Twenty new U.S. citizens were sworn in during a naturalization ceremony at the District Court for the NMI on Monday. Also in photo are Magistrate Judge Heather Kennedy, former Education Commissioner Dr. Rita A. Sablan, and USCIS Officer Christine Cepeda.
TWENTY new U.S. citizens were sworn in at a naturalization ceremony at the District Court for the NMI on Monday.
Christine Cepeda, U.S. Citizenship and Immigrations Services officer, made a 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 and welcomed the new U.S. citizens to the American family.
The new U.S. citizens are Zenaida Alota Abendan, Janica Centeno Ada, Emelita Baladad Babauta, Manuel Dela Cruz Bernal, Vilma Francisco Bernal, Leonardo Macabulos Caacbay, Manuel Garangganao Cabaluna, Gregoria Mendoza Canilao, Kwai Shing Patrick Chan, Lorna San Mateo Chan, Hongtai Chen, Rolando Padilla Dacumos, Baltazar Dizon De Leon, Virgie Limos Manglona, Salvador Sumat Marquez, Rodel Olan Matundan, Jeffric Christian Dimaano Mendoza, Mercedes Caridad Narciso, Sombat Innoi Shankweiler, and Renante Agot Tadtad.
Former Education Commissioner Dr. Rita A. Sablan was the guest speaker.
“Today is your day, a special day, as you begin your journey as a member of the American family,” she said.
“Today you entered this building because of your desire to become a U.S. citizen. The desire for opportunities of what America has to offer, and the desire to work and function in a democratic society. Your journey into being a naturalized citizen comes at a time of need, a time when our country needs all its citizens to come together for a great cause. A time of making a positive impact on your community,” she said.
“Do something and be there to help your fellow Americans…. [This is] a time when your voices matter the most in the future of your country, and to accomplish this…register to vote, and let your voices be heard though the democratic process…. Get to know your elected officials,” she added.
“I remember my very last year in college, and the NMI was preparing to elect its first governor. It was my first political lesson. My dad told me to register to make sure that I voted…. As a college student there was a lot of things in my mind. It was quite a task, but I made my voice count,” Sablan said.
“Practice the democratic ideals by registering to vote and be the voice now and in the future…. Contribute back to your country. You have a lot of skills and talents to build a strong and great America for now and the future. Be a part of the solution and engage in your community’s initiatives both in the public and private sectors. Volunteer to make things happen in your community. Offer and give solutions to make our country a better place to live in each day,” she added.
Sablan then shared this quotation from President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address in 1961: “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.”
Sablan added, “Ladies and gentlemen, may you chart a path that will help you fulfill the American dream.”
