Naturalization Record Glossary

Naturalization records contain standard terms for the citizenship process, including “first papers,” petitions, court actions, and certificate information. Use this glossary to decode the wording found in declarations of intention, petitions for naturalization, court orders, indexes, and certificates—so you can recognize what stage of the process your ancestor reached and what record types to seek next.

Term	Definition
Admission	Lawful entry into the United States.
Affidavit	Sworn written statement submitted in support of petition.
Alien	Non-citizen residing in a country.
Allegiance	Loyalty pledged to a nation.
Arrival Record	Documentation of immigrant’s entry into U.S.
Certificate of Arrival	Official verification of lawful entry.
Certificate of Citizenship	Proof of citizenship status.
Certificate of Naturalization	Official document granting U.S. citizenship.
Clerk of Court	Court official managing naturalization filings.
Declaration of Intention	“First papers” stating intent to become citizen.
Derivative Citizenship	Citizenship obtained through parent or spouse.
Domicile	Permanent legal residence.
Final Papers	Informal term for completed naturalization certificate.
Good Moral Character	Legal requirement for naturalization approval.
Hearing	Court proceeding reviewing petition.
Immigration Act	Federal law governing naturalization requirements.
Intent	Declared plan to become U.S. citizen.
Jurisdiction	Court’s authority over naturalization case.
Minor Child	Child under legal age, often deriving citizenship.
Naturalization	Legal process of becoming U.S. citizen.
Naturalization Oath	Formal pledge of allegiance.
Oath of Allegiance	Required statement renouncing foreign loyalty.
Petition for Naturalization	Formal application for citizenship.
Port of Entry	Location where immigrant entered U.S.
Proof of Residence	Evidence of required residency period.
Renunciation	Formal abandonment of prior citizenship allegiance.
Residence Requirement	Mandatory time living in U.S. before applying.
Sponsor	Individual supporting application (rare in naturalization context).
Subject	Term used historically for citizen of monarchy.
Witness	Individual attesting to applicant’s character.
Naturalization Index	Alphabetical listing of petitions and declarations.
Expatriation	Voluntary loss of citizenship.
Repatriation	Restoration of citizenship status.
Citizenship Act	Federal legislation regulating citizenship.
District Court	Federal or state court handling petitions.
Examiner	Official reviewing application.
Immigration File (A-File)	Federal record of immigrant history.
Alien Registration Number	Unique identifier assigned to immigrant.
Certificate Number	Serial number on naturalization certificate.
Court Order	Official approval granting citizenship.
Revocation	Legal cancellation of citizenship.
Military Naturalization	Citizenship granted through military service.
Enemy Alien	Term applied during wartime to nationals of hostile nation.
Record of Renunciation	Document surrendering prior allegiance.
Derivative Minor	Child receiving citizenship through parent.
Special Naturalization	Citizenship under special legislative provision.
USCIS	U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services agency.
Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)	Former federal agency overseeing immigration and naturalization.
Act of Congress	Legislative authority establishing naturalization rules.
Naturalization Docket	Court ledger listing naturalization proceedings.

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