From life in a troubled African country, to a professional soccer career and finally a move to America.

It's been an incredible journey to freedom for the man you're about to meet, and as Katie Janssen shows you, his story has a universal message. 

Friday, Mekki Musa was granted U.S. citizenship at the federal court, but the road here was a long and dangerous one. 

Call it an early Independence Day celebration for 44 new American citizens.
 
Most, including Mekki Musa, had to leave their entire lives in their native countries, for their own safety. In Musa's case, he fled Sudan. 

"It wasn't an easy decision but I had the strong belief that this country will be better for me and better for my children as well," Musa said. 

Musa says life in Sudan was filled with poverty and political hardship. As a teen, he focused on his education and soccer, eventually becoming a professional soccer player. Then, when he went to college, he joined a student political group, and was thrown in prison because of it. 

"I joined the politics and I had to sacrifice the soccer, actually,” he said. “Also kind of a tough decision." 

He came to America nearly eight years ago, and has never looked back. 

"From the time I arrived in this land I feel like I have opportunity,” Musa said. “Now I can accomplish something, I could do something that makes my life better." 

And he has. Musa graduated with a degree in Liberal Arts from Kilian Community College in 2006, and has become interested in American literature and politics. 

"I hope I can take the mission of America to others as well... the mission of freedom, democracy, human rights," said Musa. 

Because he knows those ideals aren't easy to come by in other parts of the world. 

On Monday, Musa will apply for citizenship on behalf of his four children, two boys and two girls.