Central Florida residents celebrate Independence Day as new US citizens

Some Central Florida residents are celebrating Independence Day as new US citizens.

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Twenty people took their oath Thursday morning.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services said the new Americans hail from 17 different countries — including South Korea, Thailand, Jamaica, and Israel — and have met all requirements to naturalize.

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They can now enjoy citizenship benefits like voting and access to a passport.

For many, this morning’s event was an important step in reaching their dreams.

Annalee Brown-Daley, who immigrated from Jamaica, shared her joy with Channel 9.

“I’m going to finish my schooling and become a nurse, that’s my plans for right now ... I feel very accomplished because it has been 11 years, so i finally did it!”

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Last year the USCIS Orlando field office naturalized more than 14,000 new citizens.

Thursday morning’s ceremony was held at the Hope Community Center in Apopka.

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