Twenty years ago, Jai Gonzales, his mother and sister came the Philippines in order to join his father in America.

Thursday, he pledged his allegiance to the country in which he grew up.

His father came to America in 1987 to pursue his education. The family followed two years later. Today, he said, he is living the “American Dream.”

He took advantage of the American educational system and today is a student, pursuing a degree in health care and working for Allegiant Health in Omaha.

Through his studies, he learned about America — the government, the people and the culture.

“Some of my naturalized friends have told me that I’m more American than some Americans,” Gonzales laughed. “That is difficult to fathom. We all need to educate ourselves on what is our government.”

Gonzales was one of 35 people from 21 countries to take the oath of citizenship during a naturalization ceremony at Homestead National Monument of America.

U.S. District Judge William Jay Riley, who administered the Oath of Allegiance, told the group that their life as Americans could lead to great things, but only if they worked to accomplish their dreams.

“Our nation recognizes and encourages your pursuit of happiness, but it does not promise you happiness,” he said. “It offers opportunity, but it does not guarantee your success. It promises you liberty, but it does not promise you peace.

“You must obtain happiness, success and peace through your own initiative and talents and your own hard work...the quality of life you and your family’s enjoy is now up to you.”

Homestead Chief Ranger Merrith Baughman told the group the story of the Homestead Act, and that like the immigrants of the past, they, too, could fulfill their dreams.

“Your destiny was not determined by the class in which you were born,” she said. “If you work hard enough you can claim your own prosperity.

“Just as the homesteaders of the past, you are now part of this country’s future.”

Mandy Horricks, with Woodmen of the World, encouraged the group to be active citizens.

“With citizenship comes responsibility,” she said.

Woodmen of the World is a fraternal organization based in Omaha. The financial organization passed out free flags and citizenship books following the ceremony. It promotes “doing good and taking care of families like your own and the communities across the country we all call home,” according to the company Web site

Horricks encouraged them to honor the flag and participate in the voting process.

“Voting should not be  considered a right, it should be considered a responsibility,” she said. “You are now the American Dream. Live it. Embrace it. Be it. There is nothing you cannot accomplish.”