Thousands become US citizens at last LA naturalization ceremonies before election

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Thousands became American citizens at naturalization ceremonies in Los Angeles Tuesday. These new citizens not only reached an important goal but now can vote in this year's divisive election.

Dalia Torres was one of many inside the Los Angeles Convention Center with their right hand held high, pledging allegiance to the United States of America.

"I'm the first one in my family to ever take this step to become a citizen. I was a resident for eight years until I was like, it's time," Torres said.

Torres said her third-grade daughter kept asking her questions - particularly about who she planned on voting for.

"I was waiting for my ceremony so I was like I hope it comes soon so I can get to vote," Torres said.

She said she is going to vote for Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.

Another mother gained her citizenship on Tuesday, but she didn't want to divulge who she's leaning toward. Her daughter, Celeste Cuppett, weighed in.

"Even Clinton or Donald Trump, either way we just hope they can do something for this country," Cuppett said.

More than 3,600 people Tuesday gained the power to vote in this year's election.

"I talk to more and more people who say I hope I can become a citizen in time to vote," said Rep. Tony Cardenas.

New citizens after Tuesday's ceremonies will have to wait another four years to vote for the next president of the United States.

"I think that every American should see what it's like - the tears in people's eyes and the joy in their heart - when they get that gift of being an American citizen," Cardenas said.

There were two naturalization ceremonies that took place on Tuesday - these are the last ceremonies before the election. The top three countries represented at these ceremonies were Mexico, El Salvador and the Philippines.