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== | == Tips for Success<br> == | ||
Begin with online sources, there may be an index or records online for your ancestor. A good online web site to begin your search for naturalization records is Online Searchable Naturalization Indexes & Records. The indexes and records are listed by state. Some of the sites are fee and some are free. <br> | Begin with online sources, there may be an index or records online for your ancestor. A good online web site to begin your search for naturalization records is Online Searchable Naturalization Indexes & Records. The indexes and records are listed by state. Some of the sites are fee and some are free. <br> | ||
Variant spelling <br>Search all spellings of the surname. Think about how the surname was pronounced, and how it sounded in your ancestor's probable accent. The surname may be spelled differently in earlier records that were closer to your ancestor's immigration date. | |||
Variant spelling <br>Search all spellings of the surname. Think about how the surname was pronounced, and how it sounded in your ancestor's probable accent. The surname may be spelled differently in earlier records that were closer to your ancestor's immigration date. | |||
=== Limitations<br> === | === Limitations<br> === | ||
==== Town of Origin ==== | |||
Most researchers hope to find the town of origin on naturalization records. This is most likely after 1906 when naturalization forms are standardized. Although the country of origin is usually listed on earlier naturalization records, the town is not normally given. However, because each court recorded different information prior to 1906, it is important to search naturalization records to see what was recorded. | |||
Court Records | ==== Court Records ==== | ||
<br> | Prior to 1906, each court created their own naturalization forms. Each form was different, so information recorded on the form differed. You may find great information in one court, and the most basic (name, country, date) information in another court. <br> | ||
Do not use naturalization records to locate the immigrant’s parent’s names. You will not find them. <br> | Do not use naturalization records to locate the immigrant’s parent’s names. You will not find them. <br> | ||
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In 1855, derivative citizenship was also available for immigrant women marrying US citizens or if their husbands gaiedn their citizenship during their marriage. The wife's proof that she was a US citizen was her husband's certificate of citizenship (or certificate of naturalization) and her marriage certificate. | In 1855, derivative citizenship was also available for immigrant women marrying US citizens or if their husbands gaiedn their citizenship during their marriage. The wife's proof that she was a US citizen was her husband's certificate of citizenship (or certificate of naturalization) and her marriage certificate. | ||
In 1922, citizenship was no longer available to women through marriage. However, between 1907 to 1922, a woman could lose her US citizenship if she married an alien - even if she was born in the United States. For more information, read Marion L. Smith's article, [http://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/1998/summer/women-and-naturalization-1.html Women and Naturalization, ca. 1802-1940.] | In 1922, citizenship was no longer available to women through marriage. However, between 1907 to 1922, a woman could lose her US citizenship if she married an alien - even if she was born in the United States. For more information, read Marion L. Smith's article, [http://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/1998/summer/women-and-naturalization-1.html Women and Naturalization, ca. 1802-1940.] | ||
Until 1906 immigrants under the age of 21 (whose parents did not naturalize) could be naturalized without filing a declaration of intent after they reached the age of 21 and had met the residency requirements. ?????????????????????? | Until 1906 immigrants under the age of 21 (whose parents did not naturalize) could be naturalized without filing a declaration of intent after they reached the age of 21 and had met the residency requirements. ??????????????????????<br> | ||
==== Military <br> ==== | ==== Military <br> ==== | ||
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'''''Army'''''--Beginning in 1862, the Declaration was waived, and the residency requirement was reduced to one year, for a soldier with an honorable discharge. <br>'''''Navy & Marines'''''--Beginning in 1894, with an honorable discharge, the Declaration was waived and the residency requirement was reduced to one year. <br>'''''World War I'''''--In 1918, during WWI, the residency requirement was waived and the Declaration was also waived. Soldiers are naturalized at military posts.<br> | '''''Army'''''--Beginning in 1862, the Declaration was waived, and the residency requirement was reduced to one year, for a soldier with an honorable discharge. <br>'''''Navy & Marines'''''--Beginning in 1894, with an honorable discharge, the Declaration was waived and the residency requirement was reduced to one year. <br>'''''World War I'''''--In 1918, during WWI, the residency requirement was waived and the Declaration was also waived. Soldiers are naturalized at military posts.<br> | ||
==== | ==== Collective Naturalization <ref name="Schaefer" /><ref name="Greenwood">Greenwood, Val D. ''The Researcher's Guide to American Genealogy'', 3rd ed. (Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., 2000)</ref> ==== | ||
In some instances, entire groups have been collectively granted U.S. citizenship. Collective naturalization is defined as a group of people all receiving their citizenship through an act of congress or treaty. In these cases you will not find individual naturalization papers. <br> | In some instances, entire groups have been collectively granted U.S. citizenship. Collective naturalization is defined as a group of people all receiving their citizenship through an act of congress or treaty. In these cases you will not find individual naturalization papers. <br> | ||
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In 1868, African-Americans made citizens by the Fourteenth Amendment of the Unites States Constitution. In 1924, Native Americans made finally made citizens - although some chiefs of tribes became citizens before this date. The Native Americans were not included in the Fouteeneth Amendment because they were considered a seperate nation. | In 1868, African-Americans made citizens by the Fourteenth Amendment of the Unites States Constitution. In 1924, Native Americans made finally made citizens - although some chiefs of tribes became citizens before this date. The Native Americans were not included in the Fouteeneth Amendment because they were considered a seperate nation. | ||
Collective naturalization also occurred for residents of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, Texas in 1845, and Hawaii in 1898. | Collective naturalization also occurred for residents of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, Texas in 1845, and Hawaii in 1898. | ||
== Naturalization Laws == | == Naturalization Laws == | ||
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