On January 4, 2024, the Honorable Greg G. Guidry, U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana, presided over a naturalization ceremony in which 27 petitioners became United States citizens.  The Daughters of the American Revolution led the Pledge of Allegiance.  U.S. Magistrate Judge Janis van Meerveld, a naturalized citizen, served as Keynote Speaker.  In her remarks, she discussed her family history and journey to becoming a U.S. Citizen.  She also thanked the petitioners for choosing to become citizens and encouraged them to and participate in all aspects of civic life as new citizens.  EDLA Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Chickering served as the Attorney General’s designee and certified the petitioners’ eligibility for citizenship.  Judge Guidry then invited the petitioners to stand and announce their names and countries of origin, after which Case Manager Dedra Pongracz administered the Oath of Allegiance.  Judge Guidry then made concluding remarks and invited our newest citizens to register to vote at a table staffed by volunteers from Engaging New Voices and Voters.  To view photos from the ceremony, please select this link.