24 take oath of US citizenship in Gulfport

GULFPORT -- Twenty-four people from 17 countries are now U.S. citizens after a naturalization ceremony Thursday at the federal courthouse in Gulfport.

Chief U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola Jr., who certified the citizens, said the ceremony was a celebration of freedom.

"I tend to call these naturalizations celebrations because they are a celebration of those new citizens joining us who became U.S. citizens not by chance but by choice," he said.

Guirola said both of his parents had been naturalized.

"You're in great company," he told the new citizens.

Proud family members and friends watched with smiles on their faces as 24 people took the oath of allegiance in front of Guirola.

Those who took the oath Thursday had met all of the guidelines to become a citizen, including an oral examination on American civics.

By becoming U.S. citizen, they will be able to vote, carry a U.S. passport, run for elected office, serve on a jury and obtain citizenship for children born abroad.

Dr. Lee Voulters, head of neurology at Memorial Hospital at Gulfport was the ceremony's keynote speaker. Voulters, a native of England, said he became a citizen in May 1993.

"We know and appreciate what America has to offer," he said. "We chose to become American citizens."

After Guirola led the courtroom in the Pledge of Allegiance and the William Carey Singers the national anthem a cappella, he adjourned the court as the new citizens joined those who were there to support them.

Charmaine Samuels, who was born in Jamaica, was hugging loved ones in the foyer outside the courtroom.

"It was a blessed day," she said. "I am very lucky."

This story was originally published March 3, 2016 at 7:30 PM with the headline "24 take oath of US citizenship in Gulfport ."