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News & Announcements: 2019-02

Check this page, or the News and Announcements box on the homepage, for the latest official news and announcements released by the court. You can also access archived news and announcements from this page.

February 7, 2019
On February 7, 2019, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana held a naturalization ceremony, during which 14 individuals were naturalized as new United States citizens.  The Honorable Susie Morgan, District Judge for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, presided over the ceremony.  The ceremony began with the United States Marine Forces Reserve Color Guard presenting the American and Marine Corps flags, and Malinda Blevins, Daughter of the American Revolution - Spirit of '76 Chapter, leading the Pledge of Allegiance.  Eureka Arties of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Office sang the National Anthem a cappella.  Cory Vidal, President of the Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, provided a welcome address.  Mr. Vidal focused on the American civil rights movement and the activists who took courageous action to ensure that all people, regardless of race or national origin, are treated equally and fairly under the United States Constitution.  Kimberly Silas, President-Elect of the Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, provided a keynote address.  Ms. Silas encouraged naturalization candidates to vote, pursue public office, and get involved in their communities.  Following Ms. Silas' address, Ms. Arties sang a moving rendition of America the Beautiful.  Afterwards, each naturalization candidate walked to the front of the courtroom, individually announced his/her name and country of origin, and took a picture with Judge Morgan.  The candidates then took the Oath of Allegiance to the United States and received certificates of naturalization.  A truly celebratory mood pervaded the courtroom, as new citizens, their families and friends, and members of the legal community celebrated the momentous occasion.  Please select the following link to access ceremony photographs.