CHICAGO (WLS) -- Dozens of people took their oath to officially become new citizens on Friday in Chicago. The naturalization ceremony happened as the federal government cracks down on people in the country illegally.

Friday's ceremony happened at Instituto del Progreso Latino.

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In the heat of a divisive debate over immigration in the United States, 54 foreign nationals completed their years-long journey to legally becoming American citizens. It's a tedious and expensive process.

In the current political climate, some of the new citizens said their new title of "American" might mean a new world of opportunity.

With a sweeping, sunlit view of the city they will now call a naturalized home, 54 soon-to-be citizens sat patiently seate

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