PHOTOS: 75 New Citizens Take Oath in Special Fourth of July Ceremony

Newly naturalized citizens representing more than two dozen countries recited the pledge of allegiance in a special ceremony at the main branch of the New York Public Library. 

Seventy-five people hailing from 27 countries became American citizens.  It was part of a series of events timed for the July Fourth weekend. 

Elvis De Losantos was one of them. He left the Dominican Republic when he was 5 years old and said he's has been waiting for more than 20 years for this moment. 

"Yeah, basically I grew up American," he said, "and I do consider this home. Yeah, so this is a very special day for me."

According to a 2013 report by the Population Division of the New York City Department, there are 3 million New Yorkers who were born in another country.  

“Here in New York City, we know that immigration is a great thing,” says Phyllis Coven, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services New York District Director. “Immigrants that help make our country and our city what it is.”

 USCIS will welcome over 4,000 new American citizens across the country this weekend in more than 50 naturalization ceremonies.  

Over 4,000 immigrants across the country will become new U.S. citizens this Fourth of July weekend.

(Constanza Gallardo/WNYC)

New York City has approximately 3 million U.S. citizens who were born in another country.

(Constanza Gallardo/WNYC)

USCIS New York District Director Phyllis Coven administered the Oath of Allegiance at the ceremony in the New York Public Library on Thursday.

(Constanza Gallardo/WNYC)

Joanna Kohler, 40, holds her citizenship certificate during her naturalization ceremony. She is a French writer who has been living in New York City for the past 10 years.

(Constanza Gallardo/WNYC)

New U.S. citizens included people from countries like Jamaica, Ecuador, Senegal, Canada, India and Germany.

(Constanza Gallardo/WNYC)