No edit summary |
No edit summary |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
= United States Naturalization Records = | = United States Naturalization Records = | ||
''[[Portal:United States of America|United States of America]] > United States Naturalization Records'' <br> | ''[[Portal:United States of America|United States of America]] > United States Naturalization Records'' <br> | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
== Most Popular Websites for Naturalization Records<br> | == Most Popular Websites for Naturalization Records<br> == | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" | {| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" width="611" align="center" border="1" | ||
|- | |- | ||
| '''''Website Links''''' | | '''''Website Links''''' | ||
| Line 17: | Line 17: | ||
| [[Naturalizations Sources#United States Citizenship and Immigration Services|About USCIS]] | | [[Naturalizations Sources#United States Citizenship and Immigration Services|About USCIS]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [http://home.att.net/~wee-monster/naturalization.html Online Searchable Naturalization Indexes & Records]<br> | | [http://home.att.net/~wee-monster/naturalization.html Online Searchable Naturalization Indexes & Records]<br> | ||
| [[Naturalizations Sources#Online Searchable Naturalization Indexes & Records|About Online Searchable Naturalization Indexes & Records]] | | [[Naturalizations Sources#Online Searchable Naturalization Indexes & Records|About Online Searchable Naturalization Indexes & Records]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Line 30: | Line 30: | ||
|} | |} | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
== Why Use This Record?<br> | == Why Use This Record?<br> == | ||
<u>'''Naturalization Overview <br>'''</u> | <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> | == 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> | Before 1906, naturalization records may contain:<br> | ||
*Port of arrival | :*Port of arrival | ||
*Date of arrival | :*Date of arrival | ||
*Age of immigrant | :*Age of immigrant | ||
*Residence of immigrant | :*Residence of immigrant | ||
*Country of origin or allegiance | :*Country of origin or allegiance | ||
In 1906, the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization was created. <ref name="Schaefer">Schaefer, Christina K. ''Guide to Naturalization Records of the United States'' (Baltimore, MD: Christina K. Schaefer, 1997).</ref> (Later called Immigration and Naturalization Services or INS.) The result was standardized forms throughout the country and a copy of the naturalization papers sent to the INS in addition to the court keeping a copy.<br> | In 1906, the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization was created. <ref name="Schaefer">Schaefer, Christina K. ''Guide to Naturalization Records of the United States'' (Baltimore, MD: Christina K. Schaefer, 1997).</ref> (Later called Immigration and Naturalization Services or INS.) The result was standardized forms throughout the country and a copy of the naturalization papers sent to the INS in addition to the court keeping a copy.<br> | ||
After 1906, naturalization records may contain:<br> | After 1906, naturalization records may contain:<br> | ||
*Birth date & place of immigrant | :*Birth date & place of immigrant | ||
*Spouse & children | :*Spouse & children | ||
*Birth dates and places for spouse & children | :*Birth dates and places for spouse & children | ||
*Port of arrival | :*Port of arrival | ||
*Date of arrival | :*Date of arrival | ||
*Vessel of arrival | :*Vessel of arrival | ||
*Occupation | :*Occupation | ||
*Physical Description | :*Physical Description | ||
*Marriage date | :*Marriage date | ||
*Age | :*Age | ||
*Residence | :*Residence | ||
*Last Foreign Address | :*Last Foreign Address | ||
*Marital status<br> | :*Marital status<br> | ||
== Coverage<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> | === 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> | <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. | ||
| Line 86: | Line 86: | ||
:'''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 From 1790-1906 <br> | === Naturalization From 1790-1906 <br> === | ||
The first naturalization law was enacted in 1790 and new naturalization laws were created throughout the subsequent years. The 1790 law was the beginning of the naturalization process which required a [[Portal-United States Naturalization. Naturalization Records-Declaration of Intention|Declaration of Intention]] and a [[Portal-United States Naturalization. Naturalization Records-Petition|Petition]] to naturalize. <br>The naturalization process is completed in a court of law. The process usually required several steps to complete and various documents related to naturalization may be found in the court records described below. <br>The typical naturalization process involved three steps: <br> | The first naturalization law was enacted in 1790 and new naturalization laws were created throughout the subsequent years. The 1790 law was the beginning of the naturalization process which required a [[Portal-United States Naturalization. Naturalization Records-Declaration of Intention|Declaration of Intention]] and a [[Portal-United States Naturalization. Naturalization Records-Petition|Petition]] to naturalize. <br>The naturalization process is completed in a court of law. The process usually required several steps to complete and various documents related to naturalization may be found in the court records described below. <br>The typical naturalization process involved three steps: <br> | ||
