Fifty people from more than 20 countries became United States citizens on the field of Hartford’s Dunkin Donuts stadium as the ballpark hosted its first naturalization ceremony on Independence Day.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), who addressed the new citizens and crowds of supporters said it was fitting to celebrate some of America's newest citizens by swearing them before a baseball game.
"As many times as I've done one of these ceremonies, this one is really special," he said.
In order to become a US citizen, immigrants must pass a series of obstacles including a difficult interview and exam. The process can take years.
For Ana Fernandes of Bloomfield, and her son's Victor and Daniel, it's been a 15 year journey to citizenship since leaving their native Brazil.
"I love Brazil, it's my country too, but life here is much better," she said.
One woman shouted her excitement out for the world to hear, getting down on her knees.
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"Thank you America!" she yelled.
