Naturalization question for Jure Sanguinis - can I disprove?

[xlphillips]

Hi all,
I am not sure if I can prove or disprove my great grandfather's naturalization. He came to the US in 1887 (I don't have ship records), and settled in Chicago.

Chicago, Cook County,Illinois did the naturalizations in the late 1800s/early 1900s (according to my online research), and so I don't think I will be able to get a NARA report. Is that correct?

What if Chicago, Cook County,Illinois only has a naturalization soundex card online, for a name similar to my great grandfathers, and it is spelled with one different letter and dated 1890? That would be only 3 years after arriving to the US, and the requirement at that time was 5 years. If the naturalization is not specific (just name and date), can that be ruled out as being my ancestor?

If "na" is written the 1900 census (verified it has recorded "na" and in country 13 years), is that going to cause problems if we can't find an actual naturalization? My opinion is that census' are not 100% valid info. In fact on every census my family's names are changed and gradually Americanized as well. I have heard that having "na" written on a census could often be wrong.

Some guidance would help. Thank you!

[mler]

Yes, census records were often wrong, but that doesn't mean they won't cause problems. Consulates often ask for them to substantiate "no naturalization" claims.

A bigger potential problem would be if you actually discovered pre-1912 naturalization records. Before the 1912 law was passed, an Italian who naturalized, lost citizenship for himself, for his Italian-born minor children and for his minor children born in the US.

You are correct; NARA will not have records of Chicago naturalizations. Have you checked census records after 1900?

[xlphillips]

Thank you, mler. Yes, census records from 1900 on are recorded "na". With the variety of misspelling of names and details. on the census records, and the obvious lack of legal accuracy, it can't be proved as true.

Will having an attorney help navigate this issue? I have a couple referralls, but an attorney experienced in this specific issue would be helpful I would think.

[mler]

Probably your only option. I think your best bet is to contact one of the Italian lawyers who handle 1948 cases. That way you can apply in Italy and avoid the consulates.

[xlphillips]

mler. Thanks. That is probably why I was referred to a local San Diego attorney who is/was licensed in Naples. I will finish getting my records together and check with several attorneys, including the ones I have heard of on this site.