Another Resource for Acquired and Derivative Citizenship Claims and Defenses

Last month United States Citizenship and Immigration Services issued this press release announcing the establishment of the agency's new Geneology Program.

USCIS maintains historical records documenting the arrival and naturalization of millions of immigrants who arrived in the United States since the late 1800s . . . and naturalized between 1906 and 1956. Until today, the process to request these records was handled through a Freedom of Information Act / Privacy Act (FOIA) request.

"In many cases USCIS is the only government agency that has certain historical records that provide the missing link which genealogists or family historians need," said Jonathan "Jock" Scharfen, USCIS’ Acting Director.

Or defense counsel. Anyone who's ever tried to do the investigation and research involved in exploring acquired and derivative citizenship claims knows just how difficult it is to dig up the necessary information. Perhaps the USCIS Geneology Program can be a useful tool for that.

So how does one take advantage of the program? Per the press release,

Individuals may submit genealogy records requests by using the new forms, G-1041 - Genealogy Index Search Request, and G-1041A - Genealogy Records Request. Both forms are available on the new USCIS Genealogy Program page at: http://www.uscis.gov/genealogy.

Fees range from $20 to $35, depending on the services requested. (Don't forget to keep in mind FRE Articles 8, 9, and 10 if you're requesting documents to use at trial.)

Hat tip: Bender's Immigration Daily.