On September 17, 2026, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette hosted a naturalization ceremony that marked the end of a journey for candidates seeking citizenship in the United States, with United States District Judge David C. Joseph administering the Oath of Allegiance to two new U.S. citizens.
Judge Joseph opened the ceremony by welcoming the candidates and acknowledging the dedication shown by each applicant throughout the naturalization process. The ceremony then featured a moving performance of the Star-Spangled Banner by the UL Lafayette choir, followed by Judge Joseph’s introduction of U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller, who spoke briefly about the privileges and responsibilities of American citizenship. Mr. Keller then introduced the candidates, asking them to individually stand and state their names and countries of origin. Mr. Keller then formally moved the Court to grant citizenship to each candidate.
Judge Joseph then administered the Oath of Allegiance, and the candidates raised their right hands and recited the oath together — and officially became citizens of the United States on this Constitution Day.
Following the oath, Judge Joseph led the new citizens in the Pledge of Allegiance. The ceremony then concluded with Judge Joseph presenting each new citizen with a Certificate of Naturalization, marking their recognition of becoming an American citizen.