150 immigrants set to become U.S. citizens on the Central Coast

A Naturalization ceremony is happening for the first time ever at Cal State University Monterey Bay. Typically immigrants have to drive up to Campbell to be naturalized, but most the people getting their citizenship Monday morning are living on the Central Coast.

The soon to be U.S. citizens come from 19 countries. The most represented of those is Mexico with more than 100 expected graduates. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Public Affairs Officer Sharon Rummery, says despite the recent political climate and crackdown of illegal immigrants, becoming a citizen is the same process it’s always been.

“It’s a great day to become a citizen. Especially the day before the fourth of July. People tell me it just add such a great dimension of joy and excitement,” said Sharon Rummery.

Immigrants graduating Monday have had to study everything from U.S. history to geography. After that, an interview and questions followed. Representative Jimmy Panetta will deliver the keynote speech at the ceremony Monday morning.