Naturalization ceremony in Grand Island celebrates 23 immigrants becoming citizens

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. -- The “American Dream” still lives. 

After a long wait, Maria Isela Murillo Mora is finally a citizen. Her parents came from Mexico. Her dad became a citizen about 10 years ago, but her mom couldn’t.  

Before her mom passed away, Murillo Mora made her a promise that she would become a citizen of this county.  

“It means a lot to me right now, that I can accomplish that promise to her," Murillo Mora said.  

Murillo, along with 22 other people from 19 different countries, raised their hand, took an oath, and became United States citizens during a naturalization ceremony in Grand Island on Thursday. 

Murillo said that it feels great now that the process is over.  

“Oh my gosh, I feel so much relief. Yeah, I was nervous even yesterday. I couldn’t sleep a lot,“ Murillo said. 

Thursday's event was the first time that a public library hosted a naturalization ceremony in Nebraska. 

Grand Island Mayor Roger Steele said it’s truly an accomplishment.  

“Most people don’t realize all the effort that people like you have to make to become American citizens,” Steele said.  

Families, representatives from Nebraska's congressional delegation and special guests were in attendance.  

Community Advocate Yolanda Nuncio stressed the importance of following through on the duties of a citizen. 

“One of the biggest responsibilities you have as a citizen is to vote. Your voice is your vote, ‘su voto es su voz’,” Nuncio said.