Dozens sworn in as US citizens in Brooklyn

Posted: Updated:
EAST FLATBUSH -

Dozens of residents from Brooklyn achieved their dream Thursday as they were sworn in as U.S. citizens.

Residents from more than 20 countries became citizens during a ceremony at the Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum. Those sworn in say they just want to be part of the American dream.

Maria Pena, from the Dominican Republic, says now that she is a citizen she wants to work on becoming a police officer. She also hopes her new status will allow her to bring her dad to America.

"The citizens have had to do lots and lots of work to get to this stage," says Vera Scanlon, a U.S. magistrate judge. "Some had to learn English, they all had to pass the citizenship test and they came out here and they promised to support and defend the Constitution of the United States."

Immigration officials say each year about 86,000 people in the New York City area become U.S. citizens.

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