The Lehigh County Courthouse Court Room 2A was abuzz Aug. 21.

Families, friends and supporters were getting ready to witness 44 individuals from around the world become new American citizens in the naturalization ceremony.

The Honorable Anna-Kristie M. Marks served as presiding judge for the event.

U.S. Immigration Services Officer Gillian Kosinski made a motion for the admission of the new citizens. The admission of applicants to United States citizenship followed.

The 44 individuals came from different countries including Afghanistan, Canada, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Guyana, Haiti, India, Israel, Jamaica, Kenya, Paraguay, Tanzania and Vietnam.

They stood in unison to recite the Oath of Allegiance.

Marks addressed the applicants explaining that “every corner of the world is covered here” in this room. She added “we all have different skin tones, features and clothes. Different accents. Different items in our homes. Different smells, cuisines, herbs. Different experiences.”

Marks explained U.S. citizens have freedom of religion to practice the religion of their choice as well as maintain their own choice of politics.

Marks mentioned U.S. citizens also can raise their children safely.

“Despite all of these differences,” Marks noted,”we are all here for the same purpose. We are united for a common purpose. We pledge allegiance to the United States of America. This is your new country. It is the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

Marks shared her personal journey of coming from the Dominican Republic and experiencing this same process as the applicants have undergone preparing for citizenship.

She shared her father came from Cuba and “became a citizen just like you. This is what this country is made of. This is a country of immigrants.”

Marks encouraged the new citizens to take advantage of all this new country offers them.

“This is a country of opportunity,” she said. “Dream it, believe it, achieve it,” she encouraged the new citizens.

Marks said she took advantage of the opportunities and now sits before those assembled serving as a judge.

She told the new citizens to “contribute to this country.” All citizens have rights, but they also have responsibilities. She told them they have to pay taxes but they also have the obligation to serve on a jury and to vote.

Marks encouraged them to “actively participate in this country and its future.”

She congratulated them and welcomed them as new citizens to the United States. Everyone in the audience stood –– some with smiles and some shed tears as they recited the Pledge of Allegiance together for the first time as official American citizens.

Marks announced each new citizen’s name to come forward. Family members were invited to take pictures and some even escorted their loved ones through the reception line.

Each new citizen received a citizenship certificate provided by Michelle Graupner, Lehigh County Clerk of Judicial Records. Ann Wertman and V.F.W. Services Officer W. Victor Madeja provided each new citizen with an American flag sponsored by the Allentown Flag Day Association.

Nell Sokalski and Trudi Egan represented the League of Women Voters and provided each new citizen with citizenship guides and voter registration packets. They urged the new citizens to vote.

The Liberty Bell Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution provided each new citizen with an American flag lapel pin. Many of the new citizens placed the pin over their heart right away for all to see. Representatives for U. S. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie, R-7th and State Sen. Jarrett Coleman, R-16th, offered each new citizen a certificate of achievement. Information packets were included from the Refugee Community Program. All of the items and information were placed in tote bags provided by the PA Society of Sons of the Revolution.

For many the journey had been long. Joseph Laurent of Haiti was one of the older applicants but his family was thrilled he is finally a U.S. citizen. His family walked with him through the reception line.

For others, the distance was also a long one. Grace Kamene Hollomon came from Kenya and Krishna Gaurang Patel came from India. Both women worked extremely hard to arrive at this moment and exuded pride as they earned this citizenship.

Formerly of the Dominican Republic, Marielin Luna Paulino, of Allentown, said she had been excited and smiling all day waiting for this moment. Her supporters Johnathan Flores, of New Jersey and Denise Acosta, of the Dominican Republic, were proud of her for becoming a U.S. citizen. They had brought her favorite yellow roses and congratulatory balloons for the occasion. Her smile stretched from ear to ear throughout the ceremony.

One citizen was so thrilled to earn his new citizenship that he waved his American flag as he greeted the representatives at each station in the receiving line.

Also, when Ivelisse Cuevas’ name was called, her husband joyfully accompanied her to receive her certificate and waved the American flag yelling and smiling, “I love America!”

Marks encouraged family members and their children to be a part of the recognition for their loved one. Children posed for pictures with their family members to capture this special moment.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Marks once again congratulated the new citizens and the courtroom erupted in cheers and clapping. American flags waved in the air. Families remained behind to take group pictures while others moved on to family celebrations.

The 44 new citizens appeared ready to become a part of the fabric of this great nation.

Naturalization ceremonies take place every three months. The next ceremony is scheduled Nov. 18.