While Fairouza Bengoua sat in anticipation at the Muhammad Ali Center Aug. 29, her daughter shared none of her nervousness, instead grabbing the small American flag sitting on her lap and asking if she could have it.

Bengouza gently told her no — she would need it later. The moment finally came when she joined 103 other people in reciting the Oath of Allegiance, officially becoming U.S. citizens at WorldFest's naturalization ceremony in downtown Louisville.

Mayor Craig Greenberg, along with U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey and Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams, presided over the ceremony, welcoming dozens of new citizens from 29 countries across the globe during the event.

"We're thrilled to have you here in Louisville, the city where we welcome people from all over the world," Greenbe

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