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United States Naturalization Records: Difference between revisions

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=== Finding Naturalization Records<br> ===
=== Finding Naturalization Records<br> ===


Immigrants could naturalize in any court that performed naturalization.&nbsp;After 1906, many federal courts naturalized citizens, however, other local courts continued the practice as late as 1985.&nbsp;Check all possible courts in the area your ancestor lived.
Immigrants could naturalize in any court that performed naturalizations.&nbsp;That included city, county, state and federal courts. After 1906, federal courts naturalized many immigrants, however, other local courts continued the&nbsp;naturalize as late as 1985.&nbsp;Check all possible courts in the area your ancestor lived.  


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 the immigant eventually settled. After 1906, the declaration can be filed with the petition as the immigrant was required to submit a copy when he submitted the petition.  
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 the immigant eventually settled. After 1906, the declaration can be filed with the petition as the immigrant was required to submit a copy when he submitted the petition.  


Because immigrants were allowed to naturalize in any court, they often selected the most convenient court.&nbsp; If they lived in New Jersey but worked in New York City, also check the courts of New York City for the naturalization records.&nbsp; If an immigrant lived on the border of a county, they may have naturalized in the adjacent county because the courthouse may have been closer.&nbsp;
Because immigrants were allowed to naturalize in any court, they often selected the most convenient court.&nbsp; If they lived in New Jersey but worked in New York City, also check the courts of New York City for the naturalization records.&nbsp; If an immigrant lived on the border of a county, they may have naturalized in the adjacent county because the courthouse may have been closer.&nbsp;  


==== On the Internet<br> ====
==== On the Internet<br> ====