Starting the long process

[bostonitalia]

My sister, son, and I are beginning our trek down the long, windy path of dual citizenship. I think we have the right information to start looking for records, but if anyone can help us with any confirmations, that would be fantastic.

We are looking at two paths:

Path 1 - grandma - father - me

Grandmother was Josephine Mangile (maiden name), born Februrary 1913 in Calascibetta, to Ignazio and Carmela (Redente or Ridente) Mangile. She came to the US in 1914. Her parents were married in Sicily. Ignazio was born sometime between 1877 and 1880 (it varies on census documents).

My father was born after 1948, and we are in the process of confirming that my great-grandfather either didn't naturalize at all, or didn't naturalize until after she was an adult. We're pretty sure that's the case, as my grandmother said she never became a citizen. There is the possibility that her dad naturalized and she didn't realize what that meant for her.

Path 2 - great-grandfather - grandpa - mother - me

Great-grandfather was Simone Perlongo, born around 1885. He came to the US in 1900 and married here in the US. His hometown is listed as Ficarazzi on the Ellis Island manifest. My grandfather was born in the US. We are in the process of confirming that my great-grandfather didn't naturalize until after my grandpa was an adult, if he ever did.

Thanks for any help!

[mler]

Both paths are viable if the naturalization dates work.

[bostonitalia]

After more research, it looks like mt great-grandfather naturalized after my grandmother turned 21, making that the clearest path as my father was born after 1948.

I have heard and seen two different things regarding the other path, and I wonder if anyone can clear it up. My great-grandfather on my mother's side naturalized as a US citizen after my grandfather was born but while he was still a minor. I had read this would have removed my grandfather's, and therefore our, claim to citizenship through that line. But based upon the information posted on some of the consulate websites, my grandfather only needed to be born before his father naturalized. Which is correct? This is more a question of curiosity, as I have a path either way.

It turns out that my father's sister also has copies of all the necessary documents, including the Italian ones. While I will still have to obtain official copies, it's reassuring to know that they at least exist and can be located, as well as where to write for them.

[nfanuele]

I'm pretty sure that your GGF only had to naturalize after your GF was born. It would be different if your GF was born in Italy, immigrated with his father, and then his father naturalized while he was a minor (as is the case with my paternal GF).

The only other requirement in your case is that your GGF had to naturalize after June 13, 1912.

Good Luck!
Nick

[bostonitalia]

Thank you!