They are Elmira Hermosa Damian, Eun Mi Lee Deleon Guerrero, Richard Doctor Francisco, Chyrel Albuen Javier, Lucy Yunyuan Lu Pangelinan, Ae Suk Doh Sablan and Dirk Hendrik Sikkel.
Manglona joined the new citizens in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag and gave brief remarks while President Obama congratulated them through a video presentation.
Starting as a maintenance staffer 16 years ago and now a boat captain for Amigo Aquatic Sports, Francisco shared his experience of following the long process from being an immediate relative, acquiring a green card, and eventually becoming a U.S. citizen.
Francisco also called on foreign nationals in the commonwealth who are advocating for an improved status to exercise patience and to go through the immigration process.
Saipan Southern High School students of We The People class, who are studying the U.S. Constitution, also witnessed the naturalization ceremony, the second administered by Manglona since she became chief judge for the NMI federal court two months ago.
