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Archiver > NYC-ROOTS > 1998-05 > 0895761119


From: GFSSusanne <>
Subject: Re: Naturalization Papers
Date: Thu, 21 May 1998 10:31:59 EDT


In a message dated 98-05-21 09:34:05 EDT, writes:

<< Does anyone know when I ask for the Naturalization Papers will they send
the
Declaration of Intention if I request it or do I write for it separately?
>>
There are THREE documents to obtain for Naturalization.
(1) Declaration of Intent filed first and called First Papers. Here
renouncement to a foreign government and intent to become a United States
citizen were pledged. This was usually two years before application to become
a citizen was done. Even if the alien
never became a citizen, the Intent Papers should be on file.
(2) Petition for Naturalization was the second step filed with the court.
The alien would have to had met residency requirements of five years in the
United States, one year in the state, and declared intention to become
citizens.
(3) Final Papers or Certificate granting citizenship.
Be sure to get all three. The first two contain the most information, such
as, full name, date of birth, place of origin, date of arrival, ship arrived
on, who their sponsor was, where they were living at the time of petition.

You should always ask for ALL these documents.
To write for citizenship/naturalization papers, from September 26, 1906:
Immigration & Naturalization Service
FOIA/PA Officer, Chester Arthur Building
425 I Street N.W.,
ULLICO Building
2nd Floor
Washington D.C. 20536
Phone:202-514-3278 Fax: 202-514-3902
800-870-3676
Ask for Form G-639 or in a letter "RE: Freedom of Information Act", give Name,
Date of birth, and place of birth, date of Naturalization if you know it.
Note that the Naturalization Act of June 29, 1906 required issuance of a
"Certificate of Arrival" for aliens filing a Declaration of Intention. Be
sure to request this document...it will give you the name, date, and port of
arrival.

For citizenship documents before September 26, 1906 you should write to the
INS Regional Archives, if done in a federal court; OR write to the state
court, OR county clerk's office.

Hope this helps,
Susanne M. Saether
GFSSusanne and ANCESTRYsusanne in Florida

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