Three roads to American citizenship: Airman travels from African coast Published July 29, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Rachel Martinez 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- On July 2, in Bismarck, N.D., three young adults stood in front of a crowd of supporters and a judge, held up their right hand and swore their allegiance to the United States. At the completion of the swear-in ceremony the room erupted into cheers. One of the people who was sworn in that day was Airman 1st Class Bruno Farren, 319th Force Support Squadron. Airman Farren, 27, claimed he has lived in the U.S. for the last 20 years. He said that his family emigrated from Cape Verde when his father came to the U.S. for work. His father liked the U.S. so much he moved his family to be with him. "Cape Verde is a small group of islands off the west coast of Africa," said Airman Farren. Airman Farren mentioned that he has been in the states since he was a little child and doesn't remember Cape Verde, so he considers the U.S. to be his home country. "This is home to me; I wanted to be a citizen of the place I call home," stated Airman Farren when asked about why he decided to become a U.S. citizen. "When I was in high school, 9/11 happened," said Airman Farren. "My father at the time was trying to get me my citizenship, so when it took place, the whole process changed and was extended. It took a lot longer to get your citizenship so I ended up getting my permanent resident card." Although Airman Farren was not a citizen of the U.S. he said he joined the military because he felt obligated to do so. "I'm not from the U.S. but I joined the military because personally I feel obligated to give back to the country that has given me a lot of opportunities," expressed Airman Farren. After joining the military Airman Farren concentrated on receiving his citizenship. Airman Farren said the first step was to get the proper forms that were required. Once they were completed he then submitted them to the 319th Military Personnel Flight. Next in the process was waiting for notification to inform him that he needed to get finger printed. During this time, Airman Farren said he received a study guide about U.S. history and began to study from it. After the finger printing was accomplished, Airman Farren said he had to wait for notification about setting up an interview. "During the interview, they asked a lot of questions from the study guide," said Airman Farren. Once Airman Farren passed the interview, Airman Farren said he had to schedule a swear-in time. "The whole process was a lot easier than what I thought it was going to be," proclaimed Airman Farren. After Airmen Farren was declared an American citizen, he said he felt lots of different emotions. "I felt relief," replied Airman Farren. "I felt like I waited forever before I could receive my citizenship. I also felt surprised that it finally took place. When I got home and looked through the citizen stuff, I felt like an American and it felt amazing." "The only family of mine that knows I got my citizenship is my mom because she is the only family I have here in the country," said Airman Farren. "She was ecstatic. She was probably happier than I was because she knows how bad I wanted it." "I am looking forward to living my life as an American citizen," expressed Airman Farren. Editor's note: This feature is part one of a three part series.