Thousand Receive Citizenship at a Naturalization Ceremony in Downtown LA.

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Judge Scott Clarkson swore in over 4000 people today for citizenship. The Los Angeles Convention center was packed with candidates who represented more than 120 countries. The most popular are Vietnam, Iran, Korea, China, and the Philippines. But the number one country should come as no surprise. More than 1000 of today’s candidates hailed from Mexico like Rosa Vernel. She's glad to be finished with the naturalization process.

"Well first we need to fill the applications, than it takes about 2 weeks to receive your first response, then you go to do your fingerprints, than after that about 4 months later you receive another form to do your test, and then this is the last step," said Vernel.

The naturalization process can be daunting and includes an interview and test with a United States Citizenship and Immigration Service officer. The officer looks for the ability to speak English and knowledge of the United States history. But regardless of how time consuming the process can be, candidates like Joel VanKamp from Egypt had many reasons to apply.

"It's more freedom, we can vote, we can go out of position in government, like sheriff, like government maybe one day," said VanKamp.

Whatever the reasons are for citizenship, the naturalization ceremony which lasted about half an hour made sure to highlight the importance of being an active citizen. Zee Bilik, who’s originally from Turkey, was very pleased with the ceremonies speakers.

"I mean I really appreciated that, that was what was highlighted here today, whether it was the district officer who spoke, or the president, or the court, or the judge, that they really underlying how much, how important it is to be an active member of your community and to write your own chapter, " said Bilik.

And with certificates in hand, these newly awarded citizens can now apply for a passport, vote, and call themselves proud American citizens.