:#'''[[Portal-United States Naturalization. Naturalization Records-Declaration of Intention|Declaration of Intention.]]''' The immigrant filed a declaration of intention (also called first papers) to renounce allegiance to foreign governments and in order to later prove he or she had resided in the country long enough to apply for citizenship. Residency laws changed consistently over time ranging from no residency requirement (meaning they could declare right after they "came off the boat") to 14 years residency. However, generally speaking, an immigrant filed a declaration of intention up to two years after he immigrated to the United States. The immigrant also could declare any time after he arrived after fulfilling the residency requirement. Some immigrants waited as late as 20 years after coming to the United States to begin the process to become a citizen. There are some [[#Exceptions_to_the_Naturalization_Process|exceptions]] to the naturalization process where the immigrant was not required to file a declaration.<br> | :#'''[[Portal-United States Naturalization. Naturalization Records-Declaration of Intention|Declaration of Intention.]]''' The immigrant filed a declaration of intention (also called first papers) to renounce allegiance to foreign governments and in order to later prove he or she had resided in the country long enough to apply for citizenship. Residency laws changed consistently over time ranging from no residency requirement (meaning they could declare right after they "came off the boat") to 14 years residency. However, generally speaking, an immigrant filed a declaration of intention up to two years after he immigrated to the United States. The immigrant also could declare any time after he arrived after fulfilling the residency requirement. Some immigrants waited as late as 20 years after coming to the United States to begin the process to become a citizen. There are some [[#Exceptions_to_the_Naturalization_Process|exceptions]] to the naturalization process where the immigrant was not required to file a declaration.<br> | ||
:#'''[[Portal-United States Naturalization. Naturalization Records-Petition|Petition.]]''' The immigrant had to wait anywhere between one to three years after he filed his declaration to file his petition for citizenship (also called second or final papers). Most often the petition was filed in a court nearest to the town where the immigrant settled. | :#'''[[Portal-United States Naturalization. Naturalization Records-Petition|Petition.]]''' The immigrant had to wait anywhere between one to three years after he filed his declaration to file his petition for citizenship (also called second or final papers). Most often the petition was filed in a court nearest to the town where the immigrant settled. | ||
:#'''[[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. The certificate is given from the same court the petition is filed in.<br> | :#'''[[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. The certificate is given from the same court the petition is filed in.<br> | ||
=== Naturalization After 1906<br> | === Naturalization After 1906<br> === | ||
When the INS was created in 1906, other naturalization records were created in the processing of naturalizations and for keeping track of immigrants in the United States. Copies of these documents are only in the possession of the former INS, now United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. A summary of some of these documents are listed below: | When the INS was created in 1906, other naturalization records were created in the processing of naturalizations and for keeping track of immigrants in the United States. Copies of these documents are only in the possession of the former INS, now United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. A summary of some of these documents are listed below: | ||
| Line 106: | Line 106: | ||
:<u>'''Alien Registration'''</u>--The Alien Registration Act of 1940 required that every non-citizen of the United States, age 14 years and up, had to register and fill out the Alien Registration form. The Alien Registration Program created a specific form, AR-2, for this program and forms were created from 1 Aug 1940 to 31 Mar 1944. All original alien registration forms were microfilmed and are at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. The originals were destroyed after filming. | :<u>'''Alien Registration'''</u>--The Alien Registration Act of 1940 required that every non-citizen of the United States, age 14 years and up, had to register and fill out the Alien Registration form. The Alien Registration Program created a specific form, AR-2, for this program and forms were created from 1 Aug 1940 to 31 Mar 1944. All original alien registration forms were microfilmed and are at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. The originals were destroyed after filming. | ||
:An alien registration form contains the following information: | :An alien registration form contains the following information: | ||
:*Name | :*Name | ||
| Line 145: | Line 145: | ||
