29 take oath as new US citizens

The new U.S. citizens have their picture taken with U.S. District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona, who presided over the naturalization ceremony yesterday at the U.S. District Court for the NMI, Immigration Services officer Shelia Kelty, and Chalan Kanoa Bishop Ryan Jimenez, who was the guest speaker at the ceremony. (Ferdie De La Torre)

Chun Lam Ng Wu, 57, worked in the CNMI for 30 years. In that time, not once did he return to his homeland, China, even for a short vacation.

That self-sacrifice finally bore fruit for Wu, who was one of 29 individuals who were sworn in yesterday as new U.S. citizens.

“I am very happy,” said Wu, who own the Suntinday store in Chalan Kanoa with his wife.

Wu first arrived in the CNMI in 1981 from Guangdong, China, where he worked as a carpenter. His wife followed him to the island in 1986, and worked as a restaurant waitress.

The couple has two children who were born on Saipan. Their 27-year-old son, who is now in Guam, petitioned Wu to become a U.S. citizen. Their 21-year-old daughter is studying biology at the University of California and is here for a two-week vacation.

Wu’s wife is also awaiting her citizenship.

Jin Han Cody, 40, said she is excited.

“I can now vote!” the beaming Cody said.

Cody, who is from Jilin, China, first arrived in 1997 on Saipan, working at a restaurant. She then enrolled at the Northern Marianas College, where she took up nursing. As a registered nurse, she worked at the Commonwealth Health Center for eight years.

She is married to attorney Jerry Cody, who is a Labor administrative hearing officer. The couple has a 2-month-old baby.

Wu and Cody were among the 29 persons who took their oaths as new U.S. citizens in a naturalization ceremony yesterday at the U.S. District Court for the NMI.

U.S. District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona presided over the ceremony. The new citizens are mostly from the Philippines and the rest are from Canada, China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

Immigration Services officer Shelia Kelty moved to accept the 29 candidates as new U.S. citizens.

Chalan Kanoa Bishop Ryan Jimenez, who was sworn in as a U.S. citizen just last July 3, served as the guest speaker at the ceremony.

Jimenez said that looking back at his personal journey to become a U.S. citizen, three things come to mind: gratitude, values, and right to vote.

On gratitude, Jimenez said he feels blessed for the past 22 years that he has been a part of this community in the CNMI that he considers home.

On values, Jimenez said new U.S. citizens must not forget where they come from and how they have been accepted into this community.

“Having been welcomed to the American family, may we not only project a welcoming spirit to others but also act with genuine respect for others,” he said.

On the right to vote, Jimenez urged the new citizens to exercise that right.

Jimenez said a little over two weeks after he received his U.S. passport, he immediately registered with the Commonwealth Election Commission in Susupe. As a U.S. citizen, he said is it important to participate in elections.

“Our votes are our voices. Use it to decide leaders and issues that will shape our community and our lives. It is important that your voice in the electoral process is heard,” he said.

“Be grateful, keep your values, and exercise your rights,” he added.

Aside from Wu and Cody, the other new citizens are April Gonzales Alfonso, Qian Wu Cabrera, Cristina Sacramento Dela Cruz, Dennis Diesta Drew, Myrna Ilustre Duenas, Anna Liza A. Guancia, Wing Tang Huang, Kyung Ja Kim, Kyu Yeon Kim, Eun Sun Yoo Lee, Jong Ho Lee, Eden Drice Limes, Marilyn Dejumo Manalo, Jingky M. Marcelo, and Feofaaki McMahon.

The other new citizens are Mel Jean A. Mendoza, Jaime Espino Pascual, Nympha Dig Sharts, Joy Yusingco Silva, Nora P. Stewart, Ma. Amelita T. Tadios, Amor Silva Taitingfong, Ramiro H. Trinidad, Roger Aurellano Vales, Celia Lao Vales, Jocylyn M. Villagomez, and Jaime Salen Zulueta.