Alphabet Soup of Naturalization Records – Virtual

Presenter: Renee Carle

Just when you thought you knew all the names of all the record sets from the Immigration and Naturalization Service (now called USCIS), there’s another one.

This lecture will introduce researchers of 20th Century immigration to the Petition File, a document created for immigrants who started the naturalization process between 27 September 1906 and early 1950. P-files come in two distinct versions: P-briefs, 1906 – early 1929; and P-files, early1 929 – early 1950. What are they and why should a researcher care?

P-files were created by US Naturalization Examiners for every Petition for Naturalization filed, and can provide a good deal of information on the applicant. These files, available only via FOIA request, are in the custody of USCIS, and scheduled for destruction in 2050. Advocates are working to make P-files more accessible and fighting to save them.

For more information, check the JGSLI website and Facebook page