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''[[United States of America|United States]] > [[United States Naturalization Records|U.S. Naturalizations]]''  
''[[United States of America|United States]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]] [[United_States_Naturalization_and_Citizenship|U.S. Naturalizations]]''  


== Overview  ==
[[Image:{{Naturalization Photo}}]]


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. Naturalization records before 1906 are not likely to give town of origin or names of parents. 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.
== Most Popular Websites for Naturalization Records  ==


Immigrants to the United States have never been required to apply for citizenship. Of those who applied, many did not complete the requirements for citizenship. 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. The declaration of intention can be obtained to see what information is listed on it.<br>  
{| width="611" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1" align="center"
|-
| '''''Website Links'''''
| '''''Information About the Website'''''
|-
| [http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis www.uscis.gov]
| [[Naturalizations Sources#United_States_Citizenship_and_Immigration_Services|About USCIS]]
|-
| [http://www.germanroots.com/naturalization.html Online Searchable Naturalization Indexes &amp; Records]<br>  
| [[Naturalizations Sources#Online_Searchable_Naturalization_Indexes_.26_Records|About Online Searchable Naturalization Indexes &amp; Records]]
|-
| [http://www.footnote.com www.footnote.com]
| [[Naturalizations Sources#Footnote.com|About Footnote]]
|-
| [http://www.ancestry.com/ www.Ancestry.com]
| [[Naturalizations Sources#Ancestry.com|About Ancestry]]
|-
| [http://www.naturalizationrecords.com/index.shtml Olive Tree Genealogy Naturalizations]
| [[Naturalizations Sources#Olive_Tree_Genealogy_Naturalizations|About Olive Tree Genealogy Naturalizations]]
|}


== Requirements for Naturalization  ==
<br>


The requirements and process of naturalization have changed many times. 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. The following describes the major laws and circumstances that have affected requirements for naturalization:
== Why Use This Record?<br>  ==


=== Changes in Requirements, 1700s to Present  ===
<u>'''Naturalization Overview <br>'''</u>


'''Pre-1790:&nbsp;'''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.  
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>


'''1790:&nbsp;'''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.  
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>


'''1802 to 1868:&nbsp;'''An individual had to prove residency in a state for one year and in the country for five years. A declaration of intention&nbsp;had to be filed at least two years before the final papers or petition could be filed.
== Record Content<br>  ==


'''1906 to present:&nbsp;'''The Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization (now United States Citizenship and Immigration&nbsp;Services or USCIS)&nbsp;was created to standardize laws and procedures. Residency in a state for one year and in the United States for five years continues to be a basic requirement.  
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>


=== Collective Naturalizations  ===
Before 1906, naturalization records may contain:<br>


In some instances, entire groups have been collectively granted U.S. citizenship. In these cases you will not find individual naturalization papers. This occurred for residents of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, Texas in 1845, Hawaii in 1898, and for Blacks in 1868 and American Indians in 1924.
:*Port of arrival
:*Date of arrival
:*Age of immigrant
:*Residence of immigrant
:*Country of origin or allegiance


=== Derivative Citizenship  ===
In 1906, the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization&nbsp;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.)&nbsp; 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>


Citizenship may have been granted to individuals based on family relationship. Children under 21 years of age (until 1940) and wives of citizens (until 1922) automatically became citizens when their father or husband became a citizen. An alien woman who married a United States citizen became a United States citizen. From 1855 to 1922 a woman took the citizenship of her husband.
After 1906, naturalization records may contain:<br>


'''Marrying an Alien'''
:*Birth date &amp; place of immigrant
:*Spouse &amp; children
:*Birth dates and places for spouse &amp; children
:*Port of arrival
:*Date of arrival
:*Vessel of arrival
:*Occupation
:*Physical Description
:*Marriage date
:*Age
:*Residence
:*Last Foreign Address
:*Marital status<br>


&nbsp;From 1907 to 1922, a woman born in the United States who married an alien lost her U.S. citizenship and became an alien. 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].
== Coverage<br>  ==


== Naturalization Process ==
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>
 
<u>'''Types of Colonial Naturalization'''</u><br>
 
:'''Denization'''--A type of naturalization used to obtain land.&nbsp; You could buy and sell land, but could not hold public office. There were no political privileges associated with denization.
 
