Phoenix hosts special July 4 citizenship ceremony

PHOENIX — Two hundred people from 49 different countries made this Fourth of July a memorable one at South Mountain Community College.

Under the direction of Federal Judge Roselyn Silver, the 200-person group became U.S. citizens Thursday.

“It’s very special,” said George Sadowski, who was originally from Canada. “It’s something I’ve been wanting for a long time. The biggest thing I’m looking is the honor to vote and protect this country.”

While the process was tedious, Sadowski said the ceremony was worth it.

“Going through all of the different stages, it made it worthwhile,” said Sadowski. “Especially happening on July 4, it couldn’t have been better.”