74 people from 22 different countries became U.S.

citizens last week in Louisville.

The naturalization ceremony at the Muhammad Ali Center took place against the backdrop of World Fast, an international festival showcasing the cultures and communities that shaped the city.

Today, it's very like I can't even put it into words.

Emotional, you know, important.

I'm very happy.

However, many forms, interviews and tests stood between you and this room.

You've made it.

So take a deep breath.

You've made it.

You're an Indian citizen.

Congratulations.

For some, the journey started with excitement and hope.

For others.

It began with uncertainty, sacrifice.

Watch what teams this fight, how unique each of your journey is.

The qualities that brought us here together are remarkably similar.

It feels like America to me, like a lot of different people, different, you know, countries all gathered in one place.

Many of you spent night with a little sleep, studying for a test.

Learning a new language.

Walking a long shift.

Holding two jobs or balancing your family and other responsibilities.

Not sacrifice a lot, but you adapted and you persevered.

It's been a long journey.

It's been two years, so I feel great.

You know, like going up here.

I've been I spent like 20 to 23 years here.

24 now.

No.

It's crazy because being born here is what changes everything.

So I was just a year apart.

No, but now, finally, 23 years.

I'm finally.

This is it.

I am very thankful and blessed that finally, I am officially a U.S.

citizen today.

And I'm very excited that what's going to be, opportunity that I can get the citizen and I can finally vote, and be able to be, involvement.

Citizenship is not the finish line.

It's an invitation.

Our country will now be shaped in part by you.

So vote.

Volunteer joined the PTA, the local board, the neighborhood association.

Start a business.

Go to the Queen.

Share your food, your music, your language, your ideas.

Our communities do not need you to leave.

We are the door.

They need all of you.

I have one small ask of you.

Turn around you to a person sitting next to you who you've never met before.

Shake your hand and tell them congratulations.

My fellow workers.

15 people out of that cohort were also granted name changes.