Finding Naturalization Records

Naturalization records are among the most important documents for citizenship by descent applications, especially for Italy and Poland. They determine whether your ancestor lost their original citizenship by naturalizing in another country.

For United States Ancestors:

1. USCIS Genealogy Program (pre-1956 records):
   Website: https://www.uscis.gov/records/genealogy
   Submit a Genealogy Records Request
   Cost: $65 for index search, $65 for records
   Timeline: 3–9 months

1. USCIS FOIA Request (post-1956 records):
   Submit a Freedom of Information Act request
   Cost: Free (or minimal fee for copies)
   Timeline: 3–12 months

1. National Archives (NARA):
   Holds federal court naturalization records
   Website: https://www.archives.gov/research/immigration/naturalization
   Some records available online

1. County Courts:
   Many naturalizations before 1906 were handled at county courts
   Contact the county courthouse where your ancestor lived

For Other Countries:
- UK: National Archives (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/)
- Canada: Library and Archives Canada (https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/)
- Australia: National Archives of Australia (https://www.naa.gov.au/)

Key Information You Need:
- Exact date of naturalization
- Whether it was voluntary or involuntary
- Country of naturalization
- Date of birth of the next person in the citizenship line

This information determines whether the citizenship chain was broken.