Julie Aftab was attacked 10 years ago for refusing to renounce her Christian faith. She was granted political asylum in the United States and has had several surgeries to rebuild her face.
Aftab was one of the 2,000 people sworn in as American citizens in Houston yesterday. She also gave the keynote address.
"For many people, this is just a piece of paper. For me, this means a lot," she said. "The paper means that I can see my family. That paper means that I have better opportunities. That paper means so many things."
Aftab hopes to visit family in Pakistan after getting her U.S. passport. She has finished an accounting degree at the University of Houston and is engaged.
