About 50 North Dakota residents become official citizens

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Friends and family gathered to celebrate one of the biggest steps a person can take, receiving their citizenship.

“We are very happy, it is really an honor because we have been through a lot, we came here as a work visa. And then I was with my husband, and then after a year being here, we had our little one right here. And it is really, really a blessing and a privilege to be an American. America is home,” said Marian Alvaro.

Marian Alvaro is a Medical technologist. With the aid of the hospital she works at, both she and her husband were able to receive a green card, then soon after, apply for citizenship.

“It’s really a dream come true. I was telling my husband that you know, coming here, you know, it’s not so easy, but it’s worth it,” said Alvaro.

One other person who received his citizenship shared that he was very excited to finally receive it and give back to the country.

“I came from a third-world country. I mean, sure, our culture was great. And opportunities they were still there, but like as an immigrant, I just wanted to find something different, you know,” said Adrian Jacob Tejada.

Tejada is currently in the National Guard and said he will be looking at attending college at North Dakota State University to hopefully one day join the Fargo Police.

“Welcome to America. You really just try everything you can and reach for the stars. There’s only one way to really find out because you only live once. Through God and through your country, you might as well try. Try seeing the other end, just enjoy life,” said Jacob Tejada.

Since the start of this year, over 200 people have received their citizenship in Fargo.