110 people from 34 different countries embrace their new U.S. citizenship

‘Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness’ – This is an American promise that 110 more people now get to hold close to their hearts as American citizens.

With a quick oath and the pledge of allegiance, months or even years, of work come to a close. These people are officially Americans.

Carmen Fulmer Rawls met her now husband while visiting the U.S.A from Mexico. They got married, started a family – and she fell in love with her life here.

“I miss my country, but I love the U.S.,” Rawls said. “I love both countries, but my family is here now. God is moving me here for a reason. I love the U.S. too.”

Like many at the ceremony, Rawls is overwhelmed with emotion to know she’s made it and can start living the American dream.

“I’m feeling… appreciative,” Rawls said. “Thank you, God, for this time. I’m feeling… I’m feeling good. I’m excited to have finished the process.”

Biloxi High School students were able to witness the naturalization at the request of Magistrate Judge Robert Myers.

Myers says these people’s joy serves as a reminder to be appreciative.

“Sometimes we take these rights and privileges for granted, and these individuals, these new citizens, they don’t,” Myers said. “They fought to be here. They invested their time and effort to be here and made sacrifices. So, watching them and how happy they are, how moving it is, it reminds me how lucky I am. It should remind all of us how lucky we are to live in America.”

Congratulations to all these new citizens and their families.