1100 New US Citizens

Over 1,100 immigrants from over 100 countries were sworn in as American citizens in a ceremony at the Masonic Center in San Francisco. During the ceremony California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, a immigrant himself, spoke about his experiences when he came to America and the day he was sworn in as a citizen. Schwarzenegger recalled how excited he was the day he took the citizenship oath in October 1983, 15 years after he arrived from Austria "with my gym bag and twenty dollars in my pocket." "After that ceremony, I went home and I wrapped myself in the American flag," the governor said. "I had a smile from ear to ear because I was so excited about now being officially called an American." Mercy Ganas Prescott from the Philippines hugs California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger after being sworn in as a U.S. citizen.A man holds an American flag as he listens to Governor Schwarzenegger.Over 1,100 people take the oath as new American citizens.
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger watches as the colors are retired after the ceremony.