California, Southern District Court (Central) Naturalization Index - FamilySearch Historical Records: Difference between revisions

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== What is in This Collection? ==

This collection is a card index to naturalization records in the circuit and district courts of California. The cards are arranged alphabetically by surname in two parts. Part A 1915 -1930 and Part B 1930 -1976. The actual naturalization volumes vary in size and format. Prior to the late 1800s each document was usually handwritten on one page. From the late 1800s and on, printed forms were used. After 1906, many entries were typewritten. '''[https://catalog.archives.gov/id/594890  For the petitions covered in this index see National Archives NAID 594890 Petitions for Naturalization, 1887-1991.]'''

No centralized files existed before 1906. In 1906 federal forms replaced the various formats that had been used by the various courts. Copies were sent to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), creating a central file for naturalization papers. The INS is now known as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).  

=== Image Visibility ===

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=== To Browse This Collection ===     

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== What Can These Records Tell Me? ==

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'''Declaration of Intent and Naturalization Petitions''' usually included the following:  

*Name of the immigrant  

*Country of birth  

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'''In post-1906 records,''' you may also find:  

*Birth date  

*Birthplace  

== Collection Content  ==

===  Sample Image ===

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Image:California Naturalization Index Cards of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California Central Division (Los Angeles) (10-0400) DGS 4640797 6.jpg|Naturalization Index Card 1961

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== How Do I Search This Collection? ==

Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:  

*The full name of your ancestor

*The approximate immigration and naturalization dates

If you do not know this information, check the 1900 census and then calculate the possible year of naturalization based on the date of immigration. The 1920 census may tell you the exact year of immigration or naturalization.  

=== Search the Index ===

# Select the '''Description''' to view the images.

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{{HR Tip|More images are available in the FamilySearch Catalog at [https://familysearch.org/search/catalog/1849628 California, Southern District Court (Central) Naturalization Index, 1915-1976]. Some catalog records link to multiple references. In this case, click on a reference to find a camera icon to see images.}}

=== How Do I Analyze the Results? ===

Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a [[Use_Appropriate_Forms#Prepare_a_Research_Log | research log]].

== What Do I Do Next? ==

Indexes and transcriptions may not include all the data found in the original records. Look at the actual image of the record, if you can, to verify the information and to find additional information.   

=== I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now? ===

*Add any new information to your records

*Use the record to see if other family members who may have immigrated with the person  

*Search for the family in census records

=== I Can’t Find the Person I’m Looking For, What Now? ===  

*If your ancestor does not have a common name, collect entries for every person who has the same surname. This list can help you find possible relatives

* [[California Research Tips and Strategies|Research Tips and Strategies]]

* Step-by-Step Research: [[Step-by-Step California Research, 1850-1905|1850-1905]] | [[Step-by-Step California Research, 1905-Present|1905-Present]]

== Citing This Collection ==

Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found.  Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.

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== How Can I Contribute to the FamilySearch Wiki? ==

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[[Category:NARA_Naturalization_and_Citizenship_Records]]