The ceremony, which took place at the Jennings Randolph Federal Building, witnessed new citizens from China, the Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Germany, India, Iraq, Nicaragua, Pakistan and the Philippines. Friends, family and members of the community filled the courtroom to honor and celebrate the event.

The ceremony was presided over by United States District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh.

“We all know the process you had to undertake and the effort you had to invest to get to this day today,” Kleeh said to the thirteen in his opening remarks. “And all of us here in the Elkins courthouse are humbled that you would allow us to play a small part of it and we’re so happy to have you here with us this morning.”

Those becoming U.S. citizens on Friday were:

Omar Al Shebeeb, left, and Faihaa Al Shamary, right, pose with their citizenship certificates.

– Tadamon Rajjoub

– Eric Liang

– Yaoska Carmen Fominko

– Biju T. Devassy

– Faihaa Talib Mohammand Al Shamary

– Omar Ahmed Raheem Al Shebeeb

– Christian Martinkat

– Angela Reh

– Yssabela Ma. Mikhaela Quinsanos Cabuyao

– Munib Aftab

– Florangel Pruto

– Felix Gabriel Concepcion Abreu

– Aberash Ashuro Bafa

The new citizens received their citizenship certificates from Immigration Services Officers Stephen Montgomery, a special pin from the Daughters of the American Revolution and a small American flag from Boy Scout Troop 88, who also helped with the flag ceremony and the Pledge of Allegiance. The invocation and benediction were given by Rev. Raymond Godwin from St. Brendan Catholic Church and the national anthem was sung by Doug Van Gundy.

The courtroom was also shown a video presentation from President Joe Biden, welcoming the new citizens and speaking on how America was built on immigration.

“The title I’m most proud of is citizen, citizen of the United States of America,” Biden said in the video. “I look forward to standing with you as you embrace your new rights and responsibilities, as you build your lives and legacies here as generations have done before in this great nation of immigrants. So welcome my friends. Welcome my fellow Americans. Welcome.”

U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito and U.S. Rep. Alex Mooney sent welcoming remarks as well through their representatives. The new citizens also received a letter from U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin.

“I encourage you to get involved in your community,” Todd Gunter, field representative for Capito, read to the court from a letter Capito sent. “Volunteer, help your neighbors and share your appreciation for our wonderful country with others.”

Rhett Dusenbury, district representative for Mooney, shared similar sentiments from the state representative welcoming the thirteen new citizens to “the family.”