Genealogy Hints
Genealogical Society of Marion County, IndianaMajor ports of entry
Early major ports of entry were Baltimore, Boston, New York, Philadelphia and New Orleans.
Naturalization
Naturalization is the process of becoming a citizen. It is a two step process and usually takes about five years. The Declaration of Intent or 1st papers can be filed after two years of residency. Naturalization and the Oath of Allegiance are taken after an additional three years of residency. The time requirements have varied at various times in our history.
Immigration vs Emigration
Immigration is entering a country where you are not a native to take up permanent residence. Emigration is leaving a country where you have been residing and where you may or may not have been a citizen.
Where are naturalizations
Early naturalizations were usually at County Courts. Since about 1920, they have been in the Federal court system. The National Archives (NARA) and ICE/INS also hold some naturalization records.
immigrant ancestor
Your immigrant ancestor is the first person of an ancestral line to settle in a given country.
manifest
Look at the manifest list for others from the same area where your ancestors come from.
Declaration of Intention
A Declaration of Intention is a document an alien usually filed in a court declaring his intention to apply for citizenship after fulfillment of the residency requirement.
Collective naturalization
Collective naturalization is a process used when a government acquires the territory of a foreign government by treaty or cession, and the inhabitants receive the rights and privileges of citizenship.
Petition for Citizenship
Final papers are the Petition for Citizenship with supporting affidavits filed by an alien in court.