Sorry--- in a more readable form Here is my info on USA Alien Registration info most valuable to genealogical researchers. Bill Tarkulich In 1940, the US Government, getting jittery about a war breaking out, required all aliens to register. It contains a boatload of information. Even if your immigrant never became a naturalized citizen, as long as he/she resided in the US in 1940, he/she was required to complete this document. The document contains when/where/how they immigrated, where they immigrated from (*village name* , most important), date of birth and port of departure in most cases. You may petition the INS for a copy of this document. This is a treasure trove of information. See http://www.ins.usdoj.gov/graphics/aboutins/history/ImmRecs/AREG.htm . Q: How do I go about