Census Issue

[Cen51]

Had my appointment in NY and everything was "in order" except for one issue concerning the 1940 Census extract I submitted (to help prove my GF did not naturalize) and my GFs first name.

My GF decided to use another first name - Americanized and completely different from his Italian birth name - sometime before my father was born. I was able to get his first name amended to his original Italian name on his death certificate and my father's b.c.

My interviewer explained to me that I will need to get the first name changed on the census to the original Italian name. However, U.S Census Bureau policy clearly states (as was confirmed to me by a U.S. Census Bureau supervisor) that they will not change anything on a census form. I thought he would know this as part of his job.

I asked him twice that if I am unable to do this will I be denied recognition of Italian citizenship. His only response was to "call him". He proceeded to keep my documents.

Wondering if anyone has had a similar experience and what the result was.

Would it be appropriate to elevate this to a supervisor in the event of a denial?

I am also wondering if I have been - as I read on another forum - 'deselected' and am being slow rolled into giving up.

Thanks to all.

[corrado]

This is very strange, the census is riddled with errors, and its self reporting. Did you ancertors natualize or are you using a letter on non existance? I ask becuase if you have a naturalization paper the census report is meaningless!

[DeFilippis78]

But Ive read also, that even with a non existence letter, they want censuses to back up that the person hasnt naturalized. What consulate are you using?

Alicia

[Cen51]

As I originally posted, this was in NY and to prove that my ancestor did not naturalize. I provided all the other non-existence statements they ask for.

That they needed the census - that I was prepared for. But the first name issue I wasn't. Especially since the address on my father's BC exactly matches the census address as he was born just two months prior to the census. And also because I was able to successfully amend my GFs first name on state certificates.

I have been reading aplenty on how tough NY has been getting to prove no naturalization and had been preparing accordingly. But this twist I wasn't ready for.

The supervisor at U.S. Census has been very helpful. And though they cant amend, she will be providing me with an official general statement to provide to the consulate explaining the situation.

Hopeful that helps. If not I will explore my options.

Again, wondering if anyone has had a similar issue and the steps taken in a successful resolution.

Thanks again

[Drew927]

Cen,
Thanks for your post. I will be applying through NY and have all my letters of no Naturalization including the Census. I too have errors on the Census, my father is listed as a daughter Angelina(Angelo) and my grandfathers first name is listed an Andrew( Andrea).

Can you provide the contact info for the person you spoke with at the Census Bureau? I may need that same official statement.

Drew

[Cen51]

Drew,

Hope you don't mind, but since I've been 'kicked up' to her I m not sure if she would want me to give her number out.

But I'll be happy to give you the general number I originally called. The lady that will answer is the one that referred me to the supervisor. She is very helpful and if you explain your situation I'm fairly certain she will be able to provide you with the steps to take in order to get the statement. If not, just ask for the supervisor. They have been very easy and pleasant to deal with at the U.S. Census - finally our taxpayer dollars at work! Call (812) 218-3046

On a further note, I called the NY consulate today and spoke with my interviewer explaining this further. In case this applies to you, be aware that he, and maybe others there, have absolutely no clue about what the census extract is. He didn't understand what I showed him and that the 1940 Census will not be available publicly for two more years (he kept trying to refer me to Ancestry.com). Doesn't help either when they don't speak English all that well.

Suffice it say we agreed we would elevate this to his supervisor once he receives the statement.

What a pain. I guess I must really want this.

[DeFilippis78]

Im in a predicament where I cant find a census and no one can. Not even people at archives.Im in NJ though. Im wondering if someone at the US census can give me direction on that. Like maybe saying he was never counted. It is believed by many now that he wasnt included in the census.

Alicia

[Cen51]

That's a tough one Alicia. Cant answer if NJ will be as tough as NY concerning a census. Give the number I provided a call, you never know.

[Drew927]

Cen,

I understand, and thanks for the number. I will give it a try.