ONEIDA, Tenn. — Around 150 people were welcomed as new U.S. citizens on Thursday in East Tennessee, at one of the region's natural parks.
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area hosted the ceremony, which started at 11 a.m. Judge Suzanna H. Bauknight presided over the ceremony. It was held in partnership with the National Park Service.
Oneida Mayor Lori Phillips-Jones and the Superintendent of Big South Fork, Niki Stephanie Nicholas, gave opening remarks at the ceremony, according to a release from the court. At the ceremony, around 150 people took the oath and became citizens.
"Seeing him so happy today, so thrilled. So, now I have the feeling to get it as soon as possible," said Roveena, a daughter of one of the new citizens.
On April 4, another group of around 150 people took the oath in downtown Knoxville and became U.S. citizens.
To take part in the naturalization ceremony, applicants had to go through years of work. The process usually includes taking biometric data, completing interviews and taking an Oath of Allegiance. Applicants also need to take a test showing they are proficient in English and understand U.S. civics.
Applicants have two attempts to take the tests. If they fail after their initial interview, they can be retested between 60 and 90 days from the date of their initial interview.