See how hundreds of immigrants became U.S. citizens at Kauffman Stadium ceremony

In the front row at Kauffman Stadium , Ahmed Mohamedsalih, originally from Sudan, smiled at his wife, Waad Taha, as he stood and proudly recited the Oath of Allegiance , officially becoming a U.S. citizen. He was one of more than 600 immigrants from 95 countries who took the oath during Thursday’s naturalization ceremony in Kansas City.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Jill A. Morris presided over the event, with Court Executive Paige Wymore-Wynn administering the Oath. Jeff Diskin, Royals’ director of professional and sport development, addressed the new citizens, emphasizing the diverse backgrounds of Kansas City Royals players. The ceremony, hosted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, is part of Immigration Service’s efforts to celebrate new citizens at iconic locations.

Mohamedsalih, a college student at Metropolitan Community College, is currently taking ESL classes and aspires to become a commercial lawyer. After waiting four years for citizenship, he expressed his excitement and pride. “I am very excited and very proud of myself,” Mohamedsalih said. He lives with his family in Platte City, Missouri.

The Kind family, originally from South Africa, now living in Martin City, celebrated and waved American flags after becoming American citizens during the naturalization ceremony. Diane and Neil Kind, along with their sons Benjamin, Joshua, and Nathan, proudly took the Oath of Allegiance and then the family celebrated with hugs all around. The family moved to the United States in 2013. “It is an honor and a privilege to become citizens of this great country,” Neil Kind shared in a text message.

Wearing iridescent shoes and a blue and black tuxedo, Joshua Ubogu, 29, from Jefferson City, Missouri, was overjoyed at becoming a U.S. citizen. Originally from Nigeria, Ubogu has lived in the United States for ten years and works as a data analyst. He plans to celebrate his new citizenship with family and friends, including his brothers Edward and Raymond Okolo, who were on hand to support and celebrate him at the stadium during the ceremony. “I’m super elated,” he said as he waved a small U.S. flag in the air and the brothers took photos.

Wearing red lipstick and a bright pink blazer, Zulma Salas beamed with pride as she sat in the front row with her family to be sworn in as U.S. citizen. Originally from Durango, Mexico, Salas said she has waited six years to take the Oath of Allegiance. Her nieces celebrated by giving her bouquets of flowers with messages saying “New Citizen” and “Congratulations, Mama.”

After ten years of waiting, Lorena Alvarez Meza, originally from Jalisco, Mexico, took selfies with her family during the naturalization ceremony as she became a U.S. citizen. “I am so excited,” said Alvarez Meza, who plans to register to vote as her first action as a U.S. citizen. She now lives with her husband and two children in Lee’s Summit. Fortunately for Alvarez Meza, the League of Women Voters was registering new Americans to vote near the exit to the stadium.

As the oaths were completed, the cheers of the crowd signified new beginnings and the rich tradition of chasing the American dream.

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