LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- For more than 70 people at Sacred Heart Academy on Tuesday, a lifelong dream became reality as they officially became United States citizens in a heartfelt naturalization ceremony.
Beatriz Sosa, originally from Cuba, was among the 71 individuals from 28 countries to raise her hand, recite the Pledge of Allegiance and take the oath of citizenship.
"I came here almost 10 years ago," Sosa said. "It's amazing. It's something different, something new for us because it's so different in our country."
The ceremony was held inside Sacred Heart's Ursuline Arts Center, which was transformed into a U.S. District Court for the day. Judge Colin Lindsay presided over the event, which marked the second year the school has hosted a naturalization ceremony.
Students at Sacred Heart played a pivotal role in organizing the event, including junior Kate Solon, who worked closely with the court and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to make the day possible.
The naturalization ceremony was held inside Sacred Heart's Ursuline Arts Center, which was transformed into a U.S. District Court for the day. Judge Colin Lindsay presided over the event. Jan. 28, 2025. (WDRB Photo)
"This is just a really great opportunity to continue having the democracy of the United States," Solon said.
The path to citizenship was no easy feat for the applicants. Each has lived in the United States for at least five years with a green card or visa, demonstrated the ability to read, write and speak English, and passed a written immigration test.
For Sahar Goharshenasan, who is from Iran, the day symbolized a new beginning.
"I feel amazing," I feel like it's morning again,"Â Goharshenasan said with a smile. "I can't describe it."
After the ceremony, the new citizens were given flag pins, copies of the Bill of Rights and the chance to register to vote for the first time.
"In Cuba, you don't vote for your president But here, you can vote for whatever you want," Sosa said. "It's good."
Families filled the auditorium to support their loved ones, waving flags and even joining via FaceTime to celebrate the milestone.
For Sosa, the moment was transformative.
"If you believe, you can do it. Try it," she said. "Here, America is everything to me. It changed my life."
The countries represented Tuesday included:
- Bhutan
- BrazilÂ
- Burma
- Burundi
- ColombiaÂ
- Congo (Kinshasa)Â
- Cuba
- Ecuador
- Eritrea
- The Gambia
- Guatemala
- India
- Iran
- Iraq
- Jamaica
- KazakhstanÂ
- Liberia
- Mauritania
- MexicoÂ
- PhilippinesÂ
- PolandÂ
- RussiaÂ
- Rwanda
- Somalia
- Sri Lanka
- Thailand
- TunisiaÂ
- VietnamÂ
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