How do I find naturalization records (citizenship papers) and what kind of information do they contain?
• Naturalization is a two-step process producing two sets of records: Letters of intention (first papers) and Final Papers. • Most naturalization records available at the Minnesota Historical Society are filed with the District Court records for the county where the individual was naturalized. Some records are filed with the Minnesota Supreme Court records. • Records created after 1906 contain more information about the person than earlier records. • Women were not generally naturalized independently of their husbands or fathers until after 1920. • Census records from 1900 and 1920 give citizenship status and dates. • The 1918 Alien Registration done by the Public Safety Commission includes citizenship information. • Additional immigration records are available from NARA. Check their Immigration Records web page for more information.
