Thirty-three Capital Region residents from Ukraine, Afghanistan, Burma, Nicaragua and Jamaica became American citizens during a ceremony held Friday in Rensselaer.

“Thank you for choosing the United States to be your new country,” said Christian Hummel, U.S. magistrate judge. “Of all the countries in the world, you’ve come here to make this our country, and to make it a better place.”

They took their oath of allegiance Friday morning at a naturalization ceremony in Doane Stuart School.

“From start to finish, it’s a long journey, and I’m happy to be here right now, to do what I’m doing right now,” said Owen McFarlane, who came from Jamaica.

He has been a green card holder for six years. McFarlane was lost for words when handed his certificate of naturalization.

“It’s a feeling where you can’t explain,” he said. “It’s overwhelming right now.” McFarlane said he will now try to get his children here.

Lloyd Moreno is hoping for the same thing.

“After being in this country for 24 years, finally, it’s like I won a battle,” said Moreno, who is from Nicaragua.

She is looking forward to being able to vote and getting involved with politics.

“I’m here and I will put all my effort to do my best to contribute strengthen the democracy,” Moreno said.

“We ask that you only love America, honor her, cherish her, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health,” said Debra Young, Rensselaer County judge. “So congratulations. God bless you, and welcome to America.”