(LYCOMING COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA) A naturalization ceremony at the Federal Court in Williamsport welcomed 34 new U.S. citizens from 23 different countries, marking a proud moment for families across Lycoming County and beyond. Presided over by U.S. Magistrate Judge Sean A. Camoni, the event centered on the Oath of Allegiance, the final pledge that turns an approved applicant into a citizen of the United States 🇺🇸. Friends and relatives filled the courtroom, cheering and taking photos as each new citizen stepped forward to complete a long journey.
The new citizens trace their roots to Cameroon, Canada 🇨🇦, China, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Iran, Italy, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Poland, Slovakia, Taiwan, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom. The diversity in the room reflected a central promise of American life: people from many places can join one civic family through a clear legal process that ends with the oath in federal court.
Several attendees said the ceremony felt both solemn and warm, with the judge and court staff treating the day as a celebration of belonging.
Judge’s Remarks and Civic Duties
Judge Camoni opened by welcoming the group and describing the rights that now apply to them fully as citizens. He also pointed to the duties that keep the system strong.
He urged the new citizens to:
- Stay informed by reading trusted news sources.
- Register and vote in local, state, and national elections.
- Serve on juries when called.
These responsibilities, he said, are core to the health of a representative democracy. Once the oath is taken, elected officials at every level speak and act in their name. His remarks echoed a theme that often carries through these court events: citizenship is both a gift and a task.
Ceremony Continuity During Federal Shutdown
Despite a federal government shutdown at the time, court officials confirmed the proceedings remained on the calendar. Naturalization services continued as essential, ensuring that approved applicants were not left in limbo.
That continuity mattered because:
- Families had planned travel and arranged time off to witness the milestone.
- Approved applicants received legal certainty without delay.
- The court’s commitment eased worries for many who had waited years for this day.
The court’s action signaled that the path to citizenship moves forward even during broader disruptions.
The Oath and Its Meaning
The ceremony followed the well-established tradition of federal courts hosting the final step to citizenship. After the clerk called the countries of origin, the group stood to take the Oath of Allegiance, promising to support the Constitution and laws of the United States, and to carry out the civic duties that come with the passport they will soon hold.
The oath is short, but it carries both legal and personal weight:
- For parents: a stronger future for children.
- For workers: expanded career options.
- For all: full political rights and a clear voice in public life.
Community and Celebration
Court staff noted that friends and families were not simply onlookers — they were part of the day.
- Applause broke out after the oath.
- Many posed for photos near the bench and flags.
- Attendees lingered to shake hands with the judge and connect with others who shared the moment.
That visible support matters: the policy details of immigration can feel distant, but becoming a citizen is personal, shared, and clear. In Lycoming County, neighbors, coworkers, and classmates will feel the impact as these 34 citizens use their new rights in schools, at polls, and in civic groups.
National Context and Analysis
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, naturalization ceremonies in federal courts are a long-standing practice that marks the formal transition from approved applicant to citizen through the Oath of Allegiance. That framing matched what was seen in Williamsport:
- A courtroom becomes a community space for a few hours.
- The law becomes life-changing in real time.
- Each new citizen leaves with the same status as those born in the country.
The diverse list of origin countries told many stories at once. From nations under strain to long-time U.S. partners, the mix showed how people with different paths can meet at the same endpoint in Williamsport. It also underscored how a county-level event can carry international meaning.
Local Impacts and Practical Effects
Local communities often feel a direct boost after such ceremonies. Practical effects include:
- New citizens can vote in school board races and local elections.
- They can join advisory boards and apply for jobs that require citizenship.
- Employers gain workers with more stable status.
- Schools gain parent volunteers with a firmer stake in local decisions.
- Families gain a stronger sense of security.
These ripple effects are quiet but steady, influencing daily life in small and meaningful ways.
Ceremony Highlights and Judge’s Message
- Location: Federal Court in Williamsport, Lycoming County
- Officiant: U.S. Magistrate Judge Sean A. Camoni
- New Citizens: 34
- Countries Represented: 23
- Core Step: Administration of the Oath of Allegiance
Judge Camoni’s message focused on action: register and vote, read trusted news sources, and serve on juries. He stressed that their voices now carry full weight in local councils, state capitols, and Congress. Voting connects each person to decisions that shape schools, public safety, and the economy; jury service protects fairness in the courts.
Where to Find Official Guidance
For readers seeking official information about what happens at an oath ceremony, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: Naturalization Oath of Allegiance Ceremony provides a clear overview of the process, including what the oath means and what to expect on the day.
See the agency’s guidance here: USCIS: Naturalization Oath of Allegiance Ceremony.
Closing Scene
As the event closed, court staff thanked the families for their support and reminded the new citizens of their rights and duties. Many lingered in the courthouse to take photos, shake hands with the judge, and connect with others who shared the moment.
A simple theme echoed through the crowd: this was not the end of a process, but the start of full civic life. In Lycoming County, the court’s careful handling of the naturalization ceremony—even during a shutdown—sent a clear signal of welcome. For the 34 citizens who stood together to recite the Oath of Allegiance, the day brought legal certainty, new rights, and a shared future in their chosen country. For their families and neighbors, it brought pride—and a reminder that the promise of citizenship is alive in this community.
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This Article in a Nutshell
A naturalization ceremony at the Federal Court in Williamsport, Lycoming County, granted U.S. citizenship to 34 individuals from 23 countries. U.S. Magistrate Judge Sean A. Camoni presided over the event, which culminated in the Oath of Allegiance and included family celebrations. The judge urged new citizens to stay informed, register and vote, and serve on juries, framing citizenship as both a privilege and a duty. Even amid a federal government shutdown, officials treated naturalization as an essential service, preventing delays for approved applicants. The ceremony highlighted practical impacts—voting rights, job opportunities, and community participation—and reinforced how local events reflect broader immigration patterns and civic values.
