Many people celebrate the Fourth of July holiday with food, family, and fireworks. But for others, they're celebrating by becoming U.S citizens.

A naturalization ceremony took place at Empire State plaza today.

26 candidates were sworn-in and became U.S citizens. Asrar Russell's process started 6-years-ago when she immigrated from Iraq.

“There are a lot of people out there looking for this opportunity so whoever gets a chance to get this opportunity grab it and just believe in it,” said Russell. “It’s going to be hard in the beginning, it’s a long process but as long as you are willing to put your heart and soul into it 120 percent, you’ll survive."