Immigration
& Naturalization Service
Not INS, USCIS
DearREADERS & LISTENERS,
During last night's DearMYRTLE's Family
History Hour internet radio show, I had the
pleasure of interviewing Marian L. Smith, the Senior Historian for the
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) formerly the
Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Its a part of the new
Department of Homeland Security. Genealogists look to the USCIS for the post-1906
naturalization records that would describe their ancestor, the place of
origin, the date of arrival in the US, etc.
Its going to be hard to remember to call this
office by its new name, but everything is doable.
Marian explained that there is a "100
year rule" that keeps the naturalization records from public
view, unless proof of death can be provided by the requesting party. She
told us that an obituary, a photocopy of a death certificate, and even a
funeral card will suffice as proof. She works at the USCIS Library which
is "located on the first floor of the Chester Arthur
Building (CAB), at 425 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20536. We may be
reached at 202-514-2837. To ensure proper service, non-Immigration
visitors should call for an appointment." IBID.
FOR FURTHER READING
USCIS - HISTORY, GENEALOGY & EDUCATION
USCIS - For Teachers & Students
Overview of INS History
Early Immigrant Inspection along the
US/Mexican Border
Naturalization of WWI Soldiers
Women & Naturalization Part 1
Women & Naturalization Part 2
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