What is the difference between a Declaration of Intention, Petition for Naturalization and a Certificate of Naturalization?
Pre-1952, a two-step process was required before an immigrant could become a U.S. citizen. Filing a Declaration of Intention was the first step. The Declaration is sometimes referred to as the first papers. The Declaration could be filed anytime after the immigrant arrived. Generally, the law required that the immigrant reside in the USA 5 years before the Petition for Naturalization, or second papers could be filed. After the formal proceedings by the court, when the immigrant signed the oath of allegiance, a Certificate of Naturalization was given to the immigrant as proof of citizenship. The Declaration and Petition remained on file at the court. Note: After 1952, a Declaration was no longer mandatory although some immigrants filed them.
