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Jed Boal ReportingMore than 200 Utahns today celebrated something that many of us probably take for granted, they took an oath and became United States Citizens.
It's an emotional and exciting day for 206 new US citizens from 56 different nations. Their perseverance and, in many cases, great courage to overcome extraordinary obstacles paid off. Freedom means more today for these new Americans.
A woman from Bosnia told her fellow citizens she arrived five years ago with two bags and a dream. Now she clutches that dream, that at times seemed difficult to grasp. When Jenny Tian arrived from China with her family seven years ago, she knew no English; now she plans for college.
Jenny Tian, New U.S. Citizen: "I just think the freedom is the first thing, and better security. And just the whole environment, it's great."
Camilla Binks arrived from Argentina with her mother more than a decade ago in pursuit of a family dream.
Camilla Binks, New U.S. Citizen: "She hasn't seen her family in years, just so we could go to college and do all the things she never had a chance to do. That means a lot to me."
Caroline Sagae of Great Britain is a volunteer teacher with her son's fourth grade class. The students showed up for her big day.
Caroline Sagae, New U.S. Citizen: "I love this country so much. I feel like I'm a part of it, but now I feel like I belong."
David Sam, United States District Judge: "All of you who have come from the far ends of the earth to join together to make this nation what she is."
Among the new citizens are 50 Mexicans, 22 Bosnians, eight Chinese, and five Russians. There are 56 nationalities among 206 people.
