Luis is an American

By Charles Bassett, NEWS 9

It was an unforgettable day for nearly 50 people in the metro area as they all became U.S. citizens. Among them was one of our own from NEWS 9.

Jose Luis Medina came to NEWS 9 last September, months earlier, he applied for his citizenship. On Wednesday our friend and colleague has a new title; American.

Luis has been waiting to take the American oath for more than four years, even though he's still having trouble getting some of the words just right.

Luis came to United States in 2003 after meeting an American girl, Christy, who later became his wife.

He applied for citizenship last June and a few months later, he took a job at NEWS 9. He held dual roles as an Associate Producer and Assignment Desk Manager.

After he got his official certificate, Luis made his way to his wife for the celebration.

"It feels great," Luis said. "I don't know how to describe it. Obviously I don't have enough words, whether it's in English or Spanish."

"I'm very happy and very emotional, not necessarily for myself, but for him because this is a complete dream come true for him," Christy said.

Although this part of his life is now over, Luis is ready to start a new chapter.

"I want to do something, I want to do something positive and contribute to the growth of this nation. That's one of my goals," Luis said.

More than 100 family and friends were in attendance to support the people becoming new citizens. The Immigration Service said this was their biggest crowd ever.