About 200 people became US citizens during a naturalization ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum last Wednesday presided over by US District Court Judge Myong Joun.

The featured speaker was Yvonne Garcia, chief of staff to State Street Chairman and CEO Ron O’Hanley.

“My parents immigrated from the Dominican Republic in 1961 looking to pursue the American dream. They did not speak English,” Garcia said. “But one thing they did know was that they came to this great country to raise a family fueled by commitment, providing their children with the gift of an education.”

Judge Joun, whose parents emigrated to the US from South Korea, shared similar sentiments. “My parents were tenant farmers who could not afford to pay for their children’s education,” Joun said. “So, they sold everything to buy plane tickets to come to this country.”

Joun acknowledged that he was there as the federal judge because his parents were determined and courageous enough to move to the US. “On this special day, I wish that America becomes home to you and your family, and that you thrive and prosper here, just as my family did.”

Delcio Carvalho, a native of Cape Verde who was sworn in as a citizen at the ceremony, said it took him more than two years to obtain a green card and five more to earn citizenship. “It feels great,” said Carvalho, who is married to an American citizen. He waved his certificate with a smile. “Finally,” he said.

Among the hundreds of people gathered in the Stephen Smith room were friends and family of new citizens, including Vanessa French, whose sister — a native of Honduras— became a citizen.

“I’m super, super excited!” said French, noting that with her new citizenship, her sister will progress in her professional career as a Spanish teacher. “It’s a very happy day,” she said.