Access US Immigration & Naturalization Case Files
Jan 7, 2012 19:08:40 GMT -5
Post by baksha on Jan 7, 2012 19:08:40 GMT -5
Hi All,
If your relative immigrated to the US and became a naturalized US citizen between 1940 to the present, you may request copies of his Alien Registration Case File (A-File) through USCIS (US Citizenship & Immigration Service) through a Freedom of Information & Privacy Act Form G639. Go to www.USCIS.gov. Enter a search for Form G639 (FOIA). Download and print the request form.
Follow the instructions on the form and complete as much information as possible. Reason for your review: Family History, you want all documents in the file. Send off to USCIS at the address requested. You will be required to provide all known names used, copies of death certificates, birth certificates, and a notarized signature, in some cases, authoorization of the subject individual. If you are the spouse, child, subject individual, this method is the most economical, faster and most effective successful retrieval. Mark on the envelope addressed the USCIS - FOIA.
The individual's A-File will contain English translations and copies of entry interrogations (photo and initial immigration paper work, such as those from the U.S. Immigration Station, Angel Island, CA 1910-1940), other ports of entry, witness statements, family history, photos, other family member statements, confession & amnesty documents, to the final naturalization documents).
Once USCIS receives your request, they will send a reply that they are in process of retrieving the file or ask for more information. There may be copying fees over 100 pages. (about $25).
Happy Gathering to Connect the Dots In Your Family History! Don't just compile names, try to piece together their stories. Understand the historical context of the immigration policies enacted such as the Chinese exclusion acts vs wish for a better future available to other immigrants.
Baksha
If your relative immigrated to the US and became a naturalized US citizen between 1940 to the present, you may request copies of his Alien Registration Case File (A-File) through USCIS (US Citizenship & Immigration Service) through a Freedom of Information & Privacy Act Form G639. Go to www.USCIS.gov. Enter a search for Form G639 (FOIA). Download and print the request form.
Follow the instructions on the form and complete as much information as possible. Reason for your review: Family History, you want all documents in the file. Send off to USCIS at the address requested. You will be required to provide all known names used, copies of death certificates, birth certificates, and a notarized signature, in some cases, authoorization of the subject individual. If you are the spouse, child, subject individual, this method is the most economical, faster and most effective successful retrieval. Mark on the envelope addressed the USCIS - FOIA.
The individual's A-File will contain English translations and copies of entry interrogations (photo and initial immigration paper work, such as those from the U.S. Immigration Station, Angel Island, CA 1910-1940), other ports of entry, witness statements, family history, photos, other family member statements, confession & amnesty documents, to the final naturalization documents).
Once USCIS receives your request, they will send a reply that they are in process of retrieving the file or ask for more information. There may be copying fees over 100 pages. (about $25).
Happy Gathering to Connect the Dots In Your Family History! Don't just compile names, try to piece together their stories. Understand the historical context of the immigration policies enacted such as the Chinese exclusion acts vs wish for a better future available to other immigrants.
Baksha