AMHERST, Mass. - More than 200 people became new U.S. citizens at UMass Amherst on Tuesday as their family members watched on during a naturalization ceremony on the campus.

Zakia Chatteti came to the United States from Morocco, and for both her and her son, it was a day they won’t soon forget.

“I am very happy, my son too,” Chatteti said.

“It’s been a really long time since she wanted to be American, so we’re very happy, really happy,” added her son.

Those who became new U.S. citizens came from 52 different countries.

It was also a day Benita Garcia Brito and her daughter Laureana had been eagerly waiting for.

“She loved the moment of receiving her certificate, my mother has been here for years, so this is a big deal for her,” Laureana said.

This was the third year UMass Amherst has hosted a naturalization ceremony, and those who took the Naturalization Oath of Allegiance like Yaima Legra were grateful to receive such a warm reception inside.

“I’m happy, this country gave me the freedom and opportunities I never found around the world,” Legra said.

A keynote speech was also delivered by Fouad Abd-El-Khalick, provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs at UMass Amherst.