Immigrant's U.S. citizenship 13 years in the making

ST. GEORGE, Utah — Dave Araque has been in the United States for more than 13 years but this is his first Fourth of July as a citizen.

"It's a great feeling knowing that I went through a long process and I'm finalized in a way that I feel happy about," Araque says. "It's a humbling experience, knowing that so many people are going through the same thing — ups and downs — to get to where they want to be as a citizens of the United States. Knowing that I reached my goal to become a citizen makes me feel humble."

Araque was born and raised in Quito, the capital of Ecuador. He followed his family to the U.S. in 2002. While his parents were able to gain citizenship, he became a legal resident.

In recent years he has worked as a Realtor and as general manager of a fitness club in St. George.

On June 26 he traveled to Salt Lake City, where he finally took the oath of allegiance during a naturalization ceremony, bringing his long journey to an end.

Joining him were about 25 people from various countries, predominantly Latin American countries but at least one person from Iraq, Araque says.

"All these people were from different backgrounds, different countries, but they were all there to become citizens," he says.

Officials from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services congratulated them all for their hard work and for walking the long path to citizenship — longer for some.

Then they started with the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem.

Finally they all joined together in repeating the oath of allegiance as Araque's family — all now citizens — watched with pride.

Following the oath, the immigration officials presented them with certificates of citizenship.

To close, they watched a video from President Obama, who also acknowledged the long path the new citizens had trod.

"In the end it's worth it," Araque says of the time it takes to legally pursue citizenship. "It's paid off."

For him, one of the most moving parts of the ceremony was when the officials played the Lee Greenwood song God Bless the USA.

"Tears came out of my eyes," he says. "I just embraced it. It was so neat to hear those words. I think at that point I felt really welcomed to the country. I thought of all those people who came to the U.S. and sacrificed so much to get better opportunities for their families."

Like many other U.S. citizens, he's excited this weekend for Independence Day fireworks.

He plans to celebrate with his family, now that they are all citizens.