In an effort to assist patrons seeking dual citizenship to understand what the National Archives can and cannot assist them with, we’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions. Show Naturalization is the process by which an alien becomes an American citizen. It is a voluntary act; naturalization is not required. Prior to September 27, 1906, any "court of record" (municipal, county, state, or Federal) could grant United States citizenship. Often petitioners went to the court most geographically convenient for them. 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. Researchers should contact the National Archives facility serving the state in which the petitioner resided to determine if records from lower courts are available. In certain cases county court naturalization records maintained by the National Archives are available as microfilm publications. Records from state and local courts are often at state archives or historical societies. Beginning September 27, 1906, US naturalization law imposed a fee structure that encouraged the transfer of naturalization to Federal courts. It took time for the lower courts to let go of the practice, so researchers may need to look at lower courts if the National Archives does not maintain a record of naturalization from the early-mid 20th century. In general, naturalization was a two-step process* that took a minimum of five years. After residing in the United States for two years, an alien could file a "declaration of intention" ("first papers") to become a citizen. After three additional years, the alien could "petition for naturalization" (”second papers”). After the petition was granted, a certificate of citizenship was issued to the new citizen. These two steps did not have to take place in the same court. [*Exceptions can include cases of derivative citizenship, processes for minor aliens 1824-1906, and special consideration for veterans.] If a naturalization took place in a Federal court, naturalization indexes, declarations of intention (with any accompanying certificates of arrival), and petitions for naturalization will usually be in the National Archives facility serving the state in which the Federal court is located. No central index exists. To ensure a successful request with the National Archives researchers should include:
In most cases, the National Archives will not have a copy of the certificate of citizenship. Two copies of the certificate were created – one given to the petitioner as proof of citizenship, and, after September 26, 1906, one forwarded to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Certificates of citizenship were issued by the Federal courts until October 1991 when naturalization became an administrative function under the INS. All INS records are now overseen by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). USCIS maintains duplicate copies of court records (including the certificate of citizenship) created September 27, 1906-March 31, 1956 within Certificate Files (C-Files). Beginning April 1, 1956, INS began filing all naturalization records in a subject’s Alien File (A-File). C-Files and certain A-Files can be requested through the USCIS Genealogy Program. If you are a naturalized citizen seeking your own documentation, you can place a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to USCIS to obtain a copy of your A-File and/or request a replacement certificate of citizenship from USCIS. Please Note:
How long does it take for USCIS to decide my naturalization case?As a matter of regulation, USCIS has 120 days to issue a decision. If no decision is issued after 120 days, the applicant may request judicial review of his/her application in U.S. Federal District Court. Genesis Law Firm, PLLC handle these requests for judicial review on delayed Naturalization decisions.
How long is naturalization taking now?Total time to naturalize: 18.5 months to 24 months
It's important to note that the wait and processing times in this guide are official averages and estimates only and do not reflect possible delays (discussed in more detail below).
How do I check my USCIS application status?You only have to access USCIS' Case Status Online directly through uscis.gov. The Case Status Online landing page shows other quick reference online tools, such as how to change your address online, how to submit an inquiry about your case (e-Request), case processing times and how to locate a USCIS office.
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