Over 100 People Become American Citizens In Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - They're originally from 43 different countries -- Albania to Vietnam -- and now, they can call themselves Americans.
101 people's lives changed at the very same moment Thursday at a naturalization ceremony at the Federal Courthouse in Philadelphia.
Among those on the welcome wagon, Mayor Jim Kenney, who spoke of the immigrant struggle, the past to the present:
"As ignorant as people can be sometimes toward you because you look different or your skin color is different or your accent is different. Remember, you are fully an American and you have every right an American has."
And seeking that life, liberty and pursuit of happiness is 23-year-old Daniel Mena, who emigrated from Ecuador twelve years ago.
Now, weeks away from a masters at Penn State in nuclear science, citizenship is a key to his ultimate goal:
"Most jobs for nuclear engineering require security clearances. So, you have to be American to get those jobs. Now that I'm an American I'm capable of applying for those jobs, get those jobs and pursue my dream becoming a nuclear scientist."
