Naturalization Records
Naturalizations: Declaration of Intention
Sample Record(PDF, 43MB)
Dates:
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Overall: 1849-1964
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Bulk Dates: 1849-1929
Geographic Location: Genesee County
Format: Bound volumes, post binders of preprinted forms with handwritten or typed entries and cards
Arrangement: Chronologically/Numeric
Volume: 18 Volumes and 1 Cubic Foot
Catalog: Available(PDF, 33KB)
Department: County Clerk
Use Restrictions: Staff will access all records and must approve all requests for copies created
Legal Restrictions: None
Historical Background: The process of conferring citizenship, authorized under the Federal statute in 1790 and 1802, was among the earliest responsibilities of the court system. Non-citizens or aliens appeared before the court presenting Declarations of Intent as well as Oaths of Allegiance, Witness Affidavits, and Petitions. The naturalization records document changes in the request for information which emphasizes changes in our society regarding immigration. Becoming a citizen allowed individuals the right to vote and serve jury duty.
Description of Record Series: The collection includes preprinted forms produced by the Immigration & Naturalization Service with handwritten or typed entries containing the following information: state, county, town, name, age, occupation, physical description, color, place of birth, current residence, where, when, and how emigrated, spouse's name, port of arrival, date of arrival, name of king or emperor renounced allegiance to, signature, date sworn to, and the County Clerk's signature.
Purpose of Record: Defined as being the initial application of an alien to the court of record in which the individual renounces allegiance to a foreign power and potentate and declares their intention to become a citizen of the United States.
Other Format: None
Finding Aids:
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Index: Aliens Declaration of Intention Vol. 1-11 (1849-1929)
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Index: Record of Aliens, Naturalization of Aliens Vol. 1-6 (1849-1906)
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Index: Naturalizations File Boxes A-E (1895-1964)
Related Series:
Earlier naturalization records were filed in Miscellaneous Record Books 3-6, approximately dated 1832-1849, and these Miscellaneous Records Books have been indexed. For naturalizations from 1802 to 1849, refer to the new index, Naturalization Records, which list all naturalizations from the miscellaneous records books as well as those from the early Court Minute Books. Please contact the County Clerk for assistance.
Naturalizations: Petitions
Sample Record
Sample Record(PDF, 2MB)
Dates:
-
Overall: 1896-1955
-
Bulk Dates: 1907-1929
Geographic Location: Genesee County
Format: Bound volumes and post binders of preprinted forms with handwritten or typed entries
Arrangement: Chronologically/Numeric
Volume: 8 Volumes and 3 Cubic Feet
Catalog: Available(PDF, 25KB)
Department: County Clerk
Use Restrictions: Staff will access all records and must approve all requests for copies created
Legal Restrictions: None
Historical Background: The process of conferring citizenship, authorized under the Federal statute in 1790 and 1802, was among the earliest responsibilities of the court system. Non-citizens or aliens appeared before the court presenting Declarations of Intent as well as Oaths of Allegiance, Witness Affidavits, and Petitions. The naturalization records document changes in the request for information which emphasizes changes in our society regarding immigration. Becoming a citizen allowed individuals the right to vote and serve jury duty.
Description of Record Series: This collection includes preprinted forms produced by the Immigration & Naturalization Service with handwritten or typed entries containing the following information: name of petitioner, date petition was filed, hearing date, name of citizen giving depositions, their signature, occupation, address, birthplace, and age. Information about the petitioner includes length of time in the country, moral character, signature of the Naturalization Examiner, and the date.
Purpose of Record: Defined as being the final papers submitted by an alien to the court of record requesting to become a citizen of the United States.
Other Format: None
Finding Aids:
Related Series:
Earlier naturalization records were filed in Miscellaneous Record Books 3-5, approximately dated 1832-1849, and these Miscellaneous Records Books have been indexed. For naturalizations from 1802 to 1849, refer to the new index, Naturalization Records, which list all naturalizations from the miscellaneous records books as well as those from the early Court Minute Books (CC.14). Please ask the County Clerk for assistance.
Historical Value: All of the Naturalization Records document changes in the request for information which emphasizes changes in our society regarding immigration. Becoming a citizen allowed individuals the right to vote and serve jury duty.