“That’s how it’s supposed to work”: Fans react as Daniel Suarez takes oath as a US Citizen

Daniel Suarez is officially an American citizen, 12 years after moving to the United States. Fans were excited with the development and warmly welcomed the former Mexican citizen to his new official home.

The Trackhouse Racing driver originally came to the United States from Mexico on a tourist visa, later securing a work visa, and ultimately obtaining a green card. He is currently in the eighth season of his NASCAR Cup racing career, having already won the Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta. Thanks to his impressive performance this season, fans are elated to finally have him as a United States citizen.

Although he has listened to the American national anthem before each race every weekend, Daniel Suarez will be singing the national anthem as a US citizen for the first time in New Hampshire.

Suarez became a United States citizen on Tuesday, June 18, taking the oath alongside 48 candidates from 28 different countries in a naturalization ceremony welcoming the newest Americans. At the event, Daniel Suarez and the other 47 candidates received their citizenship certificates from NASCAR president Steve Phelps, a surprise guest. Phelps not only attended the ceremony but also delivered the keynote address.

The #99 driver was supported at the ceremony by his fiancee Julia Piquet, Trackhouse Racing president Ty Norris, and other team members. The presence of Phelps was a pleasant surprise for Daniel Suarez, who shared a warm embrace with his friend before the 45-minute event began.

Elated fans reacted to the Trackhouse Racing driver getting his citizenship. Here are some of the reactions:

"That’s how it’s supposed to work. Much respect for him for following the path he began when he came to our Country!" a fan commented on the post created by NASCAR sharing pictures of Suarez receiving his citizenship certificate.

Another proud fan stated, "Forever making us proud 🥹."

One fan admiring the driving style of Daniel Suarez said, "Any man drive a stock car like that ought to be a citizen."

"Welcome to your new home @Daniel_SuarezG ! We are happy to welcome you and your family with open arms! 🇺🇸," a fan welcomed Daniel Suarez.

One fan applauded the presence of the NASCAR president to do the honors: "I am happy that Steve Phelps and NASCAR honored @Daniel_SuarezG for this accomplishment🇺🇸 🫡👏"

Another congratulatory comment read, "Congratulations Daniel. Welcome to the USA as a citizen. 🇺🇸🇺🇸"

Although it usually takes three to five years for green card holders (permanent residents) to become US citizens, it took Daniel Suarez 12 years.

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Daniel Suarez explains why it took 12 years for him to become a US citizen

A green card holder without special circumstances can apply for United States citizenship at least five years after obtaining their green card. They also must have physically lived in the US for at least 30 months (two and a half years) out of those five years.

Additionally, the naturalization processing time, from when someone files their citizenship application to when they attend the Oath of Allegiance ceremony, is currently about eight months.

For Daniel Suarez, the whole timeline took nearly twice as many years. Suarez was quoted as saying by Autoweek.com:

"I could have done it sooner if I wanted to, but I never pushed the times as much as I could have. Then after five years, I had the option to apply for citizenship. So, it’s been a 10-to-12-year process for me. [...] one of the hardest things I have done in a long time."

Suarez said his next step in the process would be registering to vote, a new privilege that comes with US citizenship.