U s naturalization records indexes

Do National Archives have naturalization records? What is a naturalization index? When was naturalization records created? As a general rule, the National Archives does not have naturalization records created in state or local courts. However, a few indexes and records have been donated to the National Archives from counties , states, and local courts.

Some collection indexes give no indication if they are a partial index or complete. Even where the actual records are not available , indexes can lead us to the actual records. If you find a record and want to obtain a copy of it, please follow the procedures outlined in our naturalization records page. The USCIS Genealogy Program uses indices unlike any immigration or naturalization index available to the public. Our unique Master Index system is a combination of index tools—partially automated and partially manual—that work together to identify and locate old agency files and records.

Records of the District Courts of the United States, Record Group. This database contains indexes to U. Declarations and Petitions) for various courts (primarily U. S. District and Circuit courts) and years. During the peak years of U. This status carried practical protections and rights, from voting to purchasing land (depending on the time and place).

The naturalization process in the United States creates records about the immigrant seeking to become a citizen. Immigrants to the United States have never been required to apply for citizenship. Naturalization Records. Congressional legislation.

Although the details and requirements have changed over the years, the naturalization process generally consists of three major steps: 1) the filing of a declaration of intent or first papers, and 2) the petition for naturalization or second. If the name you are researching does not appear in an index. The INS maintains a comprehensive index to all naturalization records in its possession. Copy microfilm numbers of naturalization indexes on a research log. Also record the type of records and which courts are included in the index.

You may have s everal to record. Search peti tions before you search for declarations. Indexes are lists of names, with the associated volume and page number, compiled from the records by the court where the. If you do not find your immigrant relatives in the counties surrounding their home, use a similar search process to check state-level naturalization indexes and records. The images are part of Ancestry.

Circuit Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, New Orleans Division. View Full Source Citations Description: Contained in this database are indexes to naturalization records (primarily declarations and petitions) for various courts (predominantly U.S. District and Circuit courts) and years. American citizenship.

An excellent index to early records can be found in P. There are other excellent indexes. Included are certificates of naturalization , declarations of intention to become a citizen (also known as first papers), and oaths of applicants and witnesses. The records are included in ninety-seven volumes, most of which contain indexes. This process resulted in two major forms of records : the Declaration of Intention (First Papers) and the Petition.

These records are available to.