Naturalization Requests

What is a naturalization?

Naturalization is the process by which an alien becomes an American citizen. It is a voluntary act; naturalization is not required.

Of note, from 1907 until 1922 if a woman was a natural born US citizen, she lost her citizenship if she married an alien. Her naturalization was wholly subscribed to her husband’s citizenship. She would not become a citizen again until he naturalized. Likewise, prior to 1922, a wife was automatically naturalized under her husband’s papers and would not have a naturalization document of her own. After 1922, paperwork would be required for both husband and wife. All children under the age of 16 were included on the father’s naturalization before 1922.

Naturalization records prior to 1907 have limited information. Spouses and children are seldom listed prior to 1907, although they were considered to be naturalized under the spouse/parent’s naturalization.

For more information, please visit: https://www.archives.gov/research/immigration/naturalization

Are you seeking your ancestor’s naturalization paperwork for genealogical purposes?

When requesting a genealogical copy, please include your ancestor’s name, date and place of birth, approximate year of arrival, place of residence, as well as any spouse or children they may have had.

The cost for a genealogical copy of a naturalization record is $30 per copy requested. Payment should not be sent ahead of time. Copies of naturalizations will not be emailed.

All requests should be emailed to:
historian@niagaracounty.com

Are you seeking your ancestor’s naturalization paperwork for dual citizenship purposes?

The Niagara County Historians Office holds the indices for most naturalizations that occurred in Niagara County 1836-1970. Our archives hold the naturalization records, available by request through the Niagara County Historians Office. Dual citizenship requests require certified letters accompanying the naturalization. For more information on dual citizenship with the United States and other countries, please visit: https://immigrantinvest.com/blog/dual-citizenship-for-us-citizens-en/

When requesting a naturalization record for dual citizenship purposes, please include as much information as possible for your ancestor, including aliases, date and place of birth, approximate year of arrival, supposed year of naturalization, place of residence, names of parents, spouse, or children.

The cost for a certified copy of a naturalization record is $50 per copy requested. Payment should not be sent ahead of time. Copies of naturalizations not be emailed.

All requests should be emailed to:
historian@niagaracounty.com

**PLEASE NOTE** The Niagara County Historians Office is only open 17 hours per week. All requests will be addressed in order of arrival in a timely manner. Expect 6-8 weeks for responses for naturalization requests. International mailing will take longer, depending on the country.