This article has been translated from its original Spanish version and edited for clarity.

Virginia Dela Peña had lived in the U.S. for nearly four decades before she took the leap to become a naturalized citizen in Las Vegas late last week.

She’s 96 years old.

"It’s never too late to take that big step to become citizens of this country," she said.

Dela Peña was one of 80 immigrants from 34 different countries and cultures who gathered together for a naturalization ceremony on Thursday at Las Vegas City Hall. Officials in attendance included Mayor Carolyn Goodman and U.S. District Court Judge Andrew Gordon.

"Something beautiful happens when you go to another nation and embrace it as yours. The country adopts you, but you must adopt it as well," Gordon said, later adding that it is the duty of all citizens "to preserve the values ​​of this nation and even make them better."

Gordon, whose parents came from Ireland in the early 20th century, explained to the prospective citizens the importance of the step they were about to take, as well as their rights and responsibilities.

"You have the right to criticize the government, your national and local authorities, telling them what you believe is wrong. But don’t just criticize: Get involved, join a political party," Gordon said. "Help a campaign that coincides with your principles, run for office at the city or state level, take these opportunities you now have in your hands."

It's never too late

Dela Peña describes herself as an independent woman who lives alone and takes care of her home and her needs without any help.

She came to the United States from the Philippines 38 years ago, and although she soon became a resident, she always delayed her naturalization process. It was politics that made her take that final step.

"I became a citizen for one reason: To vote," Dela Peña explained. "I missed my chance to do this before because I wasn’t a citizen, and that made me think that I just focused on work and forgot the importance of participating."

Dela Peña said that after retiring from work she spent several years thinking she should get involved in the country's politics. She finally concluded that the fastest way to do that was participating in the elections.

For her, the situation the country is now facing was another reason to become a citizen.

"I don’t like how things are going from the political, to the economic and social standpoint and therefore I feel that voting can really make a difference," she said.

Dela Peña said that despite the difficulties the nation experiences, she continues to believe that this country has strong values, diversity and great people.

Although she waited until her 90s to take the step, she also recommended that those who are able to become citizens do so as soon as possible.

From member of the Chilean military, to US citizen

When 28-year-old Chilean citizen Diana Dunlop met her husband, a US citizen who was visiting the Andean country, she began a relationship that would ultimately bring her to the United States.

Four years later, Dunlop celebrated with her new family after becoming a citizen of this country.

"I’m a member of the Chilean military. I love my country deeply, where I was born and raised," Dunlop said. "But I also learned to love this country as if it were mine."

Dunlop quoted Gordon’s words, explaining that since this country greeted her and opened its doors to her, she also adopted it as her own.

"I learned to love this country from the moment I arrived," Dunlop said. "During this time I dedicated myself to love the people, to learn about their culture and history, and especially to have a deep respect for the laws that exist here."

For this new citizen, moving to a new country came with significant challenges, but also positive changes — she said she has had opportunities to grow personally and professionally.

"It’s a tremendous honor to look at that flag and feel it’s mine," she said. "Being part of this is now something wonderful and important."

Make your voice heard

"When you become a citizen, even if you have been living in the country for many years, no matter how small, changes are important."

That’s how Hector Hung, 49, described what he felt first after receiving his certificate of naturalization.

Hung was born in Caracas, Venezuela, after his father emigrated to that country from China in 1950. He spent his childhood in the Caracas Valley, but then, at age 19, his family urged him to come and study in the United States.

Hung has lived in the U.S. ever since, moving from New York to California to Nevada, which he’s called home for the past 12 years.

"I met my wife and I got married in this country, my children were born here,” Hung said. “After spending so many years in the United States, I decided and I felt it was time to become a citizen, a country where I have forged roots and I now feel like it’s mine.”

Hung added that the most important change from his transition from resident to citizen was gaining a more powerful voice.

"Being able to vote in every election, local and national, as well as to participate actively in politics and if you want to run for office you can do so — that's something really powerful," Hung said.

Goodman emphasized the importance of becoming a US citizen, not only because of the power that comes through voting, but because of the message behind the naturalization process.

"This event is a sample of cultural diversity in our community," Goodman said, "because it’s an opportunity to celebrate the great country we are and remember the mission we have to make this nation a better place for everyone."