A "Nation of Immigrants": Judge Preston Deavers Presides Over Final Naturalization Ceremony
COLUMBUS, Ohio — In a courtroom filled with emotion and a sense of pride, United States Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Preston Deavers presided over her final naturalization ceremony on February 26, 2026.
Marking the end of a 16-year career on the federal bench, Judge Preston Deavers welcomed more than 50 new Americans. To mark the occasion, she invited participants of EveryBody Works—a transition program that blends secondary education and vocational training for individuals with disabilities—to witness the proceedings from the jury box.
A Career of Connection
During her tenure, Judge Preston Deavers has presided over hundreds of ceremonies, but she noted that this final one held a unique significance.
“The petitioners range in age from 22 to 84, which means some of you came to America as children, holding tightly to your parents’ hands as you arrived in another world, and some of you came as adults, leaving behind everything you had in pursuit of another life,” Judge Preston Deavers told the petitioners. “And while the stories are your own, you represent a mixture of culture and talents that have contributed so much to our society.”
While her daily duties as a Magistrate Judge involved high-stakes decisions—from signing warrants to presiding over initial criminal proceedings and civil matters—she said naturalization ceremonies were the highlight of her service.
Honoring the Founders
Judge Preston Deavers reminded the new citizens that they were joining a lineage that began with the founders themselves.
“Many of the founders of our great nation were born in foreign countries, and many were soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary War to secure our freedoms,” she said. “From the start, then, American citizenship has not been limited to those fortunate enough to have been born in this country, and the founders wisely provided for the process of naturalization.”
She emphasized that the United States remains a nation enriched by those who choose to call it home. “We are, of course, a nation of immigrants, with very few exceptions... Our nation has been and continues to be enriched by the hard work and talents, and the diversification of cultures by persons from other lands around the world.”
A Community Farewell
Judge Preston Deavers said it was an honor to be the first person to congratulate the new citizens moments after they took the Oath of Allegiance. The new citizens returned their congratulations to Judge Preston Deavers by giving her a standing ovation as thanks for her years of service.
The ceremony concluded with a surprise from the new citizens: a card signed by all 50 participants. Judge Preston Deavers also received a large potted plant as a token of gratitude for her years of service. A particularly moving moment occurred when the Judge leaned over the bench to accept the gifts, smiling warmly as the courtroom looked on.
Some of Judge Preston Deavers' family and friends also attended. Judge Preston Deavers joined the new Americans for a massive group photo following the ceremony.
