Just starting and a little overwhelmed...help??

[aperrone]

Hi all. I have just started looking into my ancestry and, simultaneously, my eligibility for dual citizenship. I was hoping for some insight into my eligibility because I have read conflicting requirements on different sites. Any help would be incredibly appreciated.

Here's what I know from ancestry.com so far...

My Great Grandmother and Great Grandfather are listed in the 1940 US Census as having been born in Italy (around 1902 and 1895, respectively). I believe that they both came over when they were under 18.

In the 1940s census, both of my grandparents are listed as having a citizenship code of "PA" (which apparently means "having first papers"). My grandfather was 12 years old at the time of the 1940 census, meaning he was born before my great-grandparents ever naturalized, if they ever did so.

So here are my questions:

1) Because my grandfather was born in 1929 -- and by 1940, my great-grandparents were not yet naturalized -- was my grandfather an Italian / dual-citizen (he was born in the US)?

2) If my great-grandfather signed a "notice of intent" prior to my grandfather's birth which includes a statement about an "intention to renounce all allegiance...etc" to Italy, is this a renunciation that would disqualify my father (and thus me) from dual citizenship? I thought I saw on this site that this would NOT count until he was actually naturalized. Because if it is based on the date of the intent - my grandfather, it seems, would not be eligible (he was not yet born) but if it is naturalization that counts, then it seems perhaps my grandfather would (since the 1940 census still indicates that my great-grandparents were not yet naturalized).

3) Will I need my great-grandparents' birth certificates? If so, any tips on how to get those if they are, presumably, in Italy??

I know I have a lot more research and searching to do, but wanted to see if it was even worth it to try. Thanks so much in advance -- any help would be GREATLY appreciated!!

[aperrone]

also, will I run into the dreaded 1948 problem? I would prefer not to have to hire an attorney.... :-/

[Italia1963]

As long as your great grandfather did not become a citizen before your grandfather was born, you would be eligible for dual citizenship. However, you would have to prove your g-gf did not become a citizen or became a citizen after your gf was born (which actually, in my opinion, is better because you can then show the exact date your ggf became a citizen.) You will need to have a search done by the Naturalization office. You can also prove your g-gf did not become a citizen if you can get a copy of the Alien form all non-citizens had to fill out in the early 1940s.

Yes, you will need to have the birth certificate of your great grandparents. You will need to find the village they were born in..it usually shows it on the ship manifest, if they came by boat.

good luck

[aperrone]

Thank you!! I appreciate your help. I believe they were both born in Tusa. But even if my GGF did not become a citizen before my GF was born, will I have to fight the 1948 rule since he was born in 1929? Or does that only apply to mothers (sorry I'm VERY new to this process)

[mler]

Only applies to mothers. You're ok.

[aperrone]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate all of your help.

[nfanuele]

Here's a link to the request forms you should fill out: https://it.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-se ... l-records/

You should also write a letter in Italian to the Ufficio Anagrafe in Tuso. I would also email the archives of Messina to see if they have copies of the records (you still need certified copies from the comune), I've received quicker responses from the archives. Email the person at the bottom of the page: http://www.asmessina.beniculturali.it

Nick