The United States and Immigration Services reports 808,000 immigrants became naturalized citizens this fiscal year, one of the highest in a decade despite the ongoing pandemic.

More than 16,000 immigrants were naturalized in Tampa and more than 12,000 immigrants were naturalized in Orlando including Eliana Adames who took the Oath of Allegiance on Monday. 

She said she did it for her 3-year-old twin boys.

“I hope to have a very quality life for my babies,” Adames said.

She opened her multi-service business, Las Paisanes, during the pandemic and said it was a challenge to do so while she studied for her citizenship test, but she was glad she persevered.

She said she would like to help others now.

“This country brings a lot of opportunities so I actually have my own business so I hope to help another Latin come and have opportunities,” Adames said.

She uses her social media to help promote other small businesses.