The Iraqi interpreter who worked with U.S. Navy SEALS and "American Sniper" Chris Kyle during the Iraq War became an American citizen this week after a 10-year process and spoke of his support for President Trump's immigration policies.

Riyadh Ahmed Khalaf Al Ahmady, 54, who is still better known by his code name "Johnny Walker," took part in a naturalization ceremony in his home city of San Diego, Calif., Wednesday.

Al Ahmady's visa was approved during the Obama administration, but he is a fan of President Trump and his immigration policies, including the travel ban that affected Muslim-majority countries.

"Trump, if he is racist that means he wants to protect his race and his religion," he said in an interview with the Washington Examiner. "How many Muslims live in the United States?" he asked. "He wants to protect those people no matter what they believe, and they call him racist."

"I support Trump 100 percent ... he loves this country," said Al Ahmady. "I tell people, 'Raise the American flag in Iraq,' while people over here, they show no respect to the flag."

Al Ahmady said the issue of illegal immigration, whether at the U.S.-Mexico border or overstaying visas, has been made more complicated and emotional than it needs to be. "We need to build the wall. Some, if they don't like this idea, they need to go back to [their] country."

He was approved for a special immigrant visa for himself and his family in 2009, after he had helped the Navy SEALS with more than 1,000 missions. It took a decade longer to be approved to become citizens.

Al Ahmady said that those who had helped the U.S. should be at the front of the line to receive visas."Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I am better than other people," he said. "I think we should see who has put his life at risk for us, to make his citizenship faster than other people who gave no life risk.

"From 2006 through 2009, I put my life at risk every night. How many people of those [visa applicants] put their life at risk?" asked Al Ahmady, who said he had dreamed for decades about coming to the U.S. "All they need to do is follow the legal procedure and keep your faith about the American dream."

Among the SEALs Al Ahmady worked with in Iraq was Chris Kyle, the legendary sniper who achieved more than 150 confirmed kills and was portrayed in the blockbuster movie "American Sniper" by Bradley Cooper. Kyle, 38, was shot dead in Texas in 2013 by a deranged former U.S. marine whom he was trying to help adjust to civilian life.

Al Ahmady, who was interviewed a day after his naturalization ceremony, now works with U.S. Special Operations forces in Southern California.