Western District Celebrates Constitution Day with Naturalization Ceremony Held at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette

LAFAYETTE – On September 17, 2026, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette hosted a naturalization ceremony marking the end of a proud journey for candidates seeking United States citizenship, with United States District Judge David C. Joseph administering the Oath of Allegiance to two new United States citizens.

Judge Joseph (r) and new citizen

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.

U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller (r) and new citizen 

Judge Joseph then administered the Oath of Allegiance, the defining moment of every naturalization ceremony. 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 newly sworn citizens in the Pledge of Allegiance alongside other attendees. The ceremony concluded with Judge Joseph presenting each new citizen with a Certificate of Naturalization, marking their happy realization of a long-held dream: to become an American.   
 

left to right: First Assistant United States Attorney Myers Namie; United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller; and United States District Judge David C. Joseph

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