With their right hands raised, people of various backgrounds came together. As a group, they took their oath, and pledged allegiance to the United States.

“I started the process in October, and by December, I was interviewed and ready for the whole ceremony.” said Eunice Miller, a Liberia native.

In front of Judge John Rowley, 27 immigrants became U.S. citizens in Ithaca on Wednesday. Some have been living in the U.S. for years, and their reasons for becoming a citizen vary.

For Miller, it was to join her spouse and children.

“My kids are American citizens, my husband is an American citizen and I figure if I’m not going to go back home, I may as well participate in the political process,” she said.

It’s a process that's under fire, as lawmakers continue to work out a new plan for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, known as DACA, and other immigration issues. But for people participating in this celebration, it’s a sigh of relief.

“It really confirms what it means to be an American, to meet with other fellow naturalized citizens,” said Yunetta Anggiamurni, a native of Indonesia.

“It’s a big, big relief. I mean, I don’t have to go through anything,” said Mirjam Ricketson, who came from Sweden.