| INDIANAPOLIS (Oct. 9, 2025) – The Indianapolis International Airport (IND) played host to its second-annual naturalization ceremony today that welcomed 95 individuals to their new life as U.S. citizens.
Candidates from 42 different countries raised their right hands and took the Oath of Citizenship at around 10 a.m. this morning in Civic Plaza, surrounded by friends and family, Indy airport leadership, city, state and federal officials and civic and community organization representatives.
“More than 10.5 million people from throughout the world grace the Indianapolis International Airport each year, and it’s our befitting and solemn honor to welcome and celebrate the 95 people here today who have proudly completed their journey to U.S. citizenship,” said Indianapolis Airport Authority Executive Director Mario Rodriguez.
Polina Osherov, Indiana creative economy champion and the executive director of Pattern, Inc., was among the candidates being sworn in today.
“I came to the U.S. as a traveler in 1992,” said Osherov. ”I stayed as a builder. And today, I became a citizen. Becoming a citizen isn’t about starting over, it’s about recognizing I’ve been home for a long time. Doing it here in Indy, at the best airport in North America, a place built on connection and movement, surrounded by colleagues, family, and friends feels right. God bless America!”
The ceremony was presided over by the Honorable M. Kendra Klump, magistrate judge of the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana. After the candidates recited the Pledge of Allegiance, Kanakasabai Balasubramanian, the oldest of the newly naturalized citizens, was presented with an American flag from The International Center.
Distinguished leaders and guests from the Assistant U.S. Attorney’s Office, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services, Office of Governor Mike Braun, the Office of Congressional Representative Victoria Spartz, and the Office of U.S. Senator Todd Young were in attendance. The airport’s Honor Guard, made up of airport public safety personnel, also presented the colors and the Ben Davis Premiers performed the National Anthem.
Last November was the first time the Indy airport hosted a naturalization ceremony.
“Administering the oath of citizenship is a tremendous privilege for federal judges,” said Klump. “I am honored to participate in Thursday’s naturalization ceremony and excited to welcome these new citizens to our Nation and to our State. The Court is grateful for the airport’s gracious hosting of this happy event.”
Representatives from the Marion County Clerk’s Office and Indiana League of Women Voters were on hand to provide voter registration services following the ceremony. In addition, new citizens received additional gifts and recognition from Indy airport officials and the Twin Forks Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
For a list of the 42 nations of origin for the new citizens naturalized today, please click here.
VISUALS: Event images of the ceremony are available here. |
