U.S. Naturalization Records

Radford Noone Research Service

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U.S. Naturalization Records

Price: $75.00

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Records pertaining to our ancestors who made the decision to become citizens of the USA. The information can be invaluable to the family history researcher.

Product Summary

· Declaration of Intention

· Naturalization Petitions

· Naturalization depositions

· Records of Naturalization and Oaths of Allegiance

The first naturalization act was passed in 1790. Under this act an alien person who wanted to become an American citizen should apply to “any common law court of record”. The citizenship requirements have changed over the years. The records may be in the possession of the court of record or may have been transferred to the National Archives.

The records usually include a Declaration of intention which is an renouncement of allegiance to a foreign nation and a declaration of their intention to become a U. S. citizen. After 1906 this form became lengthier and includes such information as name, age, occupation, personal description and date and place of birth. Also included are a current address, last address in their country of origin, vessel they traveled on and port of arrival in the U. S.

The next record in the collection is the naturalization petition. Prior to October 1, 1906 this document’s information was limited to name, residence, occupation, date and port of arrival into the U.S. After October 1, 1906 the information includes, name, residence, occupation, date and place of birth, citizenship and personal description; date of e and arrival; marital status, names, dates of birth, and residence of applicant’s children; ports of embarkation; date of residence commencement in U.S., time of residence in state; name changes and signature.

Copies of declaration of intention, certificate of arrival and completion of citizenship classes are most often included in the files with petitions. After 1930 it is not unusual to find a photograph of the petitioner with the files.

As part of the process the petitioner was required to provide depositions from witness’. These depositions can provide some very interesting information. The witness’s are asked to appraise the worthiness of the petitioner.

Sometimes all the records are pulled together in one file for the petitioner but not always. Research may be required at the National Archives and the Federal Court to complete this search.