In a building just off the A1(M) in Cambridgeshire, new lives are beginning.

There's a sense of curiosity, nerves and excitement, but this isn't a maternity unit or a delivery room.

Today, as happens most weeks at New Shire Hall, people are taking part in ceremonies marking the final step to becoming a British citizen.

It is a proud moment for many, but one that has come at a time when conversations about immigration have dominated the headlines.

So how do people here feel about becoming British? And do they feel welcome?

Over the course of two ceremonies, external, about 30 people stand up, state their names and either read out an oath of allegiance to King and country or a non-religious affirmation.

The national anthem is sung before official photographs are taken. Similar ceremonies are held around the country.

"It's amazing. I can't stop grinning," says Sydney, a 38-year-old nurse who began her journey to citizenship in 2018 when she came to the UK from The Philippines.

Asked why she moved, her answer is one we hear repeatedly throughout the day.

"All citizens from not-very-privileged countries want to have a better life for their family and the opportunities the UK gives us. My aunt and my sisters are here as well.

"Thinking about where I came from and all the hardships I went through, it's the ultimate thing for me, really. It's really emotional."

Sydney is not alone.

According to NHS England data, external, 18% of nurses reported an Asian nationality, the vast majority Indian or Filipino.

In the East of England, that number is even higher, at 24%.

According to the Migration Observatory, external, since the UK's departure from the European Union, the number of Asians migrating to the UK has increased, with the post-Brexit immigration system favouring skilled workers from non-EU countries.

However, they are far from the only group searching for a new home and identity.

Before the ceremony begins, master of ceremonies, Dave, reads out a list of the countries and territories represented at the event – one that he likens to the United Nations.

"Have a listen to this. We have people here today from The Philippines, Italy, Romania, Iran, Belgium, India, Chechnya, Spain, Poland, Taiwan, Zimbabwe, Serbia, China, Moldova, Bulgaria, Vietnam, Pakistan, South Africa, Jamaica and Russia".

A low murmur ripples through the room. Even this international audience is impressed.

Among them is 30-year-old Evilina from Russia, who arrived in Britain aged 12.

Now a teacher at a school in Cambridge, she's excited to finally become a British citizen.

"I've waited a long time for this. It's just been such a long, emotional journey," she says.

With three degrees to her name, education is one of the main reasons she chose to settle here.

But given the current focus on immigration, does she understand some of the hostility from those who think levels are too high?

"It's all about integrating into society," she says.

"Being a teacher means being able to contribute, especially with education. I feel like I can give back."

Is "giving back" particularly important to her as a first-generation immigrant?

"Yes, I think so," she says.

"One of the purposes in life is to give back. You learn as a human being to share things. If you give back, you receive back."

Everyone at today's ceremony has lived in the country for at least five years, and has passed several key requirements, external, including a Life in the UK test.

All are here legally.

But after a politically charged summer where anti-immigrant feeling led to protests outside hotels housing asylum seekers, many are angry at what they perceive as ignorance.

"This country has always been a big mix of different nationalities, whether you go back to the Saxons or Vikings," says Diana.

She is here supporting her friend, 58-year-old Yahsiang, who arrived in Britain from Taiwan.

She grows increasingly frustrated at what she sees as prejudice towards those she describes as "hard-working people who want to make our lives better".

"We have so many rich, different traditions and nationalities.

"We can use all their different skills and they will give us their skills if we welcome them. It's, it's…"

Diana trails off, breaks down and becomes tearful.

"Earlier this year I was very poorly," she says.

"If all those people who weren't pure British left the hospital, I would have been left there as well."

Over the summer and autumn, union jack and St George's flags were flown from lampposts.

It prompted Cambridgeshire County Council chairman Peter McDonald, one of the dignitaries at the ceremony, to get in touch with the BBC, to express fears the contributions of "new citizens from across the world" were being ignored.

"Naturally there are big concerns about illegal immigration, but this is all legal; everyone has gone through the process," says McDonald.

"To me, it's all about really making them feel welcome. Sometimes they don't always know that or feel that.

"We want them to walk tall and feel proud to be citizens."

Asked if he has any sympathies with those who feel the number of people settling in the UK is too high, he says: "We are the fastest-growing area in the UK.

"When we go to the hospital or the GP, we want people to be there. We don't want those institutions to say we haven't got enough doctors or nurses.

"We really need these people."

According to the county council, Cambridgeshire has welcomed 2,286 new British citizens since January.

And while many moved to this country for work, for others like 50-year-old Magda from Catalonia, a semi-autonomous region of Spain, there's a simpler reason.

"I moved to this country for love!

"I know it's very romantic but yes, I fell in love with a man from Manchester and now I want to stay here.

"He's retired and he would like to live in Catalonia, but I've told him no, we're staying here."

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