Naturalization records document the process by which an immigrant becomes a citizen. An individual has to live in the United States for a specific period of time and file a series of forms with a court before he or she can become naturalized. Naturalization records provide the following information: place and date of birth, date of arrival into the United States, place of residence at the time of naturalization, a personal description, and sometimes the name of the ship that the individual arrived on and the individual's occupation.

Where can I find naturalization records?

Naturalization records for the years 1787 through 1906 are available through the National Archives. Records after 1906 are available through the Immigration and Naturalization Service.

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