NEW YORK (AP) — A 99-year-old woman named America has become a U.S. citizen at her home in New York City.
America Maria Hernandez was born in Colombia and was brought to the U.S. by one of her daughters in 1988.
She signed her naturalization certificate and took the oath of allegiance during a ceremony Wednesday in the living room of her Queens home. She was surrounded by family members. She smiled and said she was very happy.
Hernandez was born in October 1917 in Cordoba, Colombia, but mostly lived in Barranquilla.
She had 12 children and now has 22 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
She had a green card for decades but decided the last time it was up for renewal to become a U.S. citizen instead.
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