Nearly two dozen new Americans were sworn-in as citizens at a naturalization ceremony in Bergen County Friday.

The ceremony was held at the historic New Bridge Landing in River Edge. Officials say that the location of the event is one of the most important parts of the ceremony.

"We try to make them memorable and meaningful for people. The event is significant enough but if it's at a place like this, a historic place like the student house that has connections not only to George Washington, but to significant immigrants like Thomas Payne and Alexander Hamilton, it's even more meaningful,” says Katie Tichacek with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration.

There were 22 people representing more than 14 different countries who took part in Friday’s ceremony. 

In order to be naturalized, an applicant must first be qualified to apply for citizenship. Then they must complete an application, attend an interview, and pass an English and a civics test.

They are then able to take the oath to become Americans.