ERC: Genealogy and Family History: Records
CERTIFICATES OF ARRIVAL
If an alien wanted to file a
Declaration of Intention (the first step to becoming a U.S. citizen)
and had immigrated to the U.S. after 29 June 1906, he had to prove
that he entered the country legally and was admitted for permanent
residence. If it was so established, a Certificate of Arrival was
issued (see below.) If a person happen to enter the U.S. on or
before 29 June 1906, then he could file a Declaration of Intention
without the Certificate of Arrival being issued. This 1906 provision
is mentioned below in the Baltimore Certificate of Arrivals, and the
fact that the arrival was after 29 June 1906 is also mentioned in
the Philadelphia certificate.
This form confirmed
the name of the immigrant when he arrived at the port of
immigration, the date he arrived, on what ship (or other means of
transportation), and perhaps the name of the shipping line. Again,
this was to confirm that the person applying for naturalization
lawfully entered the United States and was admitted for permanent
residence.
In the examples below:
1. Arrival 31 Dec 1906: The Certificate of Arrival through Ellis
Island was obtained from the U.S. Department of Labor
Naturalization Service, Certificate of Arrival Division, signed by
the Commissioner of Naturalization and Chief of Division. This form
seems to have been made up especially for those immigrating through
Ellis Island.
2. An arrival through the Port of Baltimore 30 Mar 1907: This form
is different from the Ellis Island certificate and is signed by the
District Director of the Baltimore District.
3. An arrival through the Port of Philadelphia 3 Jun 1907: This form
is filled out by the Commissioner of Naturalization's office at the
Philadelphia Immigration Station in Gloucester City, New Jersey.
CERTIFICATE OF
ARRIVAL through ELLIS ISLAND - issued 5 Mar 1925 |
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CERTIFICATE OF
ARRIVAL through the Port of Baltimore, MD - issued 2 Aug
1938
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CERTIFICATE OF
ARRIVAL through the Port of Philadelphia, PA - issued 28 Feb
1925
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