TWENTY-ONE individuals became U.S. citizens after they were sworn in at a naturalization ceremony in federal court on Tuesday, Jan. 17.
Patricia Phelan, U.S. Citizenship and Immigrations Services officer, made the motion in court to accept the applicants as new citizens.
Presiding over the special session, Magistrate Judge Heather Kennedy granted the motion and welcomed the new U.S. citizens to the American family.
They are Rommel Tomas Angulo, Pinina Bote Cambronero, Azgar Ali Chokider, Consuelo Relano Cruz, John Samuel Darag, Rolando Gracia Dela Cruz, Viviene Dispo Dela Cruz, Angel Nino Talaue Deray, Rosalito Velasco Estoque, Ronalyn Bautista Ferrer, Renato Lagapa Iglesias, Yolly Miclat Laborce, Bello Alidon Lumintegar, Bernarda Sabugo Monteclaro, Marilou Bruegas Ortega, Loida Fuentebella Pak, Jose Carlos Sula, Josefino Duenas Cruz, Irene Alegre Valencia, Ramona Espinoza Valencia, and Rogelio Manzano Valencia.
Dr. Beylun Solomon, associate professor of Northern Marianas College’s School of Education- Rehabilitation and Human Services, was the guest speaker.
Becoming a U.S. citizen is an opportunity, Solomon said in her remarks.
“This opportunity comes with the responsibility of giving back to the country that has given you so much,” she added. “You are now a part of the fabric of a nation of immigrants that have achieved great things. You have a responsibility to be an active citizen. This means you need to take part in this great democracy, and believe me democracy is hard. It means you must listen to and respect opinions, beliefs and customs that may differ widely from yours. That is what makes America so beautiful. The diversity from having so many perspectives in one nation,” Solomon added.
The new U.S. citizens sworn in on Jan. 17 at the federal courthouse pose for a photo with Magistrate Judge Heather Kennedy of the District Court for the NMI, Patricia Phelan, U.S. Citizenship and Immigrations Services officer, and Dr. Beylun Solomon, associate professor of Northern Marianas College.
