Texas elementary school students and teachers had thrown a celebratory parade as a surprise after a cafeteria worker becomes a U.S. citizen.

The cafeteria worker came from Mexico to America 18 years ago. According to Fox News, Maria Ponce has been working at Oliver Elementary School in central Texas for the past five years.

Ponce finally became a naturalized U.S. citizen on May 3 after six years of trying to become one. Recorded footage shows students in the hallways with American flags to congratulate Ponce as she walks through the school.

Ponce said that it was a big surprise and a special day for her. The principal of the school, Kyle Chambers, said it was an incredible moment for Ponce and a learning opportunity for the kids. Chambers further noted that Ponce became close to students and staff, according to a Travels Guide report.

Ponce said she works within the elementary school with the young ones as they make her completely happy every day. She added that she really likes her job.

Ponce has worked at Oliver Elementary School for over five years. She has two children in the school district, according to a Big Country Homepage report.

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U.S. Citizenship

The United States considers an individual as its citizen if they have a birth certificate issued by a U.S. state; and have a birth certificate issued by a U.S. territory.

One can also be a citizen of the U.S. if they were born to at least one U.S. citizen parent and recorded their birth with the U.S. Embassy or consulate in that country, according to a U.S.A. gov website.

One can apply to be a citizen of the United States through a naturalization process, wherein a non-U.S. citizen becomes a citizen.

Once they gained citizenship, they owe their allegiance to the United States; entitled to its protection; and should exercise their rights and responsibilities as citizens.

To become one, an individual must have had a permanent resident (green) card for at least five years or three years if you're filing as the spouse of a U.S. citizen.

Some of the requirements to become a citizen of the United States include being at least 18 years old when you apply; being able to read, write, and speak basic English; and have a good moral character.

U.S. Immigration Challenges

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently confirmed that it was taking steps to relax more than a year of asylum restrictions in the U.S. This has led border officials to immediately expel single adults and migrant families with older children.

Upon taking office, President Joe Biden has exempted unaccompanied children from the expulsion, Associated Press reported.

The Biden administration has agreed to eventually let in about 250 people daily through southern border crossings, seeking refuge in the U.S.

The DHS said it is fast-tracking a system for identifying and lawfully processing vulnerable individuals exempted for humanitarian reasons under Title 42 order.

READ MORE: Pres. Joe Biden Administration To Restart Border Wall Construction After Scrapping Former Pres. Donald Trump's Border Wall Plans

WATCH: Beloved Cafeteria Worker Becomes U.S. citizen, Stamford School Celebrates Her - From BigCountryHomepage