07/04/18 — WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WFMY)-- It was an exciting day for Melvin Chua, who finally became an American citizen after 26 years.
He was one of 49 people to be naturalized on Wednesday at a ceremony at the Old Salem Visitor Center.
"I was actually a little bit surprised at how emotional I got during the ceremony. I told myself I wouldn't cry, but a got a little teary-eyed you know, midway through the ceremony," says Chua.
His long journey began in 1992 when he moved from Singapore to the United States to go to school at Arizona State University. He says getting a work visa after graduating was a challenge.
"A lot of people don't want to sponsor you for the H-1B. As soon they find out that they have to do that, that's a lot of hassle. So that's the biggest hurdle," says Chua.
But the obstacles of life don't go away after becoming an American citizen. Ask Anton Moussaev who was naturalized at last year's ceremony.
"Life is never easy. I mean this is what you make of it. You know this is just the beginning for all of them, depending on what their you know goals, agendas, hopes and dreams. You know, you have to work hard for everything, nothing is easy," says Moussaev.
As for Chua, he's still in awe of his new citizenship. "Every time I hear the word American citizen, welcome, I just get all choked up," says Chua.