CNMI sees 20 new naturalized citizens

The CNMI saw 20 new naturalized U.S. citizens following a swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. District Court for the NMI.

In celebration of Veteran’s Day last Nov. 11, the District Court for the NMI held a special naturalization ceremony where 20 new U.S. citizens were sworn in.

The newly naturalized citizens are Tamara Natalia Adel, Candylen Rocomora Camu, Japie Alcorcon Cruz, Felisa Balingit Guevarra, Reagime Rufino Jensen, Mountain Ho Joon Joo, Sung Chul Kim, Patricia Apolonio Magallano, Bryan Ulysses Estrella Manabat, Josephine Hilario Orcia, Belinda Esguerra Palma, Leticia Felipa Gaffud Pantaleon, Sarah Jane Umayam Piteg, Antonio Paras Racelis, Glenda Lizada Racelis, Md Mamunur Rahman, Elsie Grace Narbarte Ringor, Ziqiang Song, Edgar Cunanan Tuazon, and Maria Cristina Tuazon.

In celebration of Veteran’s Day, the guest speaker during the naturalization ceremony was Rear Adm. Brent DeVore who expressed how remarkable the commitment is to be naturalized.

“Your journey is a story of courage, determination, and resilience. The commitment you are making today is especially remarkable, because here in Saipan, we are thousands of miles away from the nearest coast of the continental United States. It goes to show that our American values ring true and inspire people to seek democracy all around the world. This is the first day of a new chapter in your lives, but you bring with you a vast array of experiences that have shaped who you are today. And now, in taking the oath, you join millions of naturalized citizens who also chose America, and have contributed to our nation’s incredible diversity through sharing their traditions, languages, and perspectives. I hope you do the same,” he said.

DeVore expressed that naturalization is just the beginning.

“Today, you mark the start of your American Dream and that can truly be anything you want it to be. For some of you, the American Dream might be starting a little later in life, and that’s okay. It is especially inspiring to see that American citizenship is worth the wait,” he said.

“As you embark on this new chapter of your lives, I hope you recognize that being an American means more than just a passport. As an American you represent our nation, and the values we hold dear—freedom, justice, and liberty for all. I am confident that you will carry the torch of freedom high, knowing that your future is yours to shape. Being part of your ceremony is humbling and makes me truly proud to be an American. Thank you again, for allowing me to be part of this special day,” DeVore added.