New citizens sworn in at Monument

Against the backdrop of the Scotts Bluff National Monument Wednesday, ten new U.S. citizens were sworn in during the first ceremony of it's type to be held at the Monument.

The oath was administered by Caroline Pratt, Director of Omaha U.S. Citizenship Immigration Service, who told KNEB News that the process for Naturalization is usually not fast or easy. She says the big hurdle is becoming a lawful permanent resident. Only then, after five years, can they apply for citizenship unless married to a United States citizen. The process becomes shorter at that point, but nonetheless difficult.

Pratt said they generally conduct these Naturalization ceremonies a couple of times a week in eastern Nebraska, but this was the first to be held in Scottsbluff.