BUFFALO, N.Y. — We are celebrating Western New York's newest American citizens today. Dozens took the oath of citizenship in Buffalo on Wednesday at the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site.
There were 31 people, from 19 different countries, getting their names called to become American citizens.
"I'm feeling amazing. Now I can have all the freedom that I want," Hawa Yusuf said.
Yusuf has been living in the States for 15 years. Today's ceremony made her citizenship official.
Also among the 31 people was also Leslie Johnson.
"Everything works out in good time, because that's all that matters," Johnson said.
Johnson came from Jamaica to become a U.S. citizen. He did it in style, wearing a blue and black Polo blazer, a gold chain that dangles from his neck, and his wife, Libby Johnson, holding onto his arm.
"I wanted the opportunity, first and foremost, because I've been traveling for a long period of time, and my journey has always brought me from Jamaica. I just decided, well it's time that I settle down and do what's right," Johnson said.
His wife added, "I'm thrilled. I'm proud of him. He made it. He did it."
Parcia Migisha is from Congo, hoping to build a better future.
"Coming over here would be a better life. There would be more benefits and stuff like that. So I was like, 'Oh,' " Migisha said.
As names were getting called, relatives captured the moment with photos and videos. The same thing Migisha's younger sister did after thinking the day would never come.
"I wasn't sure I was going to get it though. I was so nervous. I was like, 'Am I going to pass? Am I going to fail?' "
However, he did pass and now moves forward to a better future as a citizen.
2 On Your Side asked: Now that you are an official American Citizen, what's the first thing you're going to do?
Parcia: I'm going to go get a passport and go vote.
Johnson: I'm going to fo vote, and them I'm going to go travel.