Announcements

The Office of Human Rights and Equity (OHRE) recently co-hosted a naturalization ceremony with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Office in New Orleans at the historic Gallier Hall. The event celebrated the granting of U.S. citizenship to nearly 40 individuals, marking a significant milestone in their lives and the city's rich cultural tapestry.

Local media outlets covered the ceremony, capturing the excitement and emotion of the newly naturalized citizens:

  • FOX 8 News reported on the event, featuring interviews with the new citizens who expressed their joy and sense of belonging. One participant shared, "I feel like I belong here now." The full story can be found at fox8live.com.
  • WGNO also covered the ceremony, highlighting the importance of this moment for the individuals and their families. The segment can be viewed at WGNO Playback Portal.
  • WWL provided coverage as well, documenting the ceremony and the reactions of the participants. Their report can be accessed at WWL Playback Portal.
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June 11, 2024 | From City of New Orleans

‘I feel like I belong here now:’ New Orleans gains nearly 40 new U.S. citizens in naturalization ceremony

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - A special ceremony Wednesday morning (May 29) naturalized 38 green card holders at Gallier Hall, as they vowed their allegiance to, and became citizens of, the United States.

Canadian native Cameron Pasula said he found himself in the throes of love after meeting his now-wife Alicia while on a work visa in 2017.

“We started dating and then (began) a long-distance relationship for five years,” Pasula said. “Finally came here and got married.”

That marriage got Pasula his green card in February 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic began ramping up.

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May 29, 2024 | From City of New Orleans

City of New Orleans and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Host Naturalization Ceremony for 38 New U.S. Citizens

Today, the City of New Orleans partnered with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to host a Naturalization Ceremony for 38 New Orleans-area residents to become American citizens. Mayor LaToya Cantrell was joined by USCIS Deputy District Director Shineka Miller, USCIS Acting New Orleans Field Office Director Courtney Iwejor and Director of Human Rights and Equity Kahlida Lloyd for the special ceremony held at the historic Gallier Hall.  

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January 29, 2024 | From City of New Orleans

Welcoming in the Crescent City: How nonprofits helped New Orleans become Certified Welcoming

In October 2023, New Orleans became the first place in Louisiana to earn the Certified Welcoming designation. Notably, New Orleans is also the first 1-star Certified Welcoming city under the new star designation system. We talked with leaders across the city to learn how community partnerships helped achieve the designation.

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January 11, 2024 | From City of New Orleans

City of New Orleans Reminds Residents of Healthy Homes Implementation and Public Meeting

The City of New Orleans today reminded residents that effective Jan. 1, owners of rental properties are required to register for an Annual Healthy Homes Certificate of Compliance. Registration for the certificate of compliance is a requirement of the Healthy Homes Ordinance passed in November 2022.   

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December 28, 2023 | From City of New Orleans

City of New Orleans Announces Healthy Homes Rental Registry Program Implementation

The City of New Orleans today announced that effective Jan. 1, 2024, owners of rental properties will be required to register for an Annual Healthy Homes Certificate of Compliance. Registration for the certificate of compliance is a requirement of the Healthy Homes Ordinance passed in November 2022.