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FDNY EMT sworn in as U.S. citizen, ends 11-year fight to stay in country

He was nearly deported in 2003 when he voluntarily registered with the federal government under a post-9/11 special registration security program

NBC New York

NEW YORK — A Queens man who once faced deportation as a teenager was sworn in as a U.S. citizen Thursday, ending an 11-year fight to stay in this country.

“It’s very special,” said Mohammad Hussain. “I have come a long way and I am finally accepted.” The Pakistan native took the oath wearing the uniform of the FDNY. Hussain, 30, has served as an EMT for more than a year.

Hussain was first ordered to leave the U.S. in 2003, when he was just 18. The order was issued after Hussain registered voluntarily with the federal government under a security program put in place following the 9/11 attacks.

Full story: Queens EMT Sworn in as U.S. Citizen, Ending 11-Year Fight to Stay in Country