For those of you who read my previous post, I am applying for Italian citizenship Jure Sanguinis through my great-grandfather.
The Chicago consulate says I need copies of Naturalization records certified BY the National Archives, but my grandfather naturalized in 1903, so all the records exist on the local court level and are not held in the NA (I received a negative search result from them). I have found what survives, namely his Declaration of Intent and Petition, preserved in the archives of the Cook Co. courthouse. The ONLY thing the National Archives does have is a microfilm slide recording date of naturalization, name, address, etc. My question is, would the Consulate accept the microfilm roll if I sent away for it (I don't want to waste $125 for a copy that might be rejected)? Cook Co. can't certify the records they sent me, which were simple photocopies, only the NA can, but since they don't retain the records themselves I think I'm at a dead-end.
What naturalization records are acceptable to the Consulate?
Re: What naturalization records are acceptable to the Consulate?
I applied more than ten years ago, but when I visited NARA headquarters, they directed me to the microfiche where I located both naturalization documents and census records. They printed them out for me and certified both. They may well be able to certify the summary information they have for your ancestor, and perhaps that will be sufficient.
Re: What naturalization records are acceptable to the Consulate?
Oh I see, so you just presented the microfiche at your consulate appointment? How exactly did NARA certify the microfiche, with an attached certificate? I live in Denver and there's a NARA branch, I will call to see if they can do the same for me. I have the microfilm and roll number. Thank you again mler for your help.
Re: What naturalization records are acceptable to the Consulate?
No, I printed the records from the microfiche, and they certified the printout.
