Naturalization Ceremony in Gulfport

This morning in Gulfport, 16 people put their hands on their hearts and recited the Pledge of Allegiance for the first time as U.S. citizens.
U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden led the ceremony and shared his own story of his family emigrating from Turkey to America decades ago. He spoke about the American dream and the bravery the men and women in the courthouse have shown to make it to U.S. soil.
Friends and family gathered at the courthouse to watch and many were thrilled this day finally arrived. New U.S. citizen Prasantha Prasanna Saswathan said, “Next week, I’ll be graduating with my physical therapy assistant degree and then start working. It’s all coming together. We’re excited. It makes me feel proud and proud for my family, so I’m sure they’re proud too.”
The new American citizens came from 14 different countries including the Philippines, Cuba, India and Argentina.