:'''Oath of Allegiance'''--This type of naturalization during the colonial period was used to renounce all former country loyalties.&nbsp; This gave the immigrant full privileges, including voting and holding public office.
 
:'''Collective citizenship'''--This naturalization process was used to naturalize a group of people without using documents.&nbsp; 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<ref name="Newman" /> <br> ===
 
The first naturalization law was enacted in 1790. Over the yeas, naturalization laws changed numerous times, but generally speaking the process 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 be filed to become a citizen (Except during the years 1798 to 1828.&nbsp;see [[United States Naturalization Records#Report_and_Registry.2C_1798-1828|Report and Registry]] listed below).&nbsp; After 1906, several&nbsp;other documents were created during the naturalization process.
 
The immigrant also had to be a resident in the United States 5 years and 1 year resident in the the state before becoming a citizen.&nbsp; In 1795, there was a 3 year waiting period - later changed to 2 years in 1824 - between filing the declaration and the petition.


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.  
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.  
Line 39: Line 92:
The typical naturalization process involved three steps:  
The typical naturalization process involved three steps:  


#'''Declaration'''. The immigrant filed a declaration of intention (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. Declarations were filed many places. Some were filed in a court at the port of arrival, some en route to a new home, and some in the immigrant's new home.  
:#'''[[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.&nbsp; However, generally speaking, an immigrant filed a declaration of intention up to two years after he immigrated to the United States.&nbsp; The immigrant also could declare any time after he arrived after fulfilling the residency requirement.&nbsp; Some immigrants waited as late as 20 years after coming to the United States to begin the process to become a citizen.&nbsp; There are some [[#Exceptions_to_the_Naturalization_Process|exceptions]] to the naturalization process where the immigrant was not required to file a declaration.  
#'''Petition.''' After two to five years the immigrant filed a petition for citizenship (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).&nbsp; Most often the petition was filed in a court nearest to the town where the immigrant settled. An [[Portal-United States Naturalization. Naturalization Records-Oath of Allegiance|Oath of Allegiance]] was also signed to pledge the immigrants allegiance to the Untied States and signa written oath.  
#'''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. The certificate is given from the same court the petition is filed in. Is called the Certificate of Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization.
 
==== <u>'''Report and Registry, 1798-1828'''</u>  ====


== Naturalization Records  ==
From 1798 to 1828, a new immigrant was required to appear before a local court and reigster his arrival in the United States.&nbsp; This was usually recorded in the court minutes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sometimes a separate document, a report and registry or aliens' register was created instead.&nbsp; The immigrant could obtain a certificate showing that he had registered in order to prove his residency later when he applied for citizenship. The Report and Registry could take place at a different time and different court&nbsp;than the&nbsp;immigrant's declaration.


'''Report and Registry, 1798 to 1828'''. During this period, a new immigrant was required to appear before a local court and register his arrival in the United States. This was recorded in the court minutes. Sometimes a separate document, a report and registry or aliens' register was created. The immigrant could obtain a certificate showing that he had registered in order to prove his residency later when he applied for citizenship.
The Report and Registry may include the following information depending on the court recording the information:


'''Declaration of Intention, or “First Papers,” 1790 to Present'''. An immigrant could have declared his or her intention as soon as he or she arrived in the country or at any other time. Depending on the current federal and local laws, the declaration had to be filed at least two to five years before the immigrant could petition for citizenship.
:*Name of immigrant  
:*Birthplace
:*Age
:*Nation of allegiance
:*County of migration
:*Place of intended settlement
:*Occupation


