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Steelers Kicker Shaun Suisham Becomes American Citizen

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The snap is down! The kick is good! Steelers kicker Shaun Suisham was money in the bank, before a tackle put him out of action earlier this season.

He's had a gung ho American spirit, even though he was a Canadian citizen.

Until now that is.

Suisham took the oath of citizenship along with many others, in a naturalization ceremony at the Pittsburgh Field Office Wednesday. His American-born daughters and wife, Erin, watched proudly.

"I couldn't stand the thought of ever being separated, for any reason, from my girls," he said. "And that's the catalyst for going through this."

The Steelers kicker was one of 32 new citizens being sworn in Wednesday afternoon. They come from 14 countries, ranging from Bhutan to South Sudan.

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Suisham took the podium to share his story with future Steeler fans.

"My story is not one of hardship, which some of you may have," he said. "I did not flee my country seeking refuge from war, or to escape persecution stemming from religious or political belief."

And yet, he connected with his diverse audience.

"I've come to love the United States of America," he said, "specifically Pittsburgh, and it's become our home."

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