the United States to protect the country from terrorist attacks. American and world leaders have criticized Trump’s statement. Rowling’s post has been retweeted over 180,000 times. An online petition to block Trump from entering the United Kingdom has been signed more than 200,000 times since Tuesday. And a university in Scotland revoked the honorary degree it awarded Trump in 2010. Robert Gordon University posted on Facebook Wednesday that Trump has “made a number of statements that are wholly incompatible” with the university’s values. The Scottish government also stripped Trump from his title as “GlobalScot” ambassador for promoting Scottish business. Trump’s mother was Scottish. After the announcements, ‘Scotland’ trended on Facebook Wednesday. Angela Merkel named TIME’s person of the year TIME magazine announced that German Chancellor Angela Merkel is its 2015 Person of the Year. TIME praised the German leader for her leadership during the Greek debt crisis and the arrival of immigrants from Syria and the Middle East to Europe. ​ Merkel is the first woman in 29 years to earn the Person of the Year title. I'm Kelly Jean Kelly.  ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   benefit - n. a good or helpful result or effect elite - adj. superior to the rest in terms of quality heated - adj. marked by excited or angry feelings ratifaction - n. the official way to confirm something (such as a treaty or agreement) honorary - adj. given as a sign of honor or achievement strip - v. to take (something) away from someone 

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VOA English Newscast: 2100 UTC December 9, 2015

  From Washington, this is VOA News.       I’m Dave DeForest reporting. French officials identify a third attacker: The man died in the terrorist attacks on a Paris concert hall in November. Officials announced Wednesday that the attacker was from Strasbourg. He is believed to have traveled to Syria with a group of young people in late 2013. The suspect's name has not been officially released, but French media are identifying him as Fouad Mohamed-Aggad. U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter testified before the Senate Armed Forces Committee Wednesday and urged Turkey to do more to control its often porous border with Syria. Carter criticized Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states for being, in his words, "preoccupied by the conflict in Yemen" and not paying enough attention to the fight against the Islamic State group.    “The international community, including our allies and partners, has to step up before another attack, like Paris. Carter also said it is time for Russia to, in his words, "focus on the right side of this fight." Western nations have accused Russia of focusing its strikes on Syrian opposition fighters in support of its ally, President Bashar al-Assad -- a charge Russian officials have denied.  The head of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation says the two shooters in last week's California massacre were radicalized before they met online and started discussing jihad and martyrdom about two years ago. FBI Director James Comey told the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday that the two were inspired by foreign terrorist groups. Rwanda is set to vote next week on a constitutional amendment that will allow President Paul Kagame to run for a third term in 2017, and potentially to remain in power until 2034. The referendum is forecast to pass easily. This is VOA News. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This News   concert – n. a public performance of music hall – n. a large room or building testified – v. giving evidence, especially in a court of law porous – adj. easy to pass through preoccupied – v. thinking a lot about or worrying about something paying attention – expression to think about one thing alone focus – v. to direct one’s attention toward something massacre – n. the killing of many people radicalized – v. causing someone or something to become more extreme online – adj. of or related to a computer or the Internet jihad – n. fighting by Muslims to defend or spread their beliefs martyrdom – n. the suffering or death of someone, especially because of his or her religious beliefs inspired – v. making someone want something run – v. to compete for an elected office potentially – adj. possibly; able to become true or real referendum – n. an event in which people vote for or against a measure that deals with a given issue forecast – v. to say that something will happen in the future; to predict   We want to hear from you. Write to us in the comments section.  ​

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December 9, 2015

A look at the best news photos from around the world.

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Chinese Land Purchase Draws Vietnamese Concern