A good source to begin searching for colonial naturalization records is William P. Filby's ''Passenger and Immigration Lists Index, 1500s- 1900s. ''This source has indexed published passenger lists as well as early published naturalization records. ''Passenger and Immigration Lists Index, 1500s- 1900s ''includes the original sources where the information came from. <br> | A good source to begin searching for colonial naturalization records is William P. Filby's ''Passenger and Immigration Lists Index, 1500s- 1900s. ''This source has indexed published passenger lists as well as early published naturalization records. ''Passenger and Immigration Lists Index, 1500s- 1900s ''includes the original sources where the information came from. <br> | ||
''Passenger and Immigration Lists Index, 1500s- 1900s ''is available in book form, CD-ROM, and Ancestry.com. There are several sets and supplements that have been added to the original publication. The most current supplement, 2009 is in book form and not included in the CD-ROM or Ancestry.com database. | ''Passenger and Immigration Lists Index, 1500s- 1900s ''is available in book form, CD-ROM, and Ancestry.com. There are several sets and supplements that have been added to the original publication. The most current supplement, 2009 is in book form and not included in the CD-ROM or Ancestry.com database. | ||
==== Records Between 1790 and September 1906 ==== | ==== Records Between 1790 and September 1906 ==== | ||
An immigrant 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. | An immigrant 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. | ||
You may need to search the records of each place where your immigrant ancestor lived to locate both naturalization records. He may have filed the declartion of intention in one court in one state and filed the petition several years later in another court and state. Begin first by looking for naturalization records in the courts of the county or city where the immigrant settled. Most likely the petition (second papers) was filed in that county or city. | You may need to search the records of each place where your immigrant ancestor lived to locate both naturalization records. He may have filed the declartion of intention in one court in one state and filed the petition several years later in another court and state. Begin first by looking for naturalization records in the courts of the county or city where the immigrant settled. Most likely the petition (second papers) was filed in that county or city. | ||
| Line 241: | Line 241: | ||
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> | <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> | 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. | '''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> | <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. | ||
<u>'''Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship:'''</u><br> | <u>'''Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship:'''</u><br> | ||
It is also helpful to know if your ancestor naturalized. Documents found in your family’s possession may indicate if your ancestor naturalized. One document you may find in your family's possession is a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship. This document indicates that your ancestor completed the process and was a naturalized citizen of the United States. The certificate also states the court the petition was filed in which is helpful in locating a copy of the petition which can contain more information about the immigrant.<br> | It is also helpful to know if your ancestor naturalized. Documents found in your family’s possession may indicate if your ancestor naturalized. One document you may find in your family's possession is a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship. This document indicates that your ancestor completed the process and was a naturalized citizen of the United States. The certificate also states the court the petition was filed in which is helpful in locating a copy of the petition which can contain more information about the immigrant.<br> | ||
'''<u>Passport:</u>'''<br> | '''<u>Passport:</u>'''<br> | ||
If you ancestor had a United States passport, your ancestor completed the naturalization process and was a US Citizen. Passports were only given to US citizens and was not required for travel outside of the United States during times of war. Often newly naturalized citizens would obtain passports to keep them from being drafted in their native country's military. For more information about United States Passports, click [[US Immigration Passports|here]].<br> | If you ancestor had a United States passport, your ancestor completed the naturalization process and was a US Citizen. Passports were only given to US citizens and was not required for travel outside of the United States during times of war. Often newly naturalized citizens would obtain passports to keep them from being drafted in their native country's military. For more information about United States Passports, click [[US Immigration Passports|here]].<br> | ||
== Tips for Success<br> | == Tips for Success<br> == | ||
For success in finding naturalization records and obtaining the information desired, it is important to keep in mind the limitations of naturalization records, exceptions to the naturalization process and search strategies such as checking spelling variations.<br> | For success in finding naturalization records and obtaining the information desired, it is important to keep in mind the limitations of naturalization records, exceptions to the naturalization process and search strategies such as checking spelling variations.<br> | ||
