PINELLAS COUNTY, FL -
190 people packed the auditorium at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg to take the final step in becoming U.S. citizens. The group taking the oath, represented 56 different countries.
Canadian born Rob Gutek said he hired an attorney to help him navigate the lengthy process. "Sure, it's not easy but the rules are set up that if you follow the process and respect what they're trying to achieve by the process, there are opportunities to be an immigrant legally," said Gutek.
The 11 million undocumented immigrants already in the United States don't have that option. A group of lawmakers in Washington have come up with a bipartisan plan for immigration reform. It includes a pathway to citizenship, border security, green cards for those with advanced math and science degrees from American universities, an employment verification system, and a guest worker program.
Maria Contreras, from Columbia, became a U.S. citizen today. She agrees with the reform. "I think it's a great law, I think it's going to be great for all the people that are here and there's no way they can get documents or even a license," said Contreras.
President Barack Obama is expected to address immigration reform Tuesday.
