Twenty-two new U.S. citizens were sworn in at a special naturalization ceremony held at the District Court for the NMI on Monday.

Presiding over the special court session, Magistrate Judge Heather Kennedy granted the motion of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Officer Brianne Naputi and welcomed the new citizens to the American family.

The new U.S. citizens are Teofila Valdoz Agustin, Chieno Dolon Bathan, Hui Dong Cabrera, Maria Paz Gutierrez Candado, Guillermo Suguitan Colegio III, Luzviminda Isip Colegio, Maria Visitacion Alquetra Dunlop, Nimpha Dandan Erno, Rosella Reyes Javan, Hyun Sook Kim, Alexander Sales Menor, Alexandra Diola Menor, Elmer Lampa Mercader, Estrella Fernandez Nimer, Anna Rose Espiritu Omori, Richelle Delos Santos Pascual, Dilip Jayasanka Ranasinghe Arachchige, Hector Tabtab Sevilla, Elizabeth Viesca Sion, Leonardo Valdez Sion, Edwin Ilasco Soriente, and Wilfredo Respicio Subia.

In her remarks, Judge Kennedy said, “I want to make sure that you feel the love and you understand that you are the future of America.”

“So, we come here to celebrate your resilience, your determination, your achievement. You’re becoming U.S. citizens today…it’s not because of your power, your connections, or your heritage, but because of your commitment,” added the judge.

Among the new citizens, there was one applicant each from China, Korea, and Sri Lanka, with the remainder from the Philippines. (Marianas Variety, but headline rejigged)

• PHOTO: The 22 new U.S. citizens pose for a photo with Magistrate Judge Heather Kennedy and USCIS Officer Brianne Naputi during a naturalization ceremony at the United States Courthouse in Gualo Rao. Photo by Bryan Manabat / Marianas Variety