The largest naturalization ceremony in the Marines took place earlier this month aboard the USS North Carolina, and a Marine who was naturalized last year called the occasion a significant one.
Officials said 18 Marines took the Oath of Allegiance earlier this month, the last step in becoming a U.S. citizen. These marines represented 14 countries, including China, Haiti, Italy and Guatemala.
Corporal Nicolas Lowiza shared his experience when he became a citizen in Nov. 2021.
“I felt fulfilled. I felt happiness. I felt joy," he said, "I felt that I finally achieved what I always dreamt of as a kid.”
Members of the armed services can apply for citizenship after their first 180 days of service, which is usually when they check in to their first unit, and thanks to their military service, they can apply for expedited processing.
