New US citizens welcomed in 4th of July ceremonies in Camden, Philadelphia

CAMDEN, N.J. (WTXF/AP) - Several dozen people are among the newest United States citizens following a naturalization ceremony aboard a battleship in New Jersey.

NJ.com reports that 44 people from 26 different countries ranging from Bangladesh to Vietnam were administered the oath of allegiance Wednesday by U.S. District Court Deputy Clerk Trish Hruschka.

The ceremony was held on the forecastle or forward deck of the USS New Jersey in Camden, New Jersey, with the Philadelphia skyline across the Delaware River serving as a backdrop.

In 2015, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services welcomed 729,995 citizens during naturalization ceremonies in the United States and around the world.

Meanwhile, across the river in Philadelphia, 13 children were part of their own naturalization ceremony at the Betsy Ross House in Old City. Family and friends watched on as the children from seven different countries became United States Citizens.