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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowNearly 90 people took an oath to become an American citizen on Thursday morning, becoming the first group to participate in a naturalization ceremony hosted by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana since the onset of the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Chief Judge Jane E. Magnus-Stinson presided over the short ceremony, which took place at 10 a.m. outside the Indiana War Memorial in downtown Indianapolis. Thursday’s ceremony marks the Southern District Court’s first time hosting such an event since March.
Eighty-six new citizens hailing from 29 different countries participated in the ceremony. However, due to the ongoing pandemic, only new citizens, court staff, and staff from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services were permitted to be in attendance.
New citizens and staff were expected to adhere to social distancing requirements and wear face coverings in order to comply with local health mandates.
A video was posted on the Southern District Court’s YouTube channel to offer new citizens the ability to view welcoming remarks and important information on the rights and responsibilities of Americans.
In the video, Russell Hollis, deputy clerk of the Marion County Clerk’s Office, provides information on how new citizens can register to vote. Additionally, Sen. Todd Young, congressman Andre Carson, congresswoman Susan Brooks, and Gov. Eric Holcomb send their best wishes and congratulations to the new citizens.
Jimmie McMillian, president-elect of the Indianapolis Bar Association, also provides information on how new citizens can access legal services in the video.
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