Massachusetts Naturalization Records

"Just what is naturalization, anyway?"

Key Historical Facts:

• Massachusetts naturalization records begin as early as 1790
• Before 1906, there was no national policy for naturalization
• Naturalizations occurred in various courts: federal, superior, county, city, district, and local
• Records are scattered across multiple courthouses and archives

This guide helps you locate and research United States citizenship or naturalization records from local area courts throughout Massachusetts and New England.

Pre-1906 Era:

• Process conducted at county, district, or federal court level
• Each state had its own procedures
• Records scattered in "a smorgasbord of courthouses and archive centers"
• Less standardized documentation

Post-1906 Changes:

The formation of the INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service) brought major improvements:

• Standardized rules and procedures implemented
• More comprehensive record-keeping
• Centralized documentation process
• Now administered by USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services)

Standard Documents Found:

• Declaration of intent
• Naturalization petition
• Certificate of arrival
• Oath of allegiance

Basic Information (All Records):

• Name of petitioner
• Age and date of birth
• Occupation
• Nationality/country of origin
• Whether citizenship was granted

Example of Detailed Records:

1936 Record: Included all basic information plus physical description, spouse's maiden name, and birth details.

1951 Record: For someone who arrived in 1901, included all children's names with specific places and dates of birth!

Why Massachusetts Has Abundant Records:

Major ports of arrival for hundreds of thousands of immigrants:

• Boston - Primary port of entry
• Fall River - Industrial center
• New Bedford - Whaling and fishing hub

Gender-Specific Considerations:

• Few women appear in records before September 22, 1922 (when women gained the right to vote)
• Before 1922: Women automatically became citizens if they married a U.S. citizen
• Before 1922: Women gained citizenship if their foreign-born husband was naturalized

Children and Naturalization:

Children under 16 automatically became citizens if their father was naturalized.

Census records can help determine if a naturalization record exists:

1870 Federal Census

• Column 19: Check mark for "Male Citizens of the U.S. of 21 years of age and upwards"
• If foreign-born with a check mark = naturalized by 1870

1900, 1910, and 1920 Federal Census

Status Codes:

• "Al" = Alien (not naturalized)
• "Pa" = First Papers (declaration of intent filed)
• "Na" = Naturalized citizen

At mass-doc.com, as part of an overall family history project, we research applications of naturalization petitions held in United States District and Circuit Courts for all the New England states as follows:

Federal Court Records - New England States

Massachusetts State and Local Court Records

In addition, we search naturalization petition records from the state and local courts of Massachusetts - only - for the following counties and dates:

* Suffolk County records have large gaps; limited records available.

Essential Information for Successful Research:

1. Approximate date of birth
2. Place of origin (country)
3. Approximate date of arrival in the U.S.
4. Usual place of residence in Massachusetts

Why This Information Matters:

There are many people with common names (like "John Smith") naturalized in Massachusetts between 1800 and 1900. The more specific facts you have about an individual, the more successful the search will be.

Naturalization & Immigration Links:

• Women & Naturalization - National Archives
• Massachusetts Census Records
• Massachusetts Vital Records Search
• Probate Records Guide