72 new Americans receive citizenship at Independence Day ceremony in Portsmouth

Small American flags and freshly signed paperwork in hand, 72 new Americans participated in a naturalization ceremony Monday on the grounds of the Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth.

“We’re all People,” Chief Choose Landya McCafferty of the U.S. District Courtroom in New Hampshire informed the brand new residents. “Collectively we stand as one folks outlined not by blood or race or tribe or wealth, however by the actual fact of citizenship.”

The July 4 ceremony has been held commonly for twenty years however was placed on pause in the course of the pandemic.

The brand new People characterize 32 nations. Two folks from Ukraine acquired loud, sustained applause in the course of the occasion.

“I really feel super proper now,” mentioned Prince Nyemah, a Manchester resident born in Liberia. “Large, it’s a nice feeling. As we speak is a blessing. My pals are right here, I’m excited. I’m trying ahead to the long run.”

New Hampshire Supreme Courtroom Justice James Basset informed the viewers the nation continues to have its challenges, however “over time, with the onerous work of each American, now together with all of you, we’ll change into the extra excellent union promised within the preamble of the USA Structure.”

U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and Congressman Chris Pappas additionally have been available to welcome the brand new residents.