Immigrants put aside fears to be U.S. citizens

Boston, USA -- While the nation braces for possible terror strikes and war looms with Iraq, Isaac Appiagyei was just happy to officially become an American yesterday.

``It's good to be part of a free world,'' said Appiagyei, a Ghana native who has been in the United States for six years.

Appiagyei joined 45 other immigrants who became U.S. citizens at a ceremony held at the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum.

But Appiagyei said the terrorist threats do concern him.

``It's very worrisome. I pray it doesn't happen. If it comes to war, we all have to defend our country,'' he said.

The new Americans, from upward of two dozen countries, were welcomed by U.S. District Court Judge Reginald Lindsay.

Officials at the Immigration and Naturalization Service said the 9/11 attacks have not deterred people from applying for citizenship. New immigrants are sworn in every two weeks.

Prasanna Katragadda, 41, had been preparing for his swearing-in for 14 years. The native of India said terrorists could unleash their deadly attacks anywhere.

``It could happen here or India. It could happen anywhere,'' Katragadda said.

Philip Samonte, a 25-year-old from the Philippines, put it simply.

``It's better here,'' he said. ``(But) it is in the back of my mind.''

Saira Naseer, formerly of Pakistan, said she isn't worried about another homeland terrorist attack.

``We try to think positively,'' she said.