Naturalization ceremony held in downtown Fresno

Hundreds of people from around the world reached a milestone as they became citizens of the United States today.

Today’s ceremony took place inside the Valdez Hall at the Fresno Convention Center. Hundreds from different nations went through numerous obstacles to make it this far. An official with the U.S. citizenship and immigration services says people come to America for different reasons.

"I think that people appreciate the freedom America has to offer, and the opportunities, and the possibilities for a better life," Jonathan Crawford, with the U.S. citizenship services, said.

Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a foreign citizen or national after he or she fulfills the requirements established by congress.