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== Why Use This Record?<br> == | == Why Use This Record?<br> == | ||
<u>'''Naturalization Overview <br>'''</u> | |||
Naturalization is the process of granting citizenship privileges and responsibilities to foreign-born residents. Naturalization papers are an important source of information about an immigrant's nation of origin, his foreign and “Americanized” names, residence, and date of arrival. <br> | Naturalization is the process of granting citizenship privileges and responsibilities to foreign-born residents. Naturalization papers are an important source of information about an immigrant's nation of origin, his foreign and “Americanized” names, residence, and date of arrival. <br> | ||
Immigrants to the United States have never been required to apply for citizenship. An immigrant could become a citizen anytime after they arrived to the United States. Of those who applied, many did not complete the requirements for citizenship to become a citizen. <br> | Immigrants to the United States have never been required to apply for citizenship. An immigrant could become a citizen anytime after they arrived to the United States. Of those who applied, many did not complete the requirements for citizenship to become a citizen. <br> | ||
== | == Record Content<br> == | ||
Before 1906, the information recorded on naturalization records differed widely. Naturalization records before 1906 are not likely to give town of origin or names of parents. However, naturalization records after 1906 contain more information than earlier records. Information in post-1906 records is more detailed and may include birth dates, birth places, and other immigration information about the immigrant and members of his family.<br> | Before 1906, the information recorded on naturalization records differed widely. Naturalization records before 1906 are not likely to give town of origin or names of parents. However, naturalization records after 1906 contain more information than earlier records. Information in post-1906 records is more detailed and may include birth dates, birth places, and other immigration information about the immigrant and members of his family.<br> | ||
Before 1906, naturalization records may contain:<br> | |||
*Port of arrival | *Port of arrival | ||
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*Residence | *Residence | ||
*Last Foreign Address | *Last Foreign Address | ||
*Marital status | *Marital status<br> | ||
== | == Coverage<br> == | ||
Naturalization records start as early as when the colonies were created. The requirements and process of naturalization have changed many times over the years. The basic requirements have been residency in the country for a given period of time, good moral character, and an oath of loyalty or allegiance.<br> | Naturalization records start as early as when the colonies were created. The requirements and process of naturalization have changed many times over the years. The basic requirements have been residency in the country for a given period of time, good moral character, and an oath of loyalty or allegiance.<br> | ||
=== | === Colonial Naturalization (Pre-1790) <br> === | ||
British immigrants were automatically citizens of the colonies (British Empire). A few Protestant immigrants from other countries gave oaths of allegiance or appeared before a civil authority to request citizenship (a process sometimes referred to as denization). Seven of the original colonies had their own laws for naturalizing foreigners as citizens of the British Empire colony. After the Revolutionary War, the individual states established their own naturalization laws and procedures. <br> | British immigrants were automatically citizens of the colonies (British Empire). A few Protestant immigrants from other countries gave oaths of allegiance or appeared before a civil authority to request citizenship (a process sometimes referred to as denization). Seven of the original colonies had their own laws for naturalizing foreigners as citizens of the British Empire colony. After the Revolutionary War, the individual states established their own naturalization laws and procedures. <br> | ||
<u>'''Types of Colonial Naturalization'''</u><br> | |||
'''Denization'''--A type of naturalization used to obtain land. You could buy and sell land, but could not hold public office. There were no political privileges associated with denization. | '''Denization'''--A type of naturalization used to obtain land. You could buy and sell land, but could not hold public office. There were no political privileges associated with denization. | ||
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<br>'''Oath of Allegiance'''--This type of naturalization during the colonial period was used to renounce all former country loyalties. This gave the immigrant full privileges, including voting and holding public office. | <br>'''Oath of Allegiance'''--This type of naturalization during the colonial period was used to renounce all former country loyalties. This gave the immigrant full privileges, including voting and holding public office. | ||
<br>'''Collective citizenship'''--This naturalization process was used to naturalize a group of people without using documents. Collective naturalization happened when the United States became a country and all those living in the country (except Native Americans and African Americans) were collectively and automatically made US citizens. | <br>'''Collective citizenship'''--This naturalization process was used to naturalize a group of people without using documents. Collective naturalization happened when the United States became a country and all those living in the country (except Native Americans and African Americans) were collectively and automatically made US citizens.<br> | ||
