LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Thursday is World Refugee Day, and dozens of immigrants and refugees in Louisville participated in a naturalization ceremony and officially became United States citizens.
The candidates had waited for this day for a long time; they heard speeches from city leaders, including Mayor Craig Greenberg, before standing up, raising their right hands and reciting the official oath of allegiance to the United States, thus making them official U.S. citizens.
"We are glad that you are here in our city and we are so glad to thank you for making Louisville your home, to congratulate you on becoming American citizens, and I wish all of you and your families the best of luck, the best fortune and happiness in the months and years ahead," the mayor said.
Greenberg added Louisville has become a home to many people of different nationalities.
"We want to do more to help our growing immigrant community here in Louisville because that strengthens our city as a whole," he said. "It makes it more vibrant, more diverse, more interesting, and more thriving in so many different ways."
Greenberg said Louisville welcomed about 10,000 refugees and immigrants in 2023.
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