New U.S. citizens sworn in on Fourth of July - WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-

New U.S. citizens sworn in on Fourth of July

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BURLINGTON, Vt. -

The Fourth of July meant a lot more to some Americans than a day of festivities.

Ten people were granted citizenship in Burlington Wednesday morning.

Officials on hand including Sen. Patrick Leahy and Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger talked about their own ancestors' trips to the United States and said the country is stronger now because of the immigrants who brought different cultures and customs.

Some say moving to America has been a lifelong dream-- one that will mean better lives for their families. But getting used to a whole new country was challenging at first.

"In the beginning, the next day I wanted to go back. It's too cold for me because I never lived in weather like that. But now I'm used to it and I don't see how I could get out of Vermont ever," said Arafa Arbab, a new U.S. citizen.

Arbab came here from Sudan. She now hopes to bring her mother to the U.S. She hasn't seen her mom in eight years.

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