The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana held a naturalization ceremony in which 24 petitioners became United States citizens. The Honorable Susie Morgan, U.S. District Judge, presided over the January 8 ceremony. She welcomed and invited everyone to stand for the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance, led by representatives from the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Judge Morgan then addressed the petitioners. She recognized the national contributions of famous immigrants such as Alexander Hamilton and Joseph Pulitzer, as well as local icons, such as James Gallier, who designed the iconic Gallier Hall which sits adjacent to the courthouse. She encouraged the new citizens to vote in elections at every level to take advantage of their new rights.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mimi Nguyen then issued the statement of petitioners’ eligibility for citizenship and presented petitioners’ requests for name change. After granting the requests for name change, Judge Morgan administered the Oath of Allegiance, handed out certificates, and took pictures with our country’s newest citizens. To view photos from the ceremony, please select this link.