Immigrants from 44 countries become U.S. citizens in Fargo

New citizens eager to participate in democracy and vote in upcoming elections

Mar. 18, 2026 at 9:50am

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In a ceremony in Fargo, North Dakota, about 186 people from 44 different countries took the oath of allegiance and became U.S. citizens. Among them were Shoaib and Noemi Najam, who met and fell in love in North Dakota and are now raising their two children there. The new citizens expressed enthusiasm about voting and participating in the democratic process, with the state's first lady and secretary of state encouraging them to be active voters.

Why it matters

The naturalization ceremony comes amid a broader national debate around immigration, with the Trump administration previously ramping up enforcement efforts. The new citizens' stories highlight the contributions of immigrants to local communities and the importance of welcoming them into the democratic process.

The details

The Fargo ceremonies included a video address from President Donald Trump, who told the new citizens that "no matter where you come from, you now share a home and a heritage with some of the most exceptional heroes, legends and patriots to ever walk the face of the Earth." North Dakota First Lady Kjersti Armstrong, herself an immigrant from Norway, encouraged the new citizens to be active participants in democracy and vote in upcoming elections. North Dakota Secretary of State Michael Howe also spoke, noting that the state has no voter registration requirement and urging the new citizens to update their IDs and vote in the June primary elections.

  • The naturalization ceremony took place on Tuesday, March 18, 2026.
  • The next election in North Dakota will be the June 9 primaries.

The players

Shoaib Najam

A new U.S. citizen originally from Pakistan who met his wife Noemi in North Dakota, where they now live and are raising their two children.

Noemi Najam

A new U.S. citizen originally from Mexico who met her husband Shoaib in North Dakota, where they now live and are raising their two children.

Kjersti Armstrong

The first lady of North Dakota, who is herself an immigrant from Norway, and spoke at the naturalization ceremony encouraging the new citizens to be active participants in democracy.

Michael Howe

The North Dakota Secretary of State, who spoke at the ceremony to share information on voting in the state, which has no voter registration requirement.

Elizabeth Gwetang

A new U.S. citizen who came to the country 12 years ago as a political asylum seeker from Cameroon, and expressed excitement about voting in the upcoming election.

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What they’re saying

“I love North Dakota. It's peaceful, and the schools are good for our kids.”

— Shoaib Najam

“Amidst the negative publicity about immigrants and our immigration system, you have all overcome many obstacles. As you return to your communities throughout North Dakota, continue to show your neighbors that our country is better and stronger because you are here, because you are a part of it.”

— Alice Senechal, U.S. Magistrate Judge

“There's something beautiful with this country: you do not have to leave behind who you are to become American. In fact, America is stronger when we embrace the fullness of who we are. It's like a patchwork quilt made richer and more vibrant with every thread.”

— Kjersti Armstrong, North Dakota First Lady

“Being American is not simply an entitlement; it's a responsibility. Live up to that awesome responsibility. Vote. Your voice matters. Your stories matter. You matter. From today, you will help shape what America is, and even more importantly, what it can become.”

— Kjersti Armstrong, North Dakota First Lady

“Oh, yes! I'll be the first one in line.”

— Elizabeth Gwetang, New U.S. Citizen

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This naturalization ceremony highlights the important contributions of immigrants to local communities and the enthusiasm of new citizens to participate in the democratic process. As the country grapples with debates around immigration, stories like these demonstrate the value of welcoming immigrants and empowering them to be active members of society.