After 1906, the declaration had to be filed from three to seven years before the petition could be filed. If the petition was not filed within seven years, a new declaration of intention was required. Declarations of intention have not been required since 1952 in most cases.
=== Naturalization After 1906<br>  ===


The declaration was made verbally and recorded in the court minutes. In most cases, the immigrant also filled out a form kept by the court clerk in a bound volume. If needed, the immigrant could use the court's record of his declaration (or a certificate provided by the court) to apply for homestead land, to enroll in the military, or to use as proof of residency if he went to another court to complete the naturalization process.  
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.&nbsp; Copies of these documents are only in the possession of the former INS, now [http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)].&nbsp; A summary of some of these documents are listed below:


Before 1906, declarations usually show only that the immigrant renounced allegiance to other governments. Starting in 1906 the declarations usually contain more helpful family information than other naturalization records, but each court recorded different information. You may find the immigrant's name, country of allegiance, port and date of arrival, physical description, birthplace, birth date, residence, and spouse's name. Declarations of intention since 1906 have required biographical data on the spouse and children, even if they were not applying for citizenship.  
:<u>'''Certificate of Arrival, 1906 to the present'''</u>--After 1906 an immigrant was required to submit a certificate of arrival when he petitioned for citizenship in order to prove the length of his residency. This document gives the place of entry, manner of arrival, and the date of arrival. This was kept in the file with the petition.


'''Petition, “Second,” or “Final Papers,” 1790 to Present'''. After the immigrant had lived in the country five years, he appeared before a court and made a formal application for citizenship. His petition may have been recorded in the court minutes, but in most cases he filled out a form which was filed by the court clerk in a bound volume. The information in the petition is similar to what is found in the declaration. Petitions usually list the place where the declaration was filed.  
:<u>'''Certificate of Registry'''</u>--&nbsp; A certificate created by the INS to document immigrants who arrived prior to July 1, 1924 to the United States and no original arrival record could not be located.&nbsp; <br>


A short time later, the individual would appear at court for a hearing. At this time he had to prove that he had fulfilled his residency and other requirements. This often required affidavits or depositions of witnesses. These were included in the court's records.
:<u>'''Visa and Application'''</u>--


'''Certificate of Arrival, 1906 to Present'''. After 1906 an immigrant was required to submit a certificate of arrival when he petitioned for citizenship in order to prove the length of his residency. This document gives the place of entry, manner of arrival, and the date of arrival. This was kept in the file with the petition.  
:<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.


'''United States Oaths of Allegiance, 1790 to Present'''. The immigrant was required to pledge his allegiance to the United States and sign a written oath. This generally gives his name, the date, and the country of origin. This document is often found with the petition.
:An alien registration form contains the following information:


'''Court Order'''. After accepting the immigrant's petition and witnessing his oath, a court granted citizenship. This had to be permanently recorded in the court's official records, usually the court minutes or order book. In some cases this is the only naturalization record that you will be able to find.  
:*Name
:*Name at time of entry to the US
:*Other names used
:*Address
:*Date of Birth
:*Citizenship/Nationality
:*Gender
:*Marital Status
:*Race
:*Height &amp; Weight
:*Hair &amp; Eye Color
:*Port, date, ship, and class of admission at last arrival in US
:*Date of first arrival in US
:*Years lived in US
:*Intended stay in US
:*Usual occupation
:*Present occupation
:*Present employer, including address
:*Club, organization, or society memberships
:*Military service (Country, branch, dates)
:*Date and number of Declaration of Intention (if filed), and city and State where filed.  
:*Date of Petition for Naturalization (if filed), and city and State where filed.  
:*Arrest history
:*Fingerprint
:*Signature
:*Date and place of registration<ref>United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, :Alien Registration Forms on Microfilm, 1940-1944</ref>


