July 4th ceremony | 25 people from across the Triangle became new Americans at the naturalization ceremony, elections were the most important thing

RALEIGH, NC (WTVD) – Vishesh Nayyar was born and raised in India but celebrated Independence Day with US citizenship. The country has been his home for 21 years and what he is most excited about is being able to vote.

“I want to be able to vote and make my voice heard,” Nayyar said. “Your vote and the leadership you put in place impacts society and ultimately your family.”

This presidential election will be special because he and his wife Maya Nayyar will be voting together.

“He follows politics very closely. It will be very special to experience this day with us and for him to be able to vote for the first time,” said Maya.

The couple’s two-year-old son, Brij, was dressed in red, white and blue. He didn’t fully understand what the day meant to his father, but he hopes he will one day.

“There are certain things you have to fight for: freedom, independence and justice,” Nayyar said. “He was born for that. I wasn’t.”

Nayyar was one of 25 people from 19 countries who received American citizenship on Thursday. They took the oath together as excitement raged around them on the lawn of the historic state Capitol. The Daughters of the American Revolution handed out American flags and registered voters.

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“People fought hard for us to vote,” said Christy McCarley, who attended the naturalization ceremony. “For women and people of color.”

For many, including McCarly, who happened upon the ceremony and watched it, the election was the main focus.

“Why not? I’ve seen one before. It’s exciting and joyful,” McCarley said.

This was especially gratifying for the Nayyars, who are preparing to welcome a baby girl into their family next month. She will have parents who are proud U.S. citizens.

“Naturalization is a wonderful process in this country,” said Maya.

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