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  • About US and FOIA
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  • History, Genealogy, and Education
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  • Library
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  • Historical Research Tools
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  • Commissioners by Name
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  • Commissioners by Date
  • Overview of INS History
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  • This Month in Immigration History
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  • Historical Articles
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  • Immigration Records
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  • Naturalization Records
  • Chinese Immigrant Files
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  • Ports of Entry & Their Records
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  • Kid's Corner
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  • Teacher Resources
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  • Photographs
  • FAQs
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  • Transition and Restructuring
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    History, Genealogy and Education

    This portion of the DHS Website contains information about the Immigration and Naturalization (I&N;) Historical Reference Library collection and services, documents concerning the history of the Service as well as of immigration law, procedure, immigration stations, and instructions for historical and genealogical research using records of the former INS. It will also be the future home of information and resources designed for the use of primary and secondary school teachers.

    Bureau of Immigration Central Office Staff, ca. 1903 

    I&N; Historical Reference Library hours, location, collection, services . . .

    Historical Research Tools, including legislative history, nationality interpretations, information on subject research, family history research, Commissioners of Immigration and Naturalization by name or date, and more . . .

    Read or print an Overview of INS History, and browse other historical articles . . .

    Family History researchers can learn more about immigration and naturalization records. Because we tried to provide the best possible sample images of various historical records, some files are large and will take time to load. These files are identified and the file size of each is provided.

    Immigrant Arrival Records (about the records and research tools)

    See especially the catalog Ports of Entry & their Records
    What immigration records were created when, and where, since 1892.

    Naturalization Records (what they are, about INS copies since 1906 . . .)

    Chinese Immigrant Files (Catalogs of holdings in Regional Archives and in Washington, DC)

    Kids, teachers, and parents will want to visit the Kids' Corner and Teacher Resources

    This month in Immigration History takes a closer look at important or interesting events in immigration history.

    FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)

    We welcome everyone with an interest in the history of immigrants, immigration law and nationality law, or the INS and its predecessor agencies. Please contact us with comments, questions, or suggestions on expanding this page.
    Last Modified 02/26/2003