'''Final Certificate'''. The applicant was usually given a certificate of citizenship for his personal use. The certificates were printed in books with attached stubs (somewhat like modern check books). The court retained the stubs and gave the certificate to the immigrant.
== State by State Records  ==


'''Naturalization Records'''. Some courts simply group all papers together into files called “naturalization records.” Each file is a compilation of all of the documents pertaining to one individual.
{{Naturalization States}}


For further information about the process and naturalization records, see this overview:
== Locating Naturalization Records<br>  ==


*Newman, John J. ''American Naturalization Processes and Procedures, 1790-1985.'' Indianapolis, Indiana: Indiana Historical Society, 1985. (Family History Library book [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titlehitlist&columns=*%2C0%2C0&callno=973+P4n 973 P4n].)
=== By Time Period - What to Know Before Searching<br>  ===


== Locating Naturalization Records  ==
==== Colonial Naturalization Records (Pre-1790)<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.  
Naturalization records before 1790 differ vastly from later naturalization records.&nbsp; Colonial naturalization consist mostly of lists of those that took the oath of allegience. The colony where the immigrant was living gave naturalizations.  


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.  
A good source to begin searching for colonial naturalization records is&nbsp;William P. Filby's ''Passenger and Immigration Lists Index, 1500s- 1900s.&nbsp; ''This source has indexed published passenger lists as well as early published naturalization records.&nbsp; ''Passenger and Immigration Lists Index, 1500s- 1900s ''includes the original sources where the information came from.&nbsp; <br>


=== Colonial Records  ===
''Passenger and Immigration Lists Index, 1500s- 1900s ''is available in book form, CD-ROM, and Ancestry.com.&nbsp;&nbsp;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&nbsp;included in&nbsp;the CD-ROM or Ancestry.com database.


Most of the colonial lists of denizations and oaths of allegiance have been published and are indexed in P. William Filby's Passenger and Immigration Lists Index. It is online at [http://www.ancestry.com www.ancestry.com].
==== Records Between 1790 and September 1906  ====


== &nbsp;Records Before 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.


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.  
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.&nbsp; Most likely the petition (second papers) was filed in that county or city.  


An inventory of naturalization records at many county and federal courts is:
==== Records Since September 1906 <br>  ====


*Neagles, James C., and Lila Lee Neagles. ''Locating Your Immigrant Ancestor''. Second Edition. Logan, Utah: Everton Publishers, 1986. (Famiy History Library Ref book 973 P47n; 1975 ed. fiche [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=filmhitlist&columns=*%2C0%2C0&filmno=6117121 6117121].) This lists the years that declarations and petitions are available. You can request photocopies of these records.
Beginning in September 1906, the federal government began regulating the naturalization process. The Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization (now the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services or USCIS) 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 clerk of the court where the immigrant was naturalized may still have the original records. Some copies of court naturalization records have been transferred to National Archives branches. Their holdings are online. Start at the National Archives website, [http://www.archives.gov www.archives.gov], and go to their regional locations for their holdings.  
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 applicant was to use the declaration to apply for the petition.&nbsp; If the declaration is still in possession of the family, most likely the immigrant did not complete the process and was not a citizen.&nbsp; 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.  


Naturalization records for Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont from 1791 to 1906 have been gathered into the National Archives—New England Region and indexed in:
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.&nbsp; However, naturalizations were still taking place in local county courts as well as federal courts and the records of any court still naturalizing should be consulted to locate your ancestor's records.&nbsp;&nbsp;


*United States. ''Immigration and Naturalization Service. Index to New England Naturalization Petitions, 1791-1906''. Washington, DC: National Archives, 1983. (Famiy History Library films [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=filmhitlist&columns=*%2C0%2C0&filmno=1429671 1429671]-787.)
=== Finding Naturalization Records<br>  ===


=== Records Since September 1906 ===
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.


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.  
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.  