=== Naturalization Process After 1790 <br> === | === Naturalization Process After 1790 <br> === | ||
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#'''[[Portal-United States Naturalization. Naturalization Records-Certificate of Naturalization|Certificate.]]''' After all requirements were completed, the immigrant was sworn in as a citizen and issued his or her certificate. | #'''[[Portal-United States Naturalization. Naturalization Records-Certificate of Naturalization|Certificate.]]''' After all requirements were completed, the immigrant was sworn in as a citizen and issued his or her certificate. | ||
== <br> | == Locating Naturalization Records<br> == | ||
=== By Time Period<br> === | === By Time Period<br> === | ||
An individual may have completed naturalization proceedings through any of 5,000 federal, state, or local courts that had the authority to grant citizenship. Naturalization proceedings were most often completed in county, superior or common pleas courts, or in state and U.S. circuit and district courts. Because some municipal, police, criminal, probate, and other courts also provided this service, you may need to search the records of all local courts. Since 1929 most (but not all) naturalizations have been handled by federal circuit or district courts. <br>You may need to search the records of each place where your immigrant ancestor lived. He may have filed an application in one county or state and completed the requirements several years later in another county or state. <br> | An individual may have completed naturalization proceedings through any of 5,000 federal, state, or local courts that had the authority to grant citizenship. Naturalization proceedings were most often completed in county, superior or common pleas courts, or in state and U.S. circuit and district courts. Because some municipal, police, criminal, probate, and other courts also provided this service, you may need to search the records of all local courts. Since 1929 most (but not all) naturalizations have been handled by federal circuit or district courts. <br> | ||
You may need to search the records of each place where your immigrant ancestor lived. He may have filed an application in one county or state and completed the requirements several years later in another county or state. <br> | |||
==== Colonial Time Period <br> ==== | ==== Colonial Time Period <br> ==== | ||
You may need to search the records of each place where your immigrant ancestor lived. He may have filed an application in one county or state and completed the requirements several years later in another county or state. <br> | You may need to search the records of each place where your immigrant ancestor lived. He may have filed an application in one county or state and completed the requirements several years later in another county or state. <br> | ||
==== Records Before September 1906 <br> ==== | ==== Records Before September 1906 <br> ==== | ||
Begin by looking for naturalization records in the courts of the county or city where the immigrant lived. Look first for the petition (second papers) because they are usually easier to find in courts near where an immigrant settled. The petition usually tells where the declaration (first papers) was filed, which could have been almost anywhere in the United States. The Family History Library has microfilm copies of many of these records. If the library does not have copies, contact the county clerk to determine which courts handled naturalizations and where the records are presently located. The records of the federal courts may still be in the custody of the court, at branches of the National Archives, or at the National Archives. <br> | Begin by looking for naturalization records in the courts of the county or city where the immigrant lived. Look first for the petition (second papers) because they are usually easier to find in courts near where an immigrant settled. The petition usually tells where the declaration (first papers) was filed, which could have been almost anywhere in the United States. The Family History Library has microfilm copies of many of these records. If the library does not have copies, contact the county clerk to determine which courts handled naturalizations and where the records are presently located. The records of the federal courts may still be in the custody of the court, at branches of the National Archives, or at the National Archives. <br> | ||
==== Records Since September 1906 <br> ==== | ==== Records Since September 1906 <br> ==== | ||
Beginning in September 1906, the federal government began regulating the naturalization process. The Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization (now the Citizenship and Immigration Services or CIS) required specific forms for declarations and petitions. Only these forms could be used and the Bureau controlled the number of courts able to naturalize by controlling distribution of the forms. However, both state and federal courts were allowed to naturalize.<br> | Beginning in September 1906, the federal government began regulating the naturalization process. The Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization (now the Citizenship and Immigration Services or CIS) required specific forms for declarations and petitions. Only these forms could be used and the Bureau controlled the number of courts able to naturalize by controlling distribution of the forms. However, both state and federal courts were allowed to naturalize.<br> | ||
