CHICAGO (WLS) — The United States got some new citizens in Chicago Thursday.

And they became citizens in one of the most American ways possible: on a baseball field.

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It wasn’t just any baseball field; it was Wrigley Field, the home of the Cubs.

In all, 977 candidates from 109 countries were sworn in as citizens.

Sen. Dick Durbin and Congressman Mike Quigley were among those in attendance.

Hundreds of families were in attendance, too.

For some of them, it was a very long process. But they say it was worth the wait.

“I have two boys and a family that I want to be here for, and I want to be a citizen just like they are,” said Lisa Bowgren, from Canada. “It was very special. Like I said, I lived here for 26 years, and it was finally time for me to take a step to become a U.S. citizen. I’m really excited to be engaged civically.”

Oscarelia Olivacce shared the same sentiment.

The mother of two came from Venezuela seven years ago in search of opportunity.

She encourages people to start the naturalization process. Although at times it can feel daunting.

“I am looking at 977 immigrant stories. Each of you have one to tell,” Durbin said.

“You’re here because you sought to pursue the American dream, and I know that dream looks different for all of you. But the core values remain the same: freedom, prosperity and the pursuit of happiness,” Quigley said.

Immigrant advocates were also on-hand, helping the new U.S. citizens register to vote.

“It means I am part of the American family, and I can get to vote in the next election,” said Luke Samuel Hong of Canada.

Some people said they still have other family members who are in the process of applying for U.S. citizenship.

They say it was important to pave the way for them, and show them the American dream is still possible.

In June, more than two dozen people became citizens at Midway airport. It was the very first time Chicago had held a naturalization ceremony at an airport.