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.  
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;


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.
==== On the Internet<br>  ====


'''Genealogy Program--USCIS'''<br>The Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) has adopted a new 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). The following records can be requested:
There are many online resources available for researching naturalization records.&nbsp; These online resources include naturalization indexes as well as digital images of naturalization records.&nbsp; ''<br>''


:Naturalization Certificate Files<br>
:'''[http://www.germanroots.com/naturalization.html ''Online Searchable Naturalization Indexes and Records'']'''''--This website contains links to naturalization indexes and records.&nbsp; It is arranged by state and gives the statewide indexes and records first.&nbsp; It then gives the countywide indexes and records.&nbsp; This website is updated regularly and is a great source to begin searching for naturalization records on the Internet.''
:Alien Registration Forms<br>
:Visa Files<br>
:Registry Files<br>
:Alien Files<br>


Forms G-1041 and G-1041A will be used and can be mailed with a money order or cashier's check.&nbsp;A personal check will not be accepted.&nbsp;You can download the forms from the [http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis USCIS] website. The mailing address is:
:''[http://www.footnote.com '''Footnote.com''']''--This website has a partnership with the National Archives in bringing digital images of some of the National Archives collections online.&nbsp; Some of the website is free, other images are only available through a subscription.&nbsp; Free access is given to the website at the National Archives, at National Archives regional branches and at Family History Centers that have Internet access. To locate naturalization databases on footnote.com, choose the "browse all" [http://www.footnote.com/browse.php link]. Under the category list, click on [http://www.footnote.com/browse.php#Naturalizations:%201700%20-%20mid%201900s|-1 Naturalizations 1700s - Mid 1900s].&nbsp; At the bottom of the screen, use the "search within" box to type in a name.&nbsp; There is also an "advanced search" option that helps narrow down common names when more information is known about the ancestor.


:USCIS Genealogy Program<br>
:[http://www.ancestry.com/ '''''Ancestry.com''''']--This is a subscription website. Most of Ancestry's naturalization records are found under the heading Immigration and Emigration. You can access these records by the following methods:&nbsp;
:P.O. Box 805925<br>
:Chicago, Illinois 60680-4120<br>


The fee schedule will be as follows:
::1) Ancestry Database Card Catalog--type the word naturalization in the Database Title Box. This will give you a listing of naturalization records.


:Index Search--$20<br>
::2) Immigration &amp; Emigration--click on the Search tab at the top of the page, then scroll down to Immigration &amp; Emigration and; click on that link. Search by first and last name. Note that the search results include naturalization and many other immigration records. [http://www.naturalizationrecords.com/index.shtml <br>]
:Microfilm copies--$20<br>
:Paper copies$35<br>  
:Form G-639, the FOIA form will still be used for later searches.


=== Records at the Family History Library  ===
:[http://www.naturalizationrecords.com/index.shtml '''''Olive Tree Genealogy Naturalization''s''']--Free access to many indexes and some are submitted by Olive Tree Genealogy(OTG) volunteers.


Naturalization records at the library are listed in the Place Search of the Family History Library Catalog under one of the following:  
:[http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis '''''United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)''''']--In 1906, the Immigration and Naturalization Service or INS&nbsp;was created. Duplicate court naturalization documents were sent to INS. The name has been changed several times, but it is currently called the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services or USCIS. You may access their records through their [http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=d21f3711ca5ca110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=d21f3711ca5ca110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD Genealogy Program]. Their website is [http://www.uscis.gov www.uscis.gov].


[STATE] - NATURALIZATION AND CITIZENSHIP
:'''Genealogy Program'''


[STATE], [COUNTY] - NATURALIZATION AND CITIZENSHIP
:The following records are available through the Genealogy Program:


[STATE], [COUNTY], [TOWN] - NATURALIZATION AND CITIZENSHIP  
::Naturalization Certificate Files (C-files) from September 27, 1906 to April 1, 1956<br>
::Alien Registration Forms from August 1, 1940 to March 31, 1944<br>
::Visa files from July 1, 1924 to March 31, 1944<br>
::Registry Files from March 2, 1929 to March 31, 1944<br>
::Alien Files (A-files) numbered below 8 million (A8000000) and documents therein dated prior to May 1, 1951<br>For more information about the Genealogy Program of the USCIS, click [[United States Naturalization Records#United_States_Citizenship_and_Immigration_Services_.28formerly_known_as_the_INS.29|here]].
 
