SEATTLE — For Collins and Pamela Ndukwe, the Fourth of July took on another layer of special meaning.
For the past seven years, they have worked towards earning their United States citizenship.
"We're becoming U.S. citizens via naturalization it's a journey that started seven years ago," Collins Ndukwe said. "We're originally from Nigeria, and we moved here for work and we're really excited."
Four hundred people from 78 countries were naturalized at the Seattle Center Thursday. Officials said it was a day to recognize the hard work they put into becoming U.S. citizens.
"Seven whole years, where you have to be a good citizen, don't get arrested, don't get a ticket, don't get a driving ticket, a parking ticket, you have to be a citizen of good behavior which is highly discretional, so we're glad that we were able to get through," Collins Ndukwe said,
Not to mention the anxiety of being in limbo.
"Still two years, to become a permanent resident or a green card holder, and five years of waiting, lots of paperwork, and the fees too--it doesn't come cheap," Collins Ndukwe said,
Naturalized citizens were able to register to vote on their way out. If they choose to, they can participate in this year's elections.