JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
A new group of American citizens took the oath of allegiance to the U.S. on Thursday morning. The ceremony took place inside of the U.S. Courthouse in downtown Jackson.
U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III administered the oath of citizenship to the 22 new Americans. The group represents several countries, including India, Venezuela and Mexico.
Vanessa Morales Barry is from Venezuela and has lived in the U.S. 11 years. Barry said she's ecstatic to officially be an American citizen.
"I owe this country my family, my husband, my kids, my life, my freedom of speech and many opportunities to come," Barry told WLBT.
Ten of the new citizens had their names officially changed during Thursday's ceremony.
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