ON Dec. 16, 2024, the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands held a naturalization ceremony at which twenty candidates from four countries were granted their applications for naturalization and were officially welcomed as the country’s newest U.S. citizens. The event was presided over by Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona and took place at the United States Courthouse in Saipan, attended by family, friends, and court officials.
In celebration of CNMI Constitution Day, former Gov. Benigno R. Fitial served as the distinguished guest speaker at the ceremony, sharing inspiring remarks that highlighted the importance of U.S. citizenship and the history of the CNMI leaders’ efforts to ensure the naturalization of residents born in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
In his speech, Governor Fitial reflected on a pivotal piece of legislation from his time in office as a lawmaker. He recalled the introduction of House Bill 14-97, which he co-sponsored during his tenure as Speaker of the 14th CNMI Legislature. This legislation was enacted into law on May 27, 2004, and it allowed for the naturalization of residents born in the CNMI, addressing the issue of stateless children born to non-citizen parents, many of whom were contract workers in the CNMI.
“More than 20 years ago, there were over 300 stateless children born to non-citizen parents in the CNMI,” Fitial said. “These individuals were born on U.S. soil but lacked a place to call home due to their parents’ non-resident status. It did not seem right that they should be denied citizenship. Every individual deserves to be naturalized by the land of their birth, regardless of their parents’ status.”
The former governor also praised the support of individuals like Danny Buniag and the NMI Filipino Association, who helped him meet with U.S. Justice Department officials in Washington, D.C., to secure assistance for more than 300 stateless CNMI-born individuals to become U.S. citizens. His advocacy ultimately contributed to a historic change in the lives of many. Fitial concluded his speech by extending heartfelt congratulations to the new citizens. “Welcome home,” he said, sharing in the pride and joy of the newly naturalized individuals.
The ceremony was a momentous occasion for the twenty applicants who hailed from Bangladesh, Czech Republic, the Philippines, and Russia, and who took the Oath of Allegiance in front of their loved ones and court officials, affirming their commitment to the United States. The youngest of the group is 36 years old, with the oldest at 76 years old. Another applicant, Jimmy Tindoc, was recognized as the longest resident of the CNMI prior to becoming a U.S. citizen having arrived in 1983. This group brings the total number of naturalized citizens for the year to 213.
The new citizens are Wrene May De Sagun Alegre, Ray Aldus Sadian Alejandre, Janet Padernal Babauta, Arvin Quito Bacani, Rodylyn Morales Bacani, Khodeza Begum, Jane Anne Gonzales Craney, Sarka Glajchova, Martin Jambor, Virginia Francisco Kintz, Wilfredo Rusit Labadan, Christopher Rufin Lilles, Evelyn Enrico Lopez, Ronaldo Caparas Lopez, Faith Carla Abais Mitchell, Desolie Siganay Ribut, Marlou Aranda Salamat, Emily Sabangan Santos, Jimmy Reyes Tindoc, and Anna Yushkova.
