“It is also important remember that this court and the courts of our nation are here to preserve and protect your rights as Americans to freely and openly think and believe as you wish,” Judge Mark W. Bennett of the Northern District of Iowa told the newly sworn in American citizens during the naturalization ceremony on Friday.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services field office director for Guam and the CNMI Walter L. Haith moved for the approval of the petitions from the new citizens, originally from Switzerland, the Philippines, China, Taiwan and South Korea.
Of the 21 candidates, 17 showed up, together with their families.
In his prerecorded message, President Obama said: “With the privileges of citizenship there will come great responsibilities so I ask that you use your freedoms and your talents to contribute to the good of our nation and the world. Always remember that in America, no dream is impossible.”
One of the new American citizens, Rosario Esparas Palacios, who has been in the CNMI since 1981, advised people “to be patient” in pursuing their “American dream.”
In his message after administering the oath, Bennett said: “I want to remind you that what you solemnly renounced in that oath is allegiance to the government of another land. You did not renounce, nor should you ever renounce, the devotion you carry in your hearts for your native land, its people and culture. I hope that you will preserve that always.”
Bennett said for over 200 years, America “has been blessed with a constant infusion of new people from all over the world who brought their languages, their heritage, their culture and their values with them. Today it is you who so bless all of us.”
He added: “You may hear voices in this land say that there is only one true American set of values, only one true American morality. Do not believe it. As an American, you may openly hold beliefs and values and adhere to a moral code greatly different from those of others — even if those of others are shared by many and yours are shared by few. Simply stated, there is no single American way to think or believe. Indeed, conformity of thought and belief would be contrary to the underlying principles of this great nation.”
