Several times a week inside the United States Federal Eastern District Court in Brooklyn, foreign citizens and nationals become naturalized U.S. citizens. Having fulfilled requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act, they take an oath of allegiance to the country in a ceremony presided over by a United States District Court judge.
While the ceremony is open to the public, no cameras or recording devices are allowed inside.
On Feb. 21, students from St. Joseph’s University, New York were able to experience the ceremony through a field trip organized by the Law and Justice Society.
“It was really cool to be immersed in such an event. There were 96 people being sworn in as U.S. citizens, and I learned about the lengthy process it takes to get there. As an international student, it was great to see the acceptance of America for these people wanting to be a part of this country,” said Reanna Noon, club secretary and a criminal justice major on pace to graduate in 2027.
Brenda Sylvert, a senior majoring in criminal justice/sociology who plans to become a criminal justice or immigration lawyer, called the ceremony “powerful.”
“These naturalized citizens took an oath, just like first responders do. They are committed to being loyal citizens,” she said.
The students from SJNY’s Brooklyn Campus toured the courthouse and had the opportunity to speak with Magistrate Judge Vera M. Scanlon about her journey to the bench.
The day offered a glimpse into the many roles in the court system as students also met with law clerks, an attorney and staff from pre-trial services.
“These opportunities help to put what I have learned into the real world, as well as show what is out there following graduation. I find them to be really important and worthwhile,” said Noon, who continues to ponder her future career path.
“My mind changes as I learn more about the criminal justice industry. One day I want to work in forensic science, the next, I want to go to law school to work in either civil or criminal law. For right now, I am just soaking everything in and hopefully I’ll be able to make a decision by graduation,” she said.
In addition to watching the ceremony, Samira Hernandez ’27, enjoyed speaking with court professionals.
“I really liked when we spoke with the lawyers and officers,” said Hernandez, a criminal justice major and psychology minor.
Outings and events organized by SJNY clubs and organizations like the Law and Justice Society help expand a student’s experience beyond the classroom.
Jawad Zaman, a computer science, mathematics and business administration major, participated, too. He said these experiences help him network, meet new people and explore “opportunities beyond my major.”
In addition, there were moments of pride during the ceremony.
“I felt proud seeing my country being represented,” shared Zaman, who is from Bangladesh.
SJNY’s Law and Justice Society in Patchogue will also attend a naturalization ceremony this month.
