NC welcomes 49 new Americans from 25 countries who took the Oath of Allegiance on July 4th

ByBianca Holman WTVD logo

Saturday, July 4, 2026 8:41PM

NC Gov. welcomes 49 new US citizens on America's 250th birthday: RAW

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- A naturalization ceremony held Saturday in North Carolina welcomed 49 new citizens from 25 different countries.

As communities across the country celebrate Independence Day and America's 250th birthday, dozens of people marked the holiday by officially becoming U.S. citizens.

For many, the ceremony represented the culmination of a years-long journey and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives as Americans. Officials said holding the ceremony on the Fourth of July added special meaning to the occasion.

After taking the Oath of Allegiance, the new citizens gained the right to vote, serve on juries and fully participate in civic life in the United States. Many of those sworn in celebrated their first Independence Day as U.S. citizens, making the day one they said they will never forget.

Naturalization Ceremony in NC on July 4, 2026.

Gov. Josh Stein congratulated the new citizens and reflected on the meaning of unity in American, "When we are united, we are one. Congratulations, and welcome to your chapter of the American story," said Stein.

The ceremony served as a reminder that America's story continues to be shaped by each new generation and every new citizen who chooses to call the United States home. The ceremony was part of the state's "Capitol 250: NC Freedom Fest."