RALEIGH, N.C. -- 27 people from 17 different countries now have at least one thing in common -- they can call themselves Americans.

• Dozens of new citizens were sworn in on Independence Day
• For some, the process took several years to complete
• Some came from India, Iraq, Iceland and Egypt just to name a few

The new citizens were sworn-in on the steps of the Capitol Building this Independence Day. For some, it's a process that took at least five years to complete.

Family and friends were beaming with pride, but these new Americans say, what meant the most was the Raleigh residents who showed up just to show their support.

"I feel really proud to see these people watching us and making us feel important," said new American citizen, Selvaraj Kotteswaran. "That gives us more responsibility to do something back for our country. I see the love and affection they're giving to us, and that makes me feel like I need to reciprocate it in some way."

Some of the new citizens were from India, Iraq, Iceland and Egypt just to name a few.