A bureaucratic error failed to invite a group of 51 immigrants approved to become United States citizens to their naturalization ceremony.

The three people who learned when and where the ceremony would take place visited the immigration office in person, and despite the mix-up, the ceremony happened as scheduled.

An immigration official in Suffern says the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services mistakenly failed to send out the invitations, even though the immigrants were all approved to become citizens.

"I didn't get the invitation by mail myself," says Bishop David, a new U.S. citizen. "My attorney, she had to go to the office and found out this way, but I'm thankful to God at least I made it."

The next naturalization ceremony in Rockland will not be until Aug. 7. The people who were left out may have to wait until then, but officials say they may hold another one sooner.

The bureau apologized and says it is investigating the mistake.