What started as an application, turned into a new life in the United States for seven immigrants who are now naturalized citizens.

For the first time since 2020, Mahoning County Court held a naturalization ceremony for the immigrants, who are living in Northeast Ohio.

People from across the globe shared their compelling stories and described why they're grateful to have success here in the United States.

During the ceremony, Judge Krischbaum expressed individual freedoms and rights these individuals have in the United States. 

One of those being recognized is 28-year-old Ahmad Alshakhshir, originally from the Middle East.

Alshakhshir graduated from Kent State with a bachelor's in computer science.

"Everyone's happy for me. Like I have my fiance here," he said, "I have my friend here too, so I'm glad everything went smoothly."

After being in the U.S. since 2014, he said he is proud of his accomplishments.

"When I came here, I was 17 years old, so it's almost 11 years," he said, "But it wasn't just a dream. It really is the land of the free here, like the oath says, land free, it is land of the free. There are opportunities here all over, and it's really nice, nice people, nice everything."

The ceremony included a live performance and an after-celebration for those involved.