==== At the Family History Library <br>  ====
 
Naturalization records at the library are listed in the Place Search of the Family History Library Catalog under one of the following: <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [STATE] - NATURALIZATION AND CITIZENSHIP <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [STATE], [COUNTY] - NATURALIZATION AND CITIZENSHIP <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; [STATE], [COUNTY], [TOWN] - NATURALIZATION AND CITIZENSHIP <br>


The library has also acquired large collections of naturalization records from the National Archives branches in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Seattle.  
The library has also acquired large collections of naturalization records from the National Archives branches in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Seattle.  
Line 140: Line 225:
In some states, naturalization records are included in other court records and are not separately identified. The state research outlines will help you locate these records.  
In some states, naturalization records are included in other court records and are not separately identified. The state research outlines will help you locate these records.  


A key reference book about naturalizations is:  
A key reference book about naturalizations is: <br>• Schaefer, Christina K. Guide to Naturalization Records in the United States. Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1997. (FHL book 973 P4s.) Identifies records at both the National Archives and the Family History Library. It also describes many state and county courthouse collections. This book was published in 1997 and has not been updated. The Family History Library has added naturalization records to their collection. <br>
 
==== At Regional Archives and other Repositories<br>  ====
 
The clerk of the court where the immigrant was naturalized may still have the original records. Some copies of court naturalization records have been transferred to National Archives regional branches. Because of the high expense of getting naturalization records from the USCIS, it is suggested to check to see if the Federal Court records are located at a National Archives regional branch or at the court house the naturalization document was filed. <br>
 
National Archive regional branches have websites that often state which naturalization records they have available.&nbsp; To locate the regional branch covering the location of the court where the naturalization document was filed, click [http://www.archives.gov/locations/ here].
 
==== Using the Genealogy Program at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services <br>  ====
 
The [http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)] has instituted the [http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextchannel=d21f3711ca5ca110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextoid=d21f3711ca5ca110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD Genealogy Program] for the public to access all records up to 1956 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 following records can be requested [http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=e1fdae70ee09c110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=d21f3711ca5ca110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD online] or by [http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=b876216956c4b110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=d21f3711ca5ca110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD mail]:
 
*[http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=3b14d5b07655b110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=d21f3711ca5ca110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD Naturalization Certificate Files (C-files)] from September 27, 1906 to April 1, 1956
*[http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=a9ba4970c722b110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=d21f3711ca5ca110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD Alien Registration Forms] from August 1, 1940 to March 31, 1944
*[http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=8d6bfd262fa4b110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=d21f3711ca5ca110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD Visa files] from July 1, 1924 to March 31, 1944
*[http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=0107d5b07655b110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=d21f3711ca5ca110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD Registry Files] from March 2, 1929 to March 31, 1944
*[http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=0c55186d8bd5b110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=d21f3711ca5ca110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD Alien Files (A-files)] numbered below 8 million (A8000000) and documents therein dated prior to May 1, 1951
 
When ordering by mail, use forms [http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=7cac15d8c1dbb110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD G-1041] (for an index search) and [http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=882615d8c1dbb110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD G-1041A] (for obtaining the record). Do not submit [http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=882615d8c1dbb110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD G-1041A] until you have completed a search with form [http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=7cac15d8c1dbb110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD G-1041] UNLESS you have a [http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=3b0152b10f45b110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=d21f3711ca5ca110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD valid file number]. Once the form is filled out, include a money order or cashier's check. Cash or a personal check will not be accepted. There are NO&nbsp;refunds for incorrect file numbers submitted or for negative results. The mailing address is:
 
