Need copy of old Italian Passport?

[Nello-LosAngeles]

I'm appling for dual citizenship. My grandfather never naturalized. He came to USA in 1903. If I am understanding correctly Los Angeles Consulate says I need 1. No records found at Us Immigration, 2. Double check at National Archives, 3. copy of Italian passport and Alien Registation Card.
Anybody know where to search for the Italian Passport from 1903. How about the Alein Registration Card where do I get those?

Any comments are appreciated.

Thanks
Nello

[trjleste]

Hello.

I don't think that you need the old italian passport or visa. But when you contact the govt, ask them for copies of any visa info they have if you really want it.

john

[mler]

Nello, I agree with John. It's unlikely you'll need more than the "no-record" statement from the INS. (Unless, of course, LA is now creating it's own rules ). It's crazy, but the rules seem to vary from consulate to consulate.

[Nello-LosAngeles]

Thanks to both of you.

Mler, yes they do seem to vary between consulates. I downloaded requirement from several to compare.

I have learned that it was rare for an Italian in the early 1900's to have a passport. I further have discovered, I think, that Alien Registration Cards did not have widespread use until 1940. Around WWI there was something call "Enemy Alien Registration", but not too many people in that group.

I have just today mailed a request to US Immigration for all records especially naturalization. They also will have Alien Registration card information, I am told.

It seems the consulate wants to varify that the Italian born person was and Italian citizen.

Thanks for all the assistance.
Nello

[trjleste]

Yes, they ask for a passport to determine if the person kept himself registered in a consulate. You see, getting a passport every few years means that you are a citizen up until the last one was issued. But, now tere is aire for residents abroad. However, looking for a passport from a long time ago is nearly impossible. But unless you have the passport lying around somewher, forget about getting copies of it; where would you begin?