NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans partnered with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to host a Naturalization Ceremony for 38 New Orleans-area residents to become American citizens. Mayor LaToya Cantrell was joined by USCIS Deputy District Director Shineka Miller, USCIS Acting New Orleans Field Office Director Courtney Iwejor and Director of Human Rights and Equity Kahlida Lloyd for the special ceremony held at the historic Gallier Hall.
Before being granted citizenship, the candidates had all been lawful permanent residents with green cards and had met all the requirements, including passing a civics exam. This group of 38 people represent 20 countries, spanning across five continents: Brazil, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Finland, France, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, Venezuela and Vietnam.
“Congratulations to all the new U.S. citizens on their hard work, dedication and perseverance throughout this complex process,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “We are not only a nation of immigrants, but a city of immigrants. Over our 300-year history, New Orleans has always been a big gumbo pot of diversity, blending people, cultures, food and more from all around the world. In fact, last fall, New Orleans was officially recognized as Certified Welcoming through the Welcoming America organization, solidifying our commitment to the values of inclusion and equity. Working stronger together, may we continue to build a brighter future for our city and our country.”
On March 20, 2019, Mayor Cantrell created the Office of Human Rights and Equity (OHRE) to serve as a liaison to many of New Orleans’ most underrepresented communities and to ensure they have a voice in City Hall. Their mission is to promote and protect human rights and advocate for equity in local government.
“We are excited to partner with USCIS to host Naturalization ceremonies in New Orleans, a Certified Welcoming City,” said Lloyd. “This event is a testament to our commitment to diversity and inclusivity, reflecting the rich cultures that make up our vibrant city. Welcoming new citizens is a celebration of the shared values and opportunities that unite us all, and we are honored to be a part of their journey to becoming proud members of our city and nation.”
Since 2018, the City of New Orleans has been a member of the Cities & Counties for Citizenship, a network of cities and counties encouraging eligible U.S. permanent residents to become naturalized U.S. citizens.
Additionally, last October, the City of New Orleans received Certified Welcoming recognition through the Welcoming America organization, becoming the first and only city in the State of Louisiana and Gulf Coast region to receive this designation. The formal designation highlights local governments that have created policies and programs reflecting their commitment to immigrant inclusion in all areas of civic, social and economic life in their communities. Supporting our city’s immigrant and refugee population as they reach a momentous milestone of becoming a U.S. citizen aligns with the goals, values, diversity and inclusivity of New Orleans as a Welcoming City.
“It was an honor to naturalize and welcome 38 people from 20 diverse countries who became U.S. citizens during a meaningful ceremony at historic Gallier Hall,” said Miller. “We congratulate them on this important achievement as they begin this new chapter of their lives as Americans.”
In 2023, USCIS naturalized more than 878,500 new citizens nationwide. The New Orleans field office, which covers most of Louisiana and the southern half of Mississippi, naturalized more than 4,300 people in 2023.
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