:USCIS Genealogy Program <br>P.O. Box 805925 <br>Chicago, Illinois 60680-4120
 
The fee schedule is:
 
:Index Search--$20 (form [http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=7cac15d8c1dbb110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD G-1041])<br>Microfilm copies--$20 (form [http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=882615d8c1dbb110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD G-1041A])<br>Paper copies--$35 (form [http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=882615d8c1dbb110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD G-1041A])<br>
 
Form G-639, the FOIA form will still be used for later searches. <br>
 
== Determining if your Ancestor Naturalized  ==
 
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.&nbsp;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:
 
<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.
:'''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.
:'''AL:''' this abbreviation means the immigrant had not yet naturalized or even begun the process. Not every immigrant naturalized.
:'''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.
 
<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.&nbsp; 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>
 
If you ancestor had a United States passport, your ancestor completed the naturalization process and was a US Citizen.&nbsp; 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>  ==
 
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>  ===
 
<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.
 
<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>
 
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>  ===
 
There are exceptions to naturalization records that one should keep in mind while searching these records.&nbsp;
 
==== Children  ====
 
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. 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).
 
Beginning in 1824 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. The declaration was often submitted with the petition.<ref name="Newman">Newman, John J. ''American Naturalization Records 1790-1990.'' (Bountiful, UT: Heritage Quest, 1998).</ref>&nbsp;
 
==== Women<br>  ====
 
In 1855, derivative citizenship (obtaining one's citizenship from another person)&nbsp;was also available for immigrant women marrying US citizens or if their husbands obtained their citizenship during their marriage.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp;
 
In 1922, citizenship was no longer available to women through marriage.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; 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.]
 
==== Military <br>  ====
 
To serve in the United States military, one did not need to be a United States citizen - even today.&nbsp; In fact, the United States Government passed some naturalization laws to help encourage new immigrants to serve in the military in their new homeland.&nbsp; These laws made becoming a naturalized citizen easier for the immigrant.&nbsp; 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 &amp; 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 1868, African-Americans made citizens by the Fourteenth Amendment of the Unites States Constitution.&nbsp; In 1924, Native Americans made finally made citizens - although some chiefs of tribes became citizens before this date.&nbsp; 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.
 
=== 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>
 
<br>
 
== Other Naturalization Topics  ==
 
=== Naturalization Laws  ===
 
There are over 150 [[Naturalization Laws#Naturalization_Laws|naturalization laws]] that have been enacted since 1790.&nbsp; These laws change the residency requirements and those that qualified for naturalization.&nbsp; 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 [http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=dc60e1df53b2f010VgnVCM1000000ecd190aRCRD&vgnextchannel=dc60e1df53b2f010VgnVCM1000000ecd190aRCRD naturalization laws] in PDF format.
 
=== Naturalization Terms  ===
 
There are many [[Naturalization Terms|terms and acronyms]] used when discussing naturalization records.&nbsp; A list of them can be found [[Naturalization Terms|here]].
 
== References  ==


*Schaefer, Christina K. ''Guide to Naturalization Records in the United States''. Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1997. (Family History Library book [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titlehitlist&columns=*%2C0%2C0&callno=973+P4s 973 P4s].) Identifies records at both the National Archives and the Family History Library. It also describes many state and county courthouse collections. This book was published in 1997 and has not been updated. The Family History Library has added naturalization records to their collection.
<references />


{{Place|United States}}  
{{Place|United States}}  


[[Category:Record_Types_of_the_United_States|Record_Types_of_the_United_States]] [[Category:United_States_Naturalization_and_Citizenship]]
[[Category:United_States_Naturalization_and_Citizenship]] [[Category:National_Archives_and_Records_Administration]] [[Category:Family_History_Library]] [[Category:Record_Types_of_the_United_States|Record_Types_of_the_United_States]]
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