46 people from 31 countries were sworn in as U.S. citizens at a ceremony in Portland Friday.
Vladimir Barlov says he came to Maine from Serbia in 2014, and has wanted to become a citizen so he can vote.
"I believe in democracy, and that's the biggest reason I would like to be a part of it, to have my views heard and be involved," Barlov says.
After coming to the United States from Brazil 14 years ago, Neid Araujo says she wants to have a say in how elections are decided.
"For me it's very important to vote and participate in politics and everything, and have better opportunities for jobs," Araujo says.
Gov. Janet Mills , who was the keynote speaker at the ceremony, encouraged the new citizens to be civically engaged and told them "welcome home."
