1. Declaration of Intent: This is the first of three documents the immigrant filed to become a citizen. It is commonly known as the "first papers. The immigrant did not receive a copy of this document. They went to a court to fill out forms for their first papers stating their desire to become a citizen of the United States of America. Normally the declaration was filed in the local court of jurisdiction for the town where they resided. At this time you had to wait a minimum of two years before filing for your Petition of Naturalization.
On these earlier declarations this was the information requested:
A. Applicant's name
B. Country of birth or allegiance
C. Date of application
D. Signature of applicant
E. Date and port of arrival was given on some applications.
The Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization took control of the naturalization process on September 27, 1906. Since that date only federal courts handle the naturalization process in the United States. At this time you had to wait five years before returning to the court to file for your Petition of Naturalization.
Information seen on declarations after above date:
A. Name
B. Age
C. Occupation
D. Personal description
E. Date and place of birth
F. Country of previous citizenship
G. Address at time of application
H. Last foreign address
I. Name of vessel
J. Port of embarkation
K. Date & port of arrival
L. Date of application
M. Signature
If the individual did not become a citizen, the Declaration of Intention should be on file if they did file one. It does not hurt to check to see if one was filed in the county or counties where they resided.
For more information on Naturalization Records, click here.
How to Obtain Naturalization Records in One Hour by Moishe Miller |
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