For David Kadouri of Toronto, Canada, it's a life-changing moment that's been years in the making.

Kadouri is one of 32 immigrants from 16 countries to receive their U.S. citizenship, during a naturalization ceremony at the Erie Federal Courthouse.

Each person, a different journey.

"For me, it was for employment opportunity, the ability to provide a better life for my family that I could have even in a great country like Canada, which I still have a devotion to in many ways," said Kadouri. "But now, I have a new allegiance. A greater allegiance, an allegiance to what I think is the greatest country in the world."

Pehuen Ciambotti of Argentina, was brought to the United States by his parents, back in 1986.

"We came here originally on visas," said Ciambotti. "We stayed longer, and now we're a lot older. I got married to the first love of my life, and through her I was able to apply for a green card."

In order to apply for U.S. citizenship, candidates must have their green card for at least five years.

"Until you're on a green card, the clock doesn't start," said Kadouri. "To me this was a fulfillment of an eventuality. I've always felt like or at least recently, have felt more American than Canadian, and I know I wanted to make it official."

"It's a painstaking process," said Ciambotti. "It's a long time, but it's worth it. I'm really happy to be a U.S. citizen. It's going to open a lot of doors for me."

So why Erie?

"I chose Erie for employment, but I stayed because it's a lovely place to raise a family," said Kadouri. "It's a great place where there is a diverse population. We're close to some great city centers, but it has a really beautiful environment in the summer, and it's just been a great place for me and my family to set roots."