Immigrants From 44 Countries Become U.S. Citizens in Fargo

(Photo courtesy of Lyn Dockter-Pinnick via the North Dakota Monitor)

(North Dakota Monitor) – For Shoaib and Noemi Najam, North Dakota is home — the place where they met, fell in love and are now raising their two children.

They made the Peace Garden State — and the United States — their long-term home by taking an oath of allegiance, completing the years long process of becoming U.S. citizens. They were joined by about 186 other North Dakotans who became U.S. citizens during two ceremonies in Fargo.

The state’s newest citizens immigrated to the United States from 44 countries across six continents, with the largest share coming from Liberia, Mexico, the Philippines and Canada.

Shoaib, who was born in Pakistan before moving to Canada, and Noemi, who is originally from Mexico, met in New Town. Shoaib was living and working there, while Noemi was visiting her brother. After she returned to Mexico, the couple kept in touch and reunited in North Dakota after they got engaged. They now live in Fargo.