United States Naturalization Record Search
If you are applying for Italian Citizenship, you must be able to prove that your ancestor had not become a U.S. citizen (“naturalized”) before the birth of the intermediary. For example, if you are applying through your father, you must show that he had not yet naturalized at the time of your birth, or if applying through a paternal grandfather, you must show that he had not naturalized before the birth of your father.
The Italian Consulate requires that this be proven by submitting your ancestor’s Naturalization Documents, either a copy of the Certificate of Naturalization, or else a certified copy of the Petition for Naturalization which includes the date that U.S. Citizenship was granted and the Certificate Number ( certified Petition is required by the New York Consulate).
If your ancestor never naturalized in the U.S., you will need to obtain a "Certificate of Non-Existence of Record" from the Record’s Chief of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Most Consulates also require a subsequent search and letter of no-record from the Federal and State/County Archives of your ancestor's residence, and some may require a copy of the Census Report from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) which lists your ancestor's reported naturalization status. The Italian Consulate may also require either an Alien File from USCIS or Certified Copy of the Census Report showing the non-naturalized status of your Italian ancestor (currently mandantory at the Consulates of Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco).
Naturalization Process
Pre-1952, a two step process was required before an immigrant could become a U.S. Citizen. Filing a "Declaration of Intetention" was the first step; it could be done anytime after arrival into the USA. Generally, the law required that the immigrant reside in the USA five years before the "Petition for Naturalization" could be filed. At a formal Court proceeding the immigrant signed an "oath of allegiance," and the judge signed the Petition for Naturalization granting citizenship. A "Certificate of Naturalization" was then give to the immigrant as proof of citizenship. A copy of the Petition was kept at the court, and a copy of the Petition and Certificate was sent to the Department of Immigration and Naturalization Services, which is now USCIS. After 1952, the Declaration of Intention was no longer filed.
We are highly skilled in obtaining the documents that you need, and we have developed collaborative working relationships with the National Archives and Records Administration and USCIS Genealogy Search and Records Operations Branch. Our services include preparation of the requisite forms and letters as needed in order to obtain the following documents:
- Naturalization Certificate or Statement of Non-Existence of Record from USCIS Department of Homeland Security.
- Certified Naturalization Records or Letter of No Records from NARA for Federal Court Naturalizations.
- Authenticated Naturalization Records obtained from State and County Archives for non-Federal Court Naturalizations or USCIS Homeland Security.
- U.S. Census Report (1910, 1920, 1930) and Alien Files (please note that there is an additional $85.00 if your Consulate requires certification of a Census Report to support non-naturalization which is payable at the conclusion of the search).
The cost of the service is reasonably priced at $270.00!
To Order: The Naturalization Record Search Order Form with instructions is found in our PACKET.