41 officially become U.S. citizens at Pikes Peak Library

On Monday in Colorado Springs, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services welcomed new U.S. citizens from 22 different countries.

Forty-one immigrants gathered at Pikes Peak Library to take the oath of allegiance and officially become U.S. citizens.

Every year, the United States naturalizes more than 700,000 citizens. Kristi Goldinger, District Director with USCIS, says Colorado naturalizes around 10,000 immigrants a year.

“Colorado is a very welcoming state for immigrants,” said Goldinger. “And with that feeling of welcoming, it attracts people to the state — that, along with a very vibrant economy here in Colorado.”

For the people getting naturalized Monday, each one has a different story. Fernando Feliu Moggi has lived in the U.S. for 30 years and works as a professor at UCCS. Coming from Spain, he says he is now happy to officially call the United States his home.

Feliu Moggi said, “It gives you also sort of a sense again of being apart of something you know that is older, it gives you a sense of belonging. So, it is a great moment.”

And Zujata Kunwr is from Nepal. After four years here in the States, she is officially becoming a citizen after getting married to her husband. She explains why she decided to make the trip to the U.S.

“Well, the opportunities that I was not able to get back home. Obviously my husband,” said Kunwr.

Republican Rep. Doug Lamborn was a guest speaker at the naturalization ceremony and welcomed the new citizens Monday. A letter written by Sen. Michael Bennet was read to those being naturalized.