Mistaken census record (intentionally or not)

[Valicore]

Hi friends,

I am investigating my Dad's case for citizenship from two different angles, a 1948 case, and also a more straightforward case through his paternal great-grandfather. The issue is that his paternal great grandparents declared themselves to be citizens to the census taker in 1910/1920 - however, through an index search with USCIS, an NARA check, and checking with the local county, I have found there is no evidence they actually ever became citizens. They didn't speak English that well, so I don't know if that was the issue, or if they were suspicious of the census taker and said they were naturalized when they were not. If it were not for their statements, it would be a rather straightforward case. Is there anything I can do to get around this? Is it possible to hire an Italian lawyer to make this request in Italy? Or something like that?

Thank you!

Thomas

[mler]

Keep in mind that naturalization records are not available through NSCIS before 1905 so it is conceivable that your gggf naturalized before that date. During that period English language competency was not a major issue. It is my understanding that those applying in Italy are rarely asked for census confirmation. Also, your gggf’s status is the only concern; your gggm would have obtained US citizenship through his naturalization. Is citizenship status listed on their death certificates?

[Valicore]

Keep in mind that naturalization records are not available through NSCIS before 1905 so it is conceivable that your gggf naturalized before that date. During that period English language competency was not a major issue. It is my understanding that those applying in Italy are rarely asked for census confirmation. Also, your gggf’s status is the only concern; your gggm would have obtained US citizenship through his naturalization. Is citizenship status listed on their death certificates?

Thank you for your reply! I don't know why I didn't see this until now. I have four Italian antecedents - all of my great great grandparents were Sicilian, so one of them will hopefully allow me to obtain citizenship. I have retained an Italian lawyer (the wait for an appointment in the San Francisco is well over 2 years at this point and it's impossible to get an appointment, so even if I can do a simple case, it would take way too long), and he tells me that Italian judges often approve 1948 cases even when the Italian husband has naturalized, as Italian law restores citizenship to women who lost their Italian citizenship due to marriage to a foreigner as this loss of citizenship constitutes gender discrimination, and the Italian Court is likely to rule the same if they deny it based on an Italian husband's change in citizenship status. I was unaware that citizenship was shown on death certificates! Is this a common practice, and did they do it based on what was reported by the individuals family, or did they confirm it? How likely is it for the USCIS to find "Old Law" c-certificates?

Thanks again for your reply!

Thomas