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Most all researchers know the value of Naturalization records for our immigrant ancestors. They can provide wonderful information and open up or clarify new avenues of research for us. Not long ago, I became aware of another important document that was kept on our ancestors who were not citizens. That is the Alien Registration Form.
The Alien Registration Program began in August of 1940. Its purpose was to identify all non-citizens living in the United States at that time. Usually, resident aliens went to their local Post Office to register. These forms contain a wealth of information on our ancestors!
Last year, I sent for the above-mentioned documents from the INS through the Freedom of Information Act, for my husband's grandfather, John Cardoza. He lived in Alameda County, CA, so I sent my first request to the offices in San Francisco District. They forwarded it on to Washington, D. C. So, Lesson One would be, to save time, send your request to D. C. :) I got a letter back saying I was on the "simple track" because I had supplied so much information and it was a simple request. Three months went by, then I received documents on the wrong John Cardoza. I wrote the INS saying they gave me the wrong information and requested a new search. They did just that with the same correspondence and "speed" as before. Lesson Two, if you get the wrong info, write them and request a new search, giving as much information as possible to insure success. Again, I was on the "simple track," but that was in December 2002. I just got the correct information this week, April 2003.
This is some of what a typical Alien Registration Form will contain:
So, as you can see, these papers, often overlooked by researchers, are a gold mine of information. If your immigrant ancestors were here in 1940, but were not naturalized, then you would be wise to make every effort to get these valuable records. Most requests do not require a fee.
By the way, if the subject of your request is deceased, you will need to include a photocopy of their death certificate, obituary, or other proof of their death along with the FOIA request Form.
For more information:
The address you should send your request to: (Even though, on the FOIA web page, they say for you to write to your nearest FOIA office. However, I was told by that local office to send my request to the office closest to where my ancestor lived. I did, and was told that the information I sought was only held in Washington, D. C. and my request was forwarded there. So, save yourself some time and trouble and send it there. Then, be prepared to wait several months. But, it WILL be worth it!)
HQ FOIA/PA OPERATIONS SECTION
425 I Street, NW
2nd Floor ULLICO Bldg.
Washington, D. C. 20536
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Alien Registration Form, page 1
Alien Registration Form, page 2
