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News Bytes & US Holidays

US HOLIDAY: THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving or Thanksgiving Day is presently celebrated in the USA on the fourth Thursday in November (26. November 2009). This holiday is celebrated since 1941. Most Americans celebrate that day by gathering at home with family or friends for a holiday feast. In the United States, certain food is traditionally served at Thanksgiving meals. Firstly, baked or roasted turkey is usually the featured item on any Thanksgiving table. Furthermore, stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, sweet potatoes, cranberry cause sweet corn, other fall vegetables and pumpkin pie are served together with the turkey. As an alternative to turkey, many vegetarians or vegans eat "tofurky", a meatless turkey made of tofu.

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CITIZENSHIP THROUGH NATURALIZATION

Deciding to become a U.S. citizen is one of the most imporant decision in an individual's live. If you decide to do so, you will be showing your commitment to the United States and your loyality to its Constitution. In return, you will receive the rights and privileges that are part of the U.S. citizenship.

Since October 1st, 2009, there is a new test of naturalization. All people who apply for the U.S. citizenship have to take the test, and they have to succeed.

Green card holders of the age 18 or older who meet the eligibility requirements for naturalization have to submit a Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. For more information please have a look at the official website of the USCIS.

Most applicants are required to take the test on Englisch, and U.S. history and government. If you want to practise, you can do that online. Just click here for more information.

OBAMA TO LIFT HIV/AIDS TRAVEL BAN

President Obama recently announced that he will lift the 22-year-old ban on entry into the United States for people infected with HIV/AIDS. The new law will most likely come into force, starting next year 2010.

"We talk about reducing the stigma of this disease, yet we've treated a visitor living with it as a threat," Obama said at the White House. "If we want to be the global leader in combatting HIV/AIDS, we need to act like it." (Source CNN). By changing that law, Obama wants to encourge people to get tested and - if the testing turns out to be positive - to get treatment.

Starting in 2010, people who are infected with HIV/AIDS will no longer be prevented from entering the United States and will no longer be forced to hide their condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 1 million people in the United States have HIV.

For more information have a look at the official webpage of CNN.