More than 220 people - 225 to be exact - were sworn in as new U.S. citizens Monday in a naturalization ceremony on the anniversary of the U.S. Constitution.

Continue reading

The ceremony took place in a room darkened to protect the U.S. Constitution displayed nearby, but celebrations were bright at a reception afterwards.

Judge Royce Laberth used the old-fashioned language of the oath to call on the new citizens to surrender any foreign allegiance.

"Being a citizen of two continents, that is really amazing to me," said Alessandro Presacco.

Emilse Grigera of Argentina says the ceremony had added significance, timed to the 225th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution.

"The reason why the United States is so powerful all over the world, for its Constitution, that has been copied by many countries all over the world, including my country of origin," said Grigera.

When asked what she likes about the United States, Tina Evangelista said, "The people. Very nice. They make me feel very welcome and for some reason I feel like it was home... from the first week."

Evangeista wore red, white and blue shoes to celebrate her new citizenship.