JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ky. — Casting your ballot for the first time is a moment some people might take for granted, but for a recently naturalized citizen from the Middle East it's a moment five years in the making.
Once Joseph Alshmmari, a Baghdad, Iraq native, submitted his first American Election Day ballot he was full of excitement. He gave a thumbs up as he got to participate as a legal U.S. citizen.
He's one of the many naturalized citizens in Jefferson County making his voice heard.
"I'm here to start a new life," Alshammari said. "America gave me that life."
Alshmmari traveled a long journey to get to this day. His connection to an American organization in Iraq helped him immigrate to the U.S. and engage in the citizenship process.
"I traveled from Baghdad to Jordan, from Jordan to Chicago, from Chicago to Kentucky," Alshammari said. "I did not have a relative or family here. Just one friend who was my sponsor."
It took him five years to earn legal status and shake a judge's hand. Now, Alshammari has economic dreams he wishes to pursue.
"This year to establish a new company," Alshammari said. "I hope to do what I did in Iraq. Like to supply to the American Army or companies. I just heard form the Jefferson Community College friends they have a program for minorities in small business. So I'm happy I'm excited."
Alshammari is currently a student at Jefferson Community & Technical College and was recently featured on their Facebook page encouraging others to vote.
"Thank you so much for my professor," Alshammari said. "She taught me in the American government class to register online because I told her before this was the first time for me."
Alshammari is set to graduate with an associates in liberal arts soon. He hopes to pursue his bachelor's degree and one day open a small business.
He encourages other immigrants to pursue their citizenship and prepare to vote in the 2028 presidential election.