  Local residents are violating Vietnamese law to help Chinese residents buy coastal land facing the South China Sea, says a new report.  The report, by a top official in Vietnam’s central city of Da Nang, is being met with anger throughout the country. Dao Tan Bang, a Communist Party chief in Da Nang, said 71 Vietnamese helped Chinese citizens buy 137 land lots along China Beach. The area is known to Vietnamese as My Khe. The size of the lots was unknown. Local officials consider the area important for security and defense.  Media reports in Vietnam say many Vietnamese citizens worry about China’s territorial claims over the South China Sea. They are also angry about Chinese land purchases and the large number of Chinese workers in the country. Da Nang officials this week expelled 64 Chinese workers, reports said. The government officials said the workers entered the country on tourist visas, but were working on construction of a luxury hotel. The arrests are said to be the first step in a new effort to increase control over the growing migration of Chinese nationals to Da Nang. Last year, China sent ships to rescue its citizens working in Ha Tinh after rioting targeted Chinese businesses and other foreign operations. That followed reports that China had placed an oil rig in disputed waters. Social activist and Da Nang resident Truong Duy Nhat told VOA he has been investigating Chinese land purchases. He said Chinese give money to local Vietnamese to buy real estate. That land is controlled by the Chinese who financed the purchase. Nhat adds that it is hard to prevent such sales.   The VOA Vietnamese Service reported on this story for VOANews.com. Bruce Alpert adapted this story for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. Do you have an opinion about China expansion into Vietnam? Please leave a Comment below or post on our Facebook page, thank you.  _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   construction – n. the act or process of building something luxury – adj. a condition or situation of great comfort, ease, and wealth migration – n. to move from one country or place to live or work in another We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. Or share your views on our Facebook Page.

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Investigators: Shooters Planned California Attack for a Year

Investigators say the husband and wife who killed 14 people in Southern California last week planned the attack for as long as a year. They say Syed Rizwan Farook and his wife Tashfeen Malik practiced shooting at several gun ranges. They got a $28,500 bank loan, knowing they would not repay it, officials say. The two were killed in a shootout with police, and the loan money was for their 6-month-old daughter, officials say. Investigators say Farook and Malik had been radicalized for a long time, but there is no proof of links to a terrorist group. The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation is considering the shooting an act of terrorism.  On Facebook, Malik said she was loyal to a leader of the Islamic State terrorism group. And Farook had communicated with people linked to terror groups. On Monday, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump called for a temporary ban on Muslims entering the United States. His ban included Muslims who are American citizens. He called for a “total and complete shutdown” of Muslims entering the United States “until our country’s representatives can figure out what is going on.” He said many Muslims have expressed what he called “great hatred” for Americans. Suzanna Sherry is a professor at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee. She said the plan is “discrimination on the basis of religion, which is prohibited by the Constitution.” Kevin R. Johnson is the head of the law school at the University of California, Davis. He called the plan hostile to the Constitution. He said it may violate the part of the Constitution that calls for all to receive equal protections. Jonathan Turley is a legal scholar at George Washington University. On his blog, he said Trump’s plan would violate many American and international protections. He told VOA that “instead of being a country that has long defended religious freedom, (the United States) would become the scourge of religious freedom.” Akhil Reed Amar is a professor at Yale University law school. He has written books on the U.S. Constitution. He said “Donald Trump is dividing us along religious lines. That’s un-American.” But not all legal experts believe the plan is unconstitutional. Peter J. Spiro is a professor of immigration and constitutional law at Temple University. He published an opinion column Tuesday in the New York Times newspaper. He wrote that Congress has a lot of power in setting immigration rules. He said “Congress regularly makes rules that would be unacceptable if applied to citizens.” And he noted that the Supreme Court has historically deferred to the decisions of Congress in immigration issues. He said he does not like Trump’s plan, but that does not determine if something is constitutional. If Trump becomes president, he could put the plan in place without congressional approval, Spiro says. President Obama has used this power to ban human rights violators from entering the country, he says. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and other top Republicans criticized Trump’s plan. They want voters to know that the Republican Party does not agree with Trump. However, Republican presidential candidate Senator Ted Cruz told reporters he was happy that Trump was “focusing America’s attention on the need to secure our borders.” He said he disagreed with Trump’s plan. Immigration policy in the United States often treats immigrants as groups. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 blocked Chinese immigrants from entering the United States. The Immigration Act of 1924 created a plan that let more white people from Europe enter the country than people from Asia and Africa. That policy ended in 1965. The U.S. has welcomed Cubans as political refugees, but tried to block Haitians as economic refugees. After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the government placed limits on males, 16 and older, who come from 25 mostly Muslim countries. I’m Christopher Jones-Cruise.   VOA's Carol Guensburg reported on this story from Washington. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted her report for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   range – n. a place where people can practice shooting guns radicalize – v. to cause (someone or something) to become more radical -- especially in politics on the basis of – expression using as a reason for doing something prohibit – v. to order (someone) not to use or do something scourge – n. someone or something that causes a great amount of trouble or suffering defer to – v. to agree to follow (someone else’s decision, a tradition, etc.) focus – v. to cause (something, such as attention) to be directed at something specific (+ on)  

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