The city of Syracuse is officially welcoming 50 new United States citizens. A swearing in ceremony was held at Onondaga Community College Wednesday.
The candidates came from 29 different countries, including Afghanistan, Burma, China and the Dominican Republic.
The process is a long one.
Each new citizen must complete a series of requirements that begin with applying for naturalization, a step that takes an average of 14 months to complete. A thorough background check, interviews and tests come after that.
If everything goes well and moves along quickly, the entire process can take about two years. Those who were sworn in say the process is worth it.
“It’s a lot of hard work and trust and patience coming to fruition and once you finally get it, it’s the reward of being part of such a great country, and being a part of ‘One Nation Under God’ and being a citizen. And I think I speak for everybody that is sitting here, we are very joyful and thankful to be here,” said Joshua Bonila, a newly naturalized U.S. citizen.
On average, the United States welcomes over 700,000 new citizens every year.
