Nearly 500 People Become U.S. Citizens At Naturalization Ceremony At Northwestern University, Including Ukrainians Worrying About Homeland
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Nearly 500 immigrants from 78 countries became U.S. citizens on Friday – including 10 who are from Ukraine.
CBS 2's Shardaa Gray caught up with a few of the Ukrainians who were became citizens at the naturalization ceremony in Evanston.
"My heart is in Ukraine this time," said Yuriy Kolodiychuk.
Amid the attack by Russia, Kolodiychuk can't help but to think about his friends and family in Ukraine.
"This time, my country has a very big problem," he said. "Russia attack it, my country."
Nearly 500 new citizens from 78 countries were sworn in as citizens Friday at the Welsh-Ryan Arena at Northwestern University.
It was a joyous ceremony for nearly 500 people, but for a small percentage of Ukrainians, their minds are elsewhere.
"I cannot eat, I cannot sleep about the situation," said Irene Ivankiv. "It's scary."
Ivankiv said despite the attacks, her family is staying in Ukraine.
"They want to fight with Russian occupants," she said.
An interpreter for Kolodiychuk said this madness started with one person.
"His heart is bleeding for what is happening over there. The people in his home country must suffer so much because of one crazy person," Kolodiychuk said through the interpreter. "His name is Vladimir Putin."
He said he'd like to see more support.
"I'd like a little bit more help next time for my country," Kolodiychuk said.
Last month, more than 470 people from 82 countries were sworn in as U.S. citizens.
