Indianapolis airport welcomes 82 new U.S. citizens
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U.S. District Court Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson swears in 82 new citizens during the Indianapolis International Airport's third annual naturalization ceremony. Photo: Justin L. Mack/Axios
Eighty-two people from 33 countries became U.S. citizens Wednesday during Indianapolis International Airport's third annual naturalization ceremony.
Why it matters: Naturalization gives immigrants full civic rights, including voting in federal elections, while adding responsibilities such as potential jury service.
Driving the news: The candidates took the oath of allegiance in a ceremony presided over by U.S. District Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson.
- Nigeria had the most new citizens, followed closely by Myanmar.
- Representatives from the Marion County Clerk's Office and the League of Women Voters of Indiana provided on-site voter registration services. Organizations like IndyGo and the Indianapolis Public Library shared community resources.
- Those sworn in also received gifts and recognition from Indy airport officials and the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Between the lines: In her opening remarks, Magnus-Stinson acknowledged that anti-immigrant rhetoric and questions about belonging aren't new in the United States, but offered a message of encouragement to the brand-new Americans.
- "You have prepared yourself for this commitment as you would before getting married," she said. "Sometimes when people get married, not everybody's happy about it. And so it seems that in our country, you may get the sense that not everyone is welcoming."
- "But I'm here to tell you, on behalf of our court and the people gathered here, you are welcome. And in a few short minutes, you will be as American as any other citizen."
What they're saying: Indianapolis Airport Authority executive director Mario Rodriguez, a first-generation American whose mother immigrated from Cuba, said he remembers how proud she was to become a citizen.
- "Your presence here at the Indianapolis Airport and your presence in the United States makes this country richer," Rodriguez said.
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officer Cathy Piersall noted that some candidates had waited years after becoming eligible. They had to navigate the application process and, unless exempt, demonstrate English proficiency and knowledge of U.S. civics.
Case in point: Bawi Sung Par, the youngest newly naturalized citizen, led the Pledge of Allegiance. The oldest newly naturalized citizen, Peter Ryan, then received an American flag from the International Center.
- Ryan immigrated from Australia more than 20 years ago.
- "In 2002 I met my future wife, Delores, and we were married in 2004," Ryan said in a statement. "I moved to Indianapolis soon after. Becoming an American citizen is an honor and a privilege. I feel like I'm home."
State of play: Magnus-Stinson urged the new citizens to register to vote, serve on juries and exercise their First Amendment rights.
- "And if yesterday proved anything, it's that your vote matters, and it's your responsibility to inform yourself and to vote on Election Day."
The bottom line: For the new citizens, the ceremony marked the end of the naturalization process and the beginning of new civic rights and responsibilities.