A naturalization ceremony took place Thursday at the Great Falls National Historical Park in Paterson.

The ceremony welcomed new American citizens from 16 different countries – including 19 people from the Dominican Republic.

"It's an amazing feeling. I’m so happy about today. As I mentioned, I’m here 7 years really, but it looks like my first day in the United States,” says Elkassa Sidali, of Algeria.

Of the 40 new citizens, 21 are residents of Paterson.