What does it mean to be a new American?

Importance of a vote
Many of the new citizens spoke about the importance of their newly earned right to go to the polls in America, a right that many native-born Americans often don't exercise.

“Finally, I can vote,” said Keiichi Leon, 29, originally from Japan. “I can choose our leader."

Leon, married with no children, lives in Hawthorne, Calif., and works as an interpreter. "I can participate in the political system in this country," he said, "with a new life and a new future."

It was a sentiment echoed by Noemi Lopez, 43, who owns a bakery in Upland, Calif. 

"It's important for me to be an American citizen," Lopez said, "Because after today they can hear my voice."

As an owner of a small business, Lopez, originally from Mexico, said she's also thankful for the opportunities in America.  "I believe that I'm going in the right direction to have a better life," she said.  "The United States gives a great opportunity to get where we want to be."  

She also talked about the possibilities in this country for her two sons. Here dreams for them? "To see my kids coming out of college, become professional, to see them be a great citizen."

Large Mexican contingent
Mexico consistently produces the largest group of new American citizens at these Southern California naturalization ceremonies, and with the current debate over illegal workers, immigrant-rights groups are hoping an influx of newly naturalized voters from Mexico will send a message to Washington.

One such is Adela Zanudo Guadarrama, who came to the United States from Mexico 30 years ago when she was 13. "I had no choice," Zanudo said, "My parents brought me and I went to school here."

And, she said, she's eternally thankful that her parents made that choice for her. "Maybe I fell asleep," she said about the experience of becoming a citizen after so many years, "and I'm dreaming that I'm here."

Would Zanudo, an associate manager in a retail store who lives in Buena Park, Calif., with her husband and five children, ever think about going back to Mexico? 

“Not in a million years," she responded emphatically. "I want to grow old [here], I want to move up," she said, "And this is where I want to die."

MORE FROM BEING AN AMERICAN

Being an American Section Front

Photos/audio: Voices from Lady Liberty NBC: How does it feel to be a new American? Pride, patriotism on display on the Fourth NBC video: Feeling the Fourth Slide show: The most American place? 10 (more) foods that make America great Survey: America tops in national pride   Slide show: Celebs born on Fourth of July Could you ace citizenship test? Take a quiz Video: Say, can you ... sing the U.S. anthem? Being an American Section Front   Add Being an American headlines to your news reader: