RONALD and Maria Lea Coloma, a Filipino couple who have been residing in the CNMI for more than 30 years, told Variety that it was their dream to become U.S. citizens.
On Monday, they were among the 26 individuals who were sworn in as new U.S. citizens during a naturalization ceremony at the District Court for the NMI.
“I feel great, now I can vote and can have more job opportunities,” Mrs. Coloma said.
Her husband said they will register to vote.
Another newly sworn in U.S. citizen, Jocelyn Alarcon Corpuz, said, “I have been waiting for a long time to become a U.S. citizen. I’m very grateful.” She has been residing in the CNMI for 30 years now.
The other new Americans are Relly Ann Santos Ada, Jeneta Ciruelos Arceo, John Evangelista Arceo, Franklin Nobleza Bernardio, Imelda Acosta Bernardo, Catherine Ferrer Blas, Herminia Cadarin Campollo, Rodalyn Veloso Casipe, Feliciano Surig Combista, Renato Guimbaolibot Cotin, Ana Marie Ladringan Cristobal, Jordan Despasiladeras Danao, Tessa Lumantao Donahue, Carla Marina Salonga Laguisma, Aurelia Becina Melchor, Emmanuel Castro Parian, Teodolfo Bernabe Pascual, Noelle Macario-Reyes, Jo Mendiola Rivera, Shaina Lopez Solomon, Myrna Yumul Tabuena, Jittaphong Trakulchang, and Tian Wang Zhuang.
Thea Juaneza, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officer, made the motion in court to accept the applicants as new citizens. Presiding over the special court session, Magistrate Judge Heather Kennedy granted the motion of the immigration officer.
U.S. Army 9th Mission Support Command, Family Readiness Support Assistant James Kennedy Weilbacher DLG Benjamin was the guest speaker at the naturalization ceremony.
In his remarks, Benjamin noted the importance of active participation in the community as Americans who are proud of their cultural heritage.
“Be a law-abiding citizen, be a contributing member of our society. Be engaged in our community, volunteer for your children’s sports teams, attend town hall meetings, vote in every election,” he said.
“Don’t ever deny your own cultural heritage, be proud of it.”
Twenty-six new U.S. citizens were sworn in during a naturalization ceremony at the District Court for the NMI on May 19, 2025. Also in the photo are Magistrate Judge Heather Kennedy; the guest speaker, U.S. Army 9th Mission Support Command, Family Readiness Support Assistant James Kennedy Weilbacher DLG Benjamin; and USCIS Officer Thea Juaneza.
Photo By Bryan Manabat
Recently sworn in U.S. citizens Ronald and Maria Lea Coloma with their three daughters pose for Variety on Monday
Photo by Bryan Manabat
