Indy Airport Hosts Its First-Ever Naturalization Ceremony
47 candidates sworn in today as new U.S. citizens
Indy Airport Hosts Its First-Ever Naturalization Ceremony
47 candidates sworn in today as new U.S. citizens
INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 12, 2024) – The Indianapolis International Airport (IND) played host to a naturalization ceremony today that celebrated 47 individuals who became new U.S. citizens.
Amid vibrant displays of American flags in the airport’s appropriately named Civic Plaza, individuals who have immigrated from 24 countries spanning the globe raised their right hands and took the Oath of Citizenship surrounded by friends and family.
“The Indy airport welcomes millions of people through its doors each year, and today we were truly moved in welcoming 47 individuals who have proudly walked the road to citizenship,” said Indianapolis Airport Authority Executive Director Mario Rodriguez.
Distinguished leaders and guests from the Assistant U.S. Attorney’s Office, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services, Office of Senator Mike Braun and the Office of Congressman Andre Carson attended the event. The airport’s Honor Guard, made up of airport police and firefighters, also presented the colors and the Ben Davis Premiers performed the National Anthem.
The ceremony was presided over by the Honorable Jane E. Magnus-Stinson. Newly naturalized citizen Abdullah Zedan, the youngest of the candidates, led the Pledge of Allegiance. Gadi Rwenyaguza, the oldest of the newly naturalized citizens, was presented with an American flag from The International Center.
This is the first time the Indy airport has hosted a naturalization ceremony.
“The ability to administer the oath of citizenship is both a solemn and joyful responsibility of being a federal judge, said Magnus-Stinson. “I am delighted to participate in Tuesday’s naturalization ceremony being hosted by the Indianapolis International Airport, a particularly fitting site. The airport is the preeminent welcoming place of the Indianapolis community, and its support for the immigrant community is longstanding. The Court is grateful for its hospitality in hosting this celebration.”
Representatives from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Indianapolis Public Library, IndyGo, the Marion County Clerk’s Office and Indiana League of Women Voters were on hand to help the new citizens apply for their Real IDs, sign up for library cards, learn about the city’s public transit system, register to vote and more. In addition, new citizens received additional gifts and recognition from Indy airport officials, the Cornelia Cole Fairbanks Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and a complimentary portrait taken by Kelly Lynn Photography.
Paola DeWeese, a new citizen originally from Bolivia, said: “I’m very happy and excited for this moment and blessed for all the opportunities ahead. God Bless the USA!”
VISUALS
Event images and b-roll video of the ceremony are available here.