Nearly 2,000 immigrants received their U.S. citizenship at naturalization ceremonies in St. Paul on Wednesday.

We've been following the path toward fulfilling the American dream for one of those people for years now. He's an Iraqi man who served as an interpreter for the Minnesota National Guard while supporting U.S. forces in Basra in 2009. But, when the soldiers left, Khalid Awda became a marked man having helped American troops.

For more than three years, his military comrade turned close friend, Sergeant Paul Braun, worked to bring Khalid to Minnesota.

Khalid finally arrived in 2013, but his family couldn't come for a few more years, arriving in late 2016. The wait to become a U.S. citizen took another three years.

'It's beyond important, it's everything, it's really big for us,' said his son, Shaheem Khalid Yasir.

It's a goal his children have dreamed of for a dad they're so proud of.

Minnesota Soldier, Iraqi Interpreter Form Unusual Bond

'It's a very, very special day, it's an honor to be here actually, it's a huge honor,' his 12-year-old daughter Khadija added.

'I'm really proud of him to get to this point in his life, it's been hard for him,' 15-year-old daughter Nora said.

Khalid said he will never forget the hard times, but is focused now on what the future will bring.

'This is the land of immigrants, people waiting for this day, but the actual lesson will be after this day, what are you going to do for this country?' he said.

'This country got us here, provided us with dignity and a good life, so we need to keep it,' he added.

Khalid just recently bought a home and said he is focusing now on growing his education.

He said this day couldn't have happened if not for the Minnesota National Guard, and his dear military friend who he still sees today.