NJ Superior Court ceremony for 23 immigrants held at town hall
Wednesday, May 10, 2017 • The Hammonton Gazette • Page 3
CITIZEN, from Page 1
(Vicinage 1).
Families of the candidates for
citizenship, ranging from nations
such as Vietnam, Ghana, Egypt
and Uganda, filled the chamber
pews as the ceremony—a celebra-
tion of Law Day—began with a
rendition of the national anthem
by the Hammonton High School
Select Choir, directed by Marissa
Carrafiello, and a presentation of
colors by the Honor Guard of the
Atlantic County Sheriff’s Depart-
ment.
Presiding at the special session
of the Superior Court was Supe-
rior Court Assignment Judge Julio
Mendez, who himself is a Cuban
immigrant.
“I don’t have to imagine what it
means for each of you, what it
means for your families, because I
am too a proud, naturalized citizen
of this great country. I know today
is one of the most important days
call an advisor
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Director Marissa Carrafiello (front left) and the Hammonton High School Select Choir attended and performed at
a naturalization ceremony at town hall on May 3, welcoming 23 new citizens from 16 different countries.
of your lives, as it was for me and candidates to love and learn more mer country because the country
continues to be for me every sin- about their country but to not lose and the culture you are from shape
gle day,” Mendez said.
touch of their ethnic heritages.
who you are today,” Chen said.
Another immigrant who partic-
“Remember the 100 questions
After the motion to naturalize
ipated in the ceremony was Ya- that you memorized to pass the the candidates was made by NJ
Mei Chen, Director of the Mount test ... that is the beginning of your USCIS Mount Laurel supervisory
Laurel office of New Jersey learning about your new country. immigration services officer Keith
United States Citizenship and Im- And I would like to encourage you Dorr and granted by Mendez, two
migration Services (NJ USCIS), a to continue to learn the culture and groups were sworn in with the nat-
branch of the Department of heritage of your new country, but uralization oath by retired Supe-
Homeland Security. In her open- don’t forget where you’re from, rior Court Judge Michael Donio,
ing remarks, Chen encouraged the don’t forget your soon-to-be for-
See OATH, Page 12
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