Naturalization ceremony held for first time at William Floyd Estate
“To have all these different cultures, talents, languages... come together on Long Island and live together in peace and unity is a special, special thing to the world,” said Judge Joseph F. Bianco of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.
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Fifty immigrants from 23 countries are now U.S. citizens after taking the Oath of Allegiance on Monday during a Flag Day-themed naturalization ceremony held for the first time at the historic William Floyd Estate.
The event, hosted by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services marked both Flag Day and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Judge James M. Wicks of the Eastern District administered the oath, and Judge Joseph F. Bianco of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit delivered keynote remarks. Several other federal judges and Suffolk County officials were also in attendance. Student musicians from William Floyd High School also started off and closed out the ceremony by singing "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "America the Beautiful."
Bianco said the setting at the home of Declaration signer William Floyd made the ceremony especially meaningful.
“It’s just a magical, special moment,” he said, describing the “tears of joy” he witnessed as candidates became citizens. “This is the biggest day of their life. And they're now sharing in the American dream and all the values that we share as a nation that are about to celebrate in just a few weeks on our 250th anniversary.”
Bianco emphasized the country’s diversity as a strength.
“The United States of America is a nation of immigrants,” he said. “To have all these different cultures, talents, languages... come together on Long Island and live together in peace and unity is a special, special thing to the world.”
Among those sworn in was Taneisha Gibbs-Stevens, who came to the United States in 2023 from Saint Catherine, Jamaica. She enlisted in the U.S. Army in January 2025 and currently serves as a motor transport operator. Gibbs-Stevens also delivered remarks during the ceremony.
“I am excited, and I’m truly honored,” she said. “People from all over the world- as the judge said earlier [during the ceremony] - it’s like a World Cup.”
Gibbs-Stevens said becoming a citizen felt “humbling” and “a great opportunity,” adding that many people dream of standing where she stood Monday.
Her daughter, Tajhonae Richards, said the moment was emotional for their family.
“I'm just honestly so happy for her because she deserves it and she works hard,” Richards said. “She’s like a rock star. She is everything I aspire to be in the future.”
For Diana Feliz of Shirley, originally from the Dominican Republic, the ceremony marked the end of a long process. She first received her green card and waited six years for this day.
“It’s a big journey… leaving my family behind, my country, my friends,” she said. “It’s the American dream. I wanted to come for better opportunities. And just... be part of this beautiful country."
Feliz said standing among fellow candidates from across the globe felt powerful.
“It felt like we all shared the same dream and the same purpose,” she said. “Being American means freedom… it’s a dream come true.”
The William Floyd Estate, the only surviving home of a New York signer of the Declaration of Independence open to the public, had never before hosted a naturalization ceremony. Organizers said bringing the event into the community reflects the mission of the Honorable Robert A. Katzmann Justice for All: Courts and the Community Initiative, which as founded to increase public understanding of the courts and strengthen civic connection.
Bianco said the estate’s atmosphere made the day unforgettable.
“You could not have a more electric and beautiful atmosphere,” he said. “These ceremonies are special, and we want the world to see that.”