The Declaration of Intent (Form 2202) was completed in triplicate. The court kept the original and gave copies to the applicant and the Bureau. The Petition for Naturalization (Form 2204) was kept by the court and a duplicate was sent to the INS. The Certificate of Naturalization (Form 2207) was given to the new citizen. A duplicate was sent to the INS and the court kept the stub.<br> | The Declaration of Intent (Form 2202) was completed in triplicate. The court kept the original and gave copies to the applicant and the Bureau. The Petition for Naturalization (Form 2204) was kept by the court and a duplicate was sent to the INS. The Certificate of Naturalization (Form 2207) was given to the new citizen. A duplicate was sent to the INS and the court kept the stub.<br> | ||
In 1929 the INS changed the forms and required photographs of the applicants. Because the new forms were not distributed immediately, many state courts ceased naturalizing. Since 1929, most new citizens have naturalized at federal courts. <br> | In 1929 the INS changed the forms and required photographs of the applicants. Because the new forms were not distributed immediately, many state courts ceased naturalizing. Since 1929, most new citizens have naturalized at federal courts. <br> | ||
=== Strategy<br> === | === Strategy<br> === | ||
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The Declaration of Intent (Form 2202) was completed in triplicate. The court kept the original and gave copies to the applicant and the Bureau. The Petition for Naturalization (Form 2204) was kept by the court and a duplicate was sent to the INS. The Certificate of Naturalization (Form 2207) was given to the new citizen. A duplicate was sent to the INS and the court kept the stub. | The Declaration of Intent (Form 2202) was completed in triplicate. The court kept the original and gave copies to the applicant and the Bureau. The Petition for Naturalization (Form 2204) was kept by the court and a duplicate was sent to the INS. The Certificate of Naturalization (Form 2207) was given to the new citizen. A duplicate was sent to the INS and the court kept the stub. | ||
In 1929 the INS changed the forms and required photographs of the applicants. Because the new forms were not distributed immediately, many state courts ceased naturalizing. Since 1929, most new citizens have naturalized at federal courts. | In 1929 the INS changed the forms and required photographs of the applicants. Because the new forms were not distributed immediately, many state courts ceased naturalizing. Since 1929, most new citizens have naturalized at federal courts. | ||
<u>'''Genealogy Program'''</u><br> | |||
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has adopted a new [http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=d21f3711ca5ca110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=d21f3711ca5ca110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD Genealogy Program] as of 13 Aug 2008. This program will be used to access all records created by this agency, formerly Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Be sure to review the [http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=3e0c69a3a0331110VgnVCM1000000ecd190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=d21f3711ca5ca110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD Genealogy Frequently Asked Questions] website to expedite your order and ensure success in your request. | The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has adopted a new [http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=d21f3711ca5ca110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=d21f3711ca5ca110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD Genealogy Program] as of 13 Aug 2008. This program will be used to access all records created by this agency, formerly Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Be sure to review the [http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=3e0c69a3a0331110VgnVCM1000000ecd190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=d21f3711ca5ca110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD Genealogy Frequently Asked Questions] website to expedite your order and ensure success in your request. | ||
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The fee schedule will be as follows: <br> Index Search--$20 <br> Microfilm copies--$20 <br> Paper copies--$35 | The fee schedule will be as follows: <br> Index Search--$20 <br> Microfilm copies--$20 <br> Paper copies--$35 | ||
Form G-639, the FOIA form will still be used for later searches. | Form G-639, the FOIA form will still be used for later searches. <br> | ||
<br> | |||
== Before Searching For Naturalization Records You Must Know...<br> == | == Before Searching For Naturalization Records You Must Know...<br> == | ||
=== Determining if you Ancestor Naturalized === | === Determining if you Ancestor Naturalized === | ||
Before you search for your ancestor’s naturalization records, you should have an idea of when they immigrated to the United States. | Before you search for your ancestor’s naturalization records, you should have an idea of when they immigrated to the United States. | ||
Evidence that an immigrant completed citizenship requirements can be found in censuses, court minutes, homestead records, passports, voting registers, and military papers. Even if an immigrant ancestor did not complete the process and become a citizen, he may have begun the process and filed a declaration of intention | Evidence that an immigrant completed citizenship requirements can be found in censuses, court minutes, homestead records, passports, voting registers, and military papers. Even if an immigrant ancestor did not complete the process and become a citizen, he may have begun the process and filed a declaration of intention | ||
If you immigrant lived until after 1900, you should locate them on as many censuses as you can: | If you immigrant lived until after 1900, you should locate them on as many censuses as you can: | ||
