POV: your ancestors were Italian and you’ve just discovered a little thing called “jure sanguinis”. What does this mean? Can you really become an Italian citizen? Before navigating the legal landscape, let's explore the historical context that shaped this unique path to citizenship.
Understanding Italy's Unification
The unified nation of Italy we recognize today emerged on March 17, 1861. Prior to this date, the Italian peninsula was a mosaic of independent states. This historical detail holds significance because, for someone to qualify for "jure sanguinis" (citizenship by right of blood), their [last born] Italian ancestor must have been alive on or after this landmark date.
In some countries, like the U.S., citizenship status is granted by “jure solis” (citizenship by place of birth, literally ‘soil’). If you are born on U.S. soil you are a U.S. citizen. This is not the case for Italy and similarly in many other European countries, such as France and Germany. In order to be considered an Italian citizen your ancestors must also be Italian.
Genealogical Research - Rediscovering Your Roots
1. Explore the Census Chronicles:
From 1900 onwards, these records offer glimpses into immigration dates, naturalization statuses, name changes, and family structures. [Utilize these records, alongside the knowledge of your personal family history, to figure out the correct dates and places of major life events, and of course, the ever changing spelling (and misspelling) of names. With this information you will be able to locate the rest of the necessary vital documents to help you determine eligibility and for the formal application process.
2.Review the Passenger Lists and Ship Manifests:
Take a closer look at immigration records to find out when your ancestors arrived in the U.S. This will help you discover useful information such as: what town in Italy they called home prior to immigrating, which state they planned on traveling to when they reached the U.S., which family members might have been listed in the census records with them, and when they might have naturalized.
3. Go Beyond the Official Records:
Explore alternative sources like military records, passport applications, [church records, estate wills,] and even treasured family lore. These narratives help connect the forgotten pieces of your ancestry.
4. How to Locate Naturalization Records
Naturalization records hold the most important information in your journey to Italian citizenship. These documents are the linchpin of eligibility. Here's how to approach this step:
Gather Preliminary Information: Start by collecting details about your Italian ancestor, including their full name, approximate date of birth, and location of residence in the US. Additionally, estimate the timeframe when your ancestor might have become naturalized.
Know Your Search Options: There are four main paths for searching naturalization records:
Genealogy Websites: Several websites offer access to naturalization records, often with subscription fees, or through your local library for free.
National Archives: Search online resources or visit a National Archives facility in person. *If you have located your ancestor’s naturalization documents through a genealogy website, you can order the NARA packet (Declaration of Intention, Petition, Certificate of Arrival, and Oath of Naturalization) from the National Archives website.
USCIS (The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services): For a fee they will research your ancestor based on name and birthday, or certificate number. Once the correct file has been located, you can order certified copies of the naturalization certificate. *Note that searches and document orders are heavily backlogged, give yourself plenty of time to receive these documents.
Local Courts: If the National Archives and USCIS both come up empty handed, don’t worry. You can always check the local courts in the place(s) your ancestor lived. *If the local courts have no record of naturalization for your ancestor, you can use their letter of no record alongside the CONE (Certificate of Non-Existence) from USCIS to prove that your ancestor never naturalized in the U.S. thus keeping their Italian citizenship.
If your ancestor did naturalize, this does not mean that your line to Italian citizenship is cut. With the new “Minor Issue” you will need to take a close look at the dates of your ancestor’s naturalization and the age of the next in line. Consult our eligibility chart for more information on whether or not you qualify for Italian citizenship.
Evaluate and Analyze Records: Once you locate potential records, carefully examine them to confirm details like your ancestor's name, place of birth, and naturalization date. Ensure this information aligns with your established timeline and ancestral lineage. Use this information to find and order official copies of your ancestors’ naturalization documents.
Order Documents: When you’ve discovered your ancestors’ naturalization records and confirmed your eligibility to pursue Italian citizenship, it is time to start ordering your documents!
Naturalization Record Guide:
Here's a step-by-step guide to obtaining a naturalization record.
Step 1: Gather Preliminary Information
Timeline: Varies
Costs: You may choose to hire a service or professional genealogist to assist you, but you can DIY this step without any cost. Italian Citizenship Concierge staffs professional genealogy experts to assist you when you are pressed for time or don’t know where to look next.
Documents Required:
Ancestor's Details: Gather as much information as possible about your Italian ancestor, including their full name, approximate date of birth, and location of residence in the US.
Naturalization Date Range: Estimate the timeframe when your ancestor might have become naturalized. This can be based on information from family history or other records (e.g., census data suggesting naturalized status).
Step 2: Choose Your Search Path
Timeline: Varies
Costs: Variable (may involve fees for document retrieval, website subscriptions, or research)
Documents Required: Vital and Civil records which will vary depending on where you will apply.
There are four main paths for searching naturalization records:
Genealogy Websites:
Several genealogy websites offer access to naturalization records, often with subscription fees, or for free at your local library. These can be a convenient way to search and compare a wider range of records.
National Archives:
Search online resources: The National Archives website provides digitized naturalization records for some locations after 1906.(https://www.archives.gov/research/immigration/naturalization).
Visit a National Archives facility: These facilities hold physical records not yet digitized. You can search in person or request document copies for a fee.
USCIS:
Use your ancestors name and birthday, or C-File number to research and order their Certificate of Naturalization. (https://www.uscis.gov/records/genealogy/requesting-records)
Local Courts:
Use the census records to find out where your ancestors previously lived to discover which courts they may have naturalized in.
Step 3: Evaluate and Analyze Records
Timeline: Variable; dependent on your research success.
Costs: N/A; unless you choose to hire professional assistance.
Documents Required: N/A; although other vital and genealogical documents can be helpful in determining whether or not you’ve located the correct naturalization records (including census records, birth, death, or marriage certificates) they are not required.
Once you locate potential naturalization records, carefully examine them to confirm details like your ancestor's name, place of birth, and naturalization date. Ensure this information aligns with your established timeline and ancestral lineage prior to ordering any documents.
Step 4: Order Documents
Timeline: Variable; this depends on which government office holds your ancestors’ documents. Give yourself time to enjoy the process knowing the wait is all part of the journey.
Costs: Fees can range from as little as $25 to upwards of $300 depending on whether your ancestors’ documents are held at the National Archives (NARA) or United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If you have not been able to locate unofficial copies of your ancestors’ naturalization records you can expect to pay research fees. If your ancestors never naturalized outside of Italy, you will still need records from these institutions to verify non-naturalization with a document referred to as a CONE.
Documents Required: Most of these documents are old enough that no other vital records are required to order them.
Additional Tips:
Consider seeking assistance from professional genealogists if you encounter difficulty in your research.
Utilize online forums and communities dedicated to Italian genealogy for additional resources and support.
Important Note:
Obtaining naturalization records is required to verify an ancestor's naturalization status in the context of applying for Italian citizenship. Requirements for citizenship applications may vary, so consult the official Italian Consulate website for the latest information. Or reach out to us!
