Dozens become U.S. citizens on July 4 in Kissimmee

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The rainy weather forced officials to make some changes to a Fourth of July event in Kissimmee, where dozens of residents became U.S. citizens on Wednesday.

Due to the weather, officials had to move the event indoors at the Kissimmee Civic Center, where 51 people took an oath to become United States citizens.

Saima Qureshi of Pakistan, wore red, white and blue as she became a new citizen. Both she and her husband have been waiting 13 years to become citizens after moving to America to practice medicine.

“It's been hard work, but it is one of those places you get paid for your hard work,” she said. “You reap the benefits of hard work."

On a day Americans celebrate their freedom, Qureshi said she knows what it is like to not have freedom.

“Being a Muslim woman in the United States, I can walk anywhere, I can communicate very freely with anyone,” she said.

Tessa Broadbet moved to America from the Philippines.

“I'm speechless,” she said. “You cannot chose the day for your oath taking. There is no perfect day than Fourth of July. I'm going to be celebrating in the years after, being an American citizen and Fourth of July. Isn't that great? I'm so proud.”

WFTV