Brian Duggan/Nevada Appeal
Onema Bushra, 6, had just one word to describe her feelings after a Friday ceremony where she received her certificate of citizenship: "Happy."
Bushra was one among 31 children and adults who received a certificate proving their status as U.S. citizens during a ceremony at the state capital.
All were previously naturalized because they were either born in the United States or their parents became citizens before their children turned 18, granting them citizenship, too.
The 31 recipients ranged in age from 2 to 34 and hailed from 12 countries, including Mexico, Guatemala, Philippines, Bangladesh, New Zealand, South Korea, India, Thailand, Canada, United Kingdom, Turkey and Ghana.
Devyani Tanna, an 18-year-old from India who is studying at the University of Nevada, Reno, became a citizen in August when her mother became one.
"I feel very welcome right now in America just to take part in the community," Tanna said.
Gov. Jim Gibbons was on hand to deliver a speech and congratulate the recipients.
"I'm honored and proud to be here with you on this remarkable and proud day, " Gibbons said. "Today you have become a citizen of the United States."
Monica Toro, a field director for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, said Friday's group was on the smaller side. She said about 85 people went through a similar ceremony at Western Nevada College in the spring.
"You should all be thankful that your parents have gone to these lengths in order for you today to also receive your certificate of citizenship," Toro told the recipients.