Fifty San Diegans became naturalized citizens Tuesday morning in Balboa Park.
In the crowd receiving their certificates were people from 50 different countries; seven were active service members.
"It took me almost a year and a half almost two years for the process," said Richie Concepcion, a naturalized citizen.He said the process was a bit faster for him because he is serving our country.Knowing that many others are hopeful for their shot at asylum or citizenship, he said he feels lucky. "I have family members that it took over a decade trying to get their citizenship, and I know there is people who may not be able to get it depending on certain things. But it just makes me feel really proud to be American and just really happy that I am so lucky that I was able to get it," said Concepcion."Don't be discouraged with how long it may take. Don't be discouraged if anybody is negative about it, just keep ongoing. It's truly an amazing thing," he said.
Last fiscal year, USCIS said about 808,000 people became naturalized citizens. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services offers free virtual information sessions about the process.
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