We'll have that story shortly, but, first, to Belmopan, where a swell of eager immigrants rushed the Immigration Office. Here's what it looked like:

Jules Vasquez Reporting

Today, again, a throng of new Belizeans swarmed the door at the Immigration Department in Belmopan and waited for hours standing in the sun to have their papers processed.

There were buses all the way from Corozal, ministerial rides and ministers - slash - area representatives like Elvin Penner from Cayo Northeast doing paper work in the open air, on site.

And while the blazing sun didn't permit many smiles - most we spoke to were happy

Jules Vasquez
"What are you doing here today, Maria?"

Maria Podzun
New Belizean - Mexico, Been in Belize for 32 years
"Well I'm trying to get my papers. I finally want to be a Belizean after living here from 1979."

Jules Vasquez
"From 1979?"

Maria Podzun
"Yes, I went to school here."

Jules Vasquez
"So you came from where?"

Maria Podzun
"From Mexico."

Jules Vasquez
"Okay, now a lot of people are saying that all these people, they're being made Belizeans because elections are coming, and we know registration closes on the 20. Is that why you are a part of this?"

Maria Podzun
"No sir, I've been - I've applied before, many years ago, through the other party that was in, and I am really not into politics or anything. But I did all my paperwork, and every time there is just something else, and finally today, it looks I will be able to do it."

Jules Vasquez
"Is there any politician helping you to speed things along or so?"

Maria Podzun
"No, I got my BNA number from 1994, so I said, 'Let me see.' The reason I came here is because I saw people on the news getting their nationality. So I thought to myself that I've been here so long, why not me?"

Jules Vasquez
"First of all, why are you here today?"

Flor Gonzalez
New Belizean - El Salvador, Living in Belize 10 years
"Well, they called me and told me that I have to come and pick up my certificate that I'm a Belizean now."

Jules Vasquez
"How does that make you feel?"

Flor Gonzalez
"Well, it makes me feel great. I have an opportunity to finish my studies, do my bachelor's degree, get a good job, and maybe improve the country of Belize."

Jules Vasquez
"Are you being facilitated by a politician or somebody in politics?"

Flor Gonzalez
"No, I didn't get any help from anyone. I just applied about 10 years ago, so it's just coming out. I didn't have help from anyone. I just came, applied and made the correct procedures."

Those were the only two we spoke to who were fluent in English. All the rest only felt comfortable speaking in Spanish.

We asked if a politician is helping them with their papers.

Zoila Aquilo
Guatemala, Living in Belize 18 Years
"No no, all of them are dealing with their political issues and like how I need my papers, I need to see how I can get them."

Jules Vasquez
"But, why are you coming in this big rush?"

Zoila Aquilo
"Because they just called us, but our papers were in from a very long time."

Reporter
"Is any politician helping you?"

Norma Rivera
Living in Belize 28 years - Guatemala
"Right now, a Mr... - I don't know what's his name. I am not familiar with him but practically, I just saw him on Thursday for the first time. He went to look for us at our House. He's a lawyer, apparently. He the only who came and told us, 'Oh see your name is on the list. Go.' That's all."

Ingrid Vasquez
Living in Belize 6 years
"For our nationality... and we are hoping in God that we get it because we're in the sun, because it's too hot, and I have a baby."

Reporter
"Are you being helped by a politician?"

Ingrid Vasquez
Yes, Mr. Vega"

Ingrid Vasquez
"Yes we are happy because our dream will soon become reality."

Rene Solis
Living in Belize 28 years - El Salvador
"It's too hard and I need to work to get my money for my children to study. I didn't dedicate my time to money for the nationality, but now that it's an opportunity, I applied and I think I'm going to get it."

Reporter
"Is there any politician or minister helping you?"

Rene Solis
"The truth is they are not helping us. They are only helping us in by facilitating a simpler way to get it."

Vilma Morales
Living in Belize 25 Years - Guatemala
"I feel very happy and very contented - I don't know how to express the way I feel. I want to first thank God and also to my minister, Mister Montero. I am very happy and thankful because he has been with me in the good and the bad times."

Vilma Morales
"He paid everything for me. It was one thousand. He said 'don't worry', that he will pay it because, also, I work for him when they have campaign. I cook for him with all my heart. Me and my family, we are red like our blood."

And while she was politically outspoken, what we got from many of those we spoke to is that they have been waiting a long time - and are capitalizing on the political rush to push things through.

The other thing we got is that they are happy to be Belizeans:

Jules Vasquez
so you expect to be sworn in as a new citizen this afternoon?

Maria Podzun
"I hope so. I feel like I'm going to get married today because I've been living in this country. Like I told the other news, getting married and just having a little paper is nothing, but it's a lot."

Jules Vasquez
"So, are you excited about your opportunity to vote in the election?"

Flor Gonzalez
"I'm really excited about that because it's going to be my first time that I'm going to vote."

Jules Vasquez
"Do you know who you're going to vote for?"

Flor Gonzalez
"I'm not sure. I think that the person that I'm going to vote for has to have a good plan for the country. He has to have good expectations. I'm not going to go for colors. I'm just going with what they have planned for the country, or how to develop it.

Jules Vasquez
"Will you vote in the next elections?"

Maria Podzun
"This will be my first time if I am able to vote, so yeah. I'm excited also."

Zoila Aquilo
"I'm living happy here in Belize because in my country the delinquency is very ugly, so better we stay here"

Vilma Morales
"I am a pure Guatemalan! Was! But now I am Belizean until I die."

For those lucky enough to finish at the immigration office their next stop was the George Price center for their swearing in which was held this afternoon.

A few notes on citizenship. Persons who are born in Guatemala are required to renounce their citizenship to that country before becoming Belizeans. Also, those sworn in as Belizean Citizens are not required to be English speaking.

Unofficial reports are that over 200 persons were sworn in as new citizens. Again, the media, namely Belmopan's Plus TV was not allowed to tape the proceedings. Jesse Mendoza tells us he was escorted out by police. This is after Director Ruth Meighan assured us that the media should and would be allowed to tape it.