Celebrating New U.S. Citizens

Fifty-eight new candidates for citizenship from 36 different countries became official U.S. citizens during a special ceremony on November 19 in Talley Student Union.

In coordination with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Office of Global Engagement hosts an annual citizenship ceremony during NC State’s International Education Month in November to connect with our local global community.

Friends and families gathered to watch as James E. Gates, U.S. Magistrate Judge and representatives from the USCIS Raleigh-Durham Field Office administer the oath of allegiance and present candidates with their certificates of naturalization.

After receiving their certificates of naturalization, ceremony participants went on to register to vote with help from the League of Women Voters and apply for their passports during a passport fair coordinated by NC State’s Passport Services.

A joint initiative between the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Education, International Education Month is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. The initiative is meant to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchange experiences.