8 Replies Latest reply on Sep 15, 2020 12:25 PM by Cara Jensen

Seeking naturalization papers for grandfather

denisecm Sep 9, 2020 6:32 PM

I have located a "petition for citizenship" for my grandfather. It was filed in the Court of Common Pleas, New Castle, PA. I'm doing this for genealogy research and may need to have certified copies. She cannot give me certified copies because she says the original is not there; it's only on microfiche.

It references a declaration of intention made to that court 12/17/1930. It is witnessed by two individuals, who vouch for his character; that is dated 8/15/1935. On the back it says "Petition granted" and is signed 11/23/1936. It has a 7-digit certificate number. Is this the final citizenship paper?

Re: Seeking naturalization papers for grandfather

Susannah Brooks Sep 9, 2020 10:01 PM (in response to denisecm)

The certificate of naturalization, referenced on the petition with the 7 digit number, would have been given to your grandfather. CIS probably has a copy of it, since the documentation or copies of the petition had to go to INS (now CIS). The Court of Common Pleas in New Castle may have the original or might be able to certify the copy you have, since they created the original record.
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- Re: Seeking naturalization papers for grandfather
  
  denisecm Sep 10, 2020 9:23 AM (in response to Susannah Brooks)
  
  Thank you, Susannah. I have an index search request into USCIS for my grandfather, but I am waiting to hear back. I am wondering whether I will get anything at all because it has not yet been 100 years. Their website doesn't seem very helpful.
  
  I did ask the clerk at the Lawrence County (New Castle) court if she could get me the certified copy. She replied that they could "triple seal" a copy of this microfilm for me, but that they don't have the original. I agree with you, that they should have it, but she said this is all they have (records are kept on index cards and microfiche there.)
  
  I'm not sure that would be sufficient but I can try. Any other suggestions would be helpful, as this is my "first rodeo."
  
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  - Re: Seeking naturalization papers for grandfather
    
    Susannah Brooks Sep 10, 2020 12:54 PM (in response to denisecm)
    
    I would link that "triple sealing" a copy would be sufficient, but you should ask the agency or organization requiring the naturalization, what they would accept. I know that at NARA, the staff certifies copies of naturalization petitions made from microfilm for people seeking dual citizenship and these are accepted.
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      denisecm Sep 10, 2020 2:43 PM (in response to Susannah Brooks)
      
      Thanks Susannah - this is good to know.
      
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- Re: Seeking naturalization papers for grandfather
  
  denisecm Sep 10, 2020 2:42 PM (in response to Susannah Brooks)
  
  Thanks. Do you know if I will be able to get a copy from USCIS if it's not been 100 years since the petition was filed?
  
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Re: Seeking naturalization papers for grandfather

Amy Woytovich Sep 10, 2020 11:36 AM (in response to denisecm)

Good morning Denise,

You may want to check with the Pennsylvania State Archives. They have some immigration and naturalizations records in the County Government Records group. https://www.phmc.pa.gov/Archives/Research-Online/Pages/Naturalization-Immigration.aspx . Their contact information is at: https://www.phmc.pa.gov/Archives/Pages/default.aspx . At the moment, the Archives is physically closed due to Covid-19 but you may be able to contact them by email.

Amy
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- Re: Seeking naturalization papers for grandfather
  
  denisecm Sep 10, 2020 2:41 PM (in response to Amy Woytovich)
  
  Thanks, Amy. I checked out the PA State Archives and it led me back to Lawrence County, PA, where the document was filed in the Court of Common Pleas. I don't know what else to do since the clerk said they don't have originals, only microfiche copies. I will try the "triple seal" approach and see if that will suffice. I am also waiting to hear what USCIS has.
  
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Re: Seeking naturalization papers for grandfather

Cara Jensen Sep 15, 2020 12:25 PM (in response to denisecm)

Dear Ms. Musser,

Thank you for posting your request on History Hub!

As you have previously noted, 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 one forwarded to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).

Certificates of citizenship were issued by the Federal courts until October 1991 when INS took over responsibility for naturalization proceedings. 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). If your grandfather’s C-file is available, you will be able to obtain a copy regardless of the date it was filed.

Per USCIS, the Genealogy Program cannot provide certified copies. A record request will provide a photocopy of a naturalization record only. The National Archives cannot certify records that are not in our custody. If you need the certified copy for dual citizenship, the consulates are aware that USCIS does not provide certified copies. Just be sure to maintain all letters/envelopes/etc received from USCIS during the request process. You may check the status of your USCIS request here.

We hope this is helpful. Best of luck with your family research

[some information provided by Elizabeth Burnes, Subject Matter Expert]

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