=== Limitations<br> | === Limitations<br> === | ||
<u>'''Town of Origin'''</u> | <u>'''Town of Origin'''</u> | ||
| Line 271: | Line 271: | ||
<u>'''Court Records'''</u> | <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> | ||
=== Exceptions to the Naturalization Process<br> | === Exceptions to the Naturalization Process<br> === | ||
There are exceptions to naturalization records that one should keep in mind while searching these records. | There are exceptions to naturalization records that one should keep in mind while searching these records. | ||
==== Women and Children <br> | ==== Women and Children <br> ==== | ||
Immigrant children - even today - receive their citizenship from their parents. Starting in 1790, children recieved derivative citizenship from their father (or mother in some cases). Derivative citizenship is defined as getting one's citizenship from another person.<ref name="Schaefer">Schaefer, Christina K. ''Guide to Naturalization Records of the United States'' (Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., 1997).</ref> When the child's father became naturalized, his children under 16 (or 18, depending on the year) automatically became citizenship. There was no paperwork that was created. To prove his or her citizenship, the child would need his or her father's certificate of citizenship (or certificate of naturalization). | Immigrant children - even today - receive their citizenship from their parents. Starting in 1790, children recieved derivative citizenship from their father (or mother in some cases). Derivative citizenship is defined as getting one's citizenship from another person.<ref name="Schaefer">Schaefer, Christina K. ''Guide to Naturalization Records of the United States'' (Baltimore, MD: Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., 1997).</ref> When the child's father became naturalized, his children under 16 (or 18, depending on the year) automatically became citizenship. There was no paperwork that was created. To prove his or her citizenship, the child would need his or her father's certificate of citizenship (or certificate of naturalization). | ||
| Line 287: | Line 287: | ||
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. ??????????????????????<br> | 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> ==== | ||
To serve in the United States military, one did not need to be a United States citizen - even today. In fact, the United States Government passed some naturalization laws to help encourage new immigrants to serve in the military in their new homeland. These laws made becoming a naturalized citizen easier for the immigrant. The following are the laws concerning service in the military:<br> | To serve in the United States military, one did not need to be a United States citizen - even today. In fact, the United States Government passed some naturalization laws to help encourage new immigrants to serve in the military in their new homeland. These laws made becoming a naturalized citizen easier for the immigrant. The following are the laws concerning service in the military:<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> | '''''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> | ||
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. | ||
| Line 305: | Line 305: | ||
=== Variant spellings === | === Variant spellings === | ||
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.<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.<br> | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
== Other Naturalization Topics == | == Other Naturalization Topics == | ||
| Line 315: | Line 315: | ||
There are over 150 [[Naturalization Laws#Naturalization Laws|naturalization laws]] that have been enacted since 1790. These laws change the residency requirements and those that qualified for naturalization. A summary of some of the major naturalization acts passed by congress can be found [[Naturalization Laws#Naturalization Laws|here]]. | There are over 150 [[Naturalization Laws#Naturalization Laws|naturalization laws]] that have been enacted since 1790. These laws change the residency requirements and those that qualified for naturalization. A summary of some of the major naturalization acts passed by congress can be found [[Naturalization Laws#Naturalization Laws|here]]. | ||
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services has a full discussion of all <span style="text-decoration: underline | The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services has a full discussion of all <span style="text-decoration: underline"></span>[http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=dc60e1df53b2f010VgnVCM1000000ecd190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=dc60e1df53b2f010VgnVCM1000000ecd190aRCRD naturalization laws] in PDF format. | ||
=== Naturalization Terms <br> | === Naturalization Terms <br> === | ||
There are many [[Naturalization Terms|terms and acronyms]] used when discussing naturalization records. A list of them can be found [[Naturalization Terms|here]]. | There are many [[Naturalization Terms|terms and acronyms]] used when discussing naturalization records. A list of them can be found [[Naturalization Terms|here]]. | ||
== References<br> | == References<br> == | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
edits