<u>'''Census Records – 1900 to 1930'''</u><br> | |||
The 1900, 1910, 1920, and 1930 Censuses each ask the year an immigrant arrived to the United States. It also asks if the individual was naturalized or not. The codes for naturalization are as follows:<br>PA: this abbreviation means the individual began the naturalized process and has submitted a declaration of intention.<br>NA: this abbreviation means that the individual has completed the naturalization process and is a US Citizen. Both a declaration of intention and a petition should be located for the individual.<br>AL: this abbreviation means the immigrant had not yet naturalized or even begun the process. Not every immigrant naturalized.<br>NR: this abbreviation means the census taker did not report the citizenship information. | The 1900, 1910, 1920, and 1930 Censuses each ask the year an immigrant arrived to the United States. It also asks if the individual was naturalized or not. The codes for naturalization are as follows:<br>PA: this abbreviation means the individual began the naturalized process and has submitted a declaration of intention.<br>NA: this abbreviation means that the individual has completed the naturalization process and is a US Citizen. Both a declaration of intention and a petition should be located for the individual.<br>AL: this abbreviation means the immigrant had not yet naturalized or even begun the process. Not every immigrant naturalized.<br>NR: this abbreviation means the census taker did not report the citizenship information. | ||
<u>'''1920 Census'''</u><br> | |||
The 1920 Census also asks the year the individual naturalized. | The 1920 Census also asks the year the individual naturalized. | ||
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It is also helpful to know if your ancestor naturalized. Documents found in your family’s possession may indicate if your ancestor naturalized. | It is also helpful to know if your ancestor naturalized. Documents found in your family’s possession may indicate if your ancestor naturalized. | ||
<u>'''Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship:'''</u><br> | |||
Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship indicates that your ancestor completed the process and was a naturalized citizen of the United States. | Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship indicates that your ancestor completed the process and was a naturalized citizen of the United States. | ||
'''<u>Passport:</u>'''<br> | |||
<br> | If you ancestor had a United States passport, your ancestor completed the naturalization process and was a US Citizen.<br> | ||
= 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> === | ||
<u>'''Town of Origin'''</u> | |||
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. | 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. | ||
<u>'''Court Records'''</u> | |||
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> | 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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'''''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> ==== | ==== 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 == | ||
Important Naturalization Legislation included the following: | |||
<br>'''1790'''–The first federal law regarding naturalization required residency in the United States for two years and in a state for one year, but each state continued to provide naturalization under a variety of requirements and procedures until 1906. <br>'''1802 to 1868'''-An individual had to prove residency in a state for one year and in the country for five years. A declaration of intention (see below) had to be filed at least two years before the final papers or petition could be filed. <br>'''1906'''–Created INS, fixed fees, made all forms uniform and required English language for naturalization. <br>'''1907'''–Women lost US Citizenship when they married an alien. <br>'''1922'''–Women no longer eligible for derivative citizenship. <br>'''1940'''–All aliens living in the United States were required to fill out an Alien Registration form and be fingerprinted at their local police station or post office within 30 days of arriving in the United States. <br>FamilySearch has a summation of some of the naturalization laws. <br>The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services has a full discussion of all naturalization laws in PDF format.Portal: United States Naturalization <br> | <br>'''1790'''–The first federal law regarding naturalization required residency in the United States for two years and in a state for one year, but each state continued to provide naturalization under a variety of requirements and procedures until 1906. <br>'''1802 to 1868'''-An individual had to prove residency in a state for one year and in the country for five years. A declaration of intention (see below) had to be filed at least two years before the final papers or petition could be filed. <br>'''1906'''–Created INS, fixed fees, made all forms uniform and required English language for naturalization. <br>'''1907'''–Women lost US Citizenship when they married an alien. <br>'''1922'''–Women no longer eligible for derivative citizenship. <br>'''1940'''–All aliens living in the United States were required to fill out an Alien Registration form and be fingerprinted at their local police station or post office within 30 days of arriving in the United States. <br>FamilySearch has a summation of some of the naturalization laws. <br>The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services has a full discussion of all naturalization laws in PDF format.Portal: United States Naturalization <br> | ||
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