SPRINGFIELD – Sixty-three people from 37 countries of origin became United States citizens at the U.S. District Court in Springfield’s Atrium last week during a naturalization ceremony. U.S. District Magistrate Judge Katherine Robertson opened the ceremony by addressing the new citizens, their families and the divisiveness toward immigrants in the current political moment.

“This country would not be what it is today without people like you,” she said. “We want you here. We want you as new citizens. You belong here.”

Gallery • 9 Photos

(Brita Turner/Amherst Wire)

Brita Turner and Devin Colon are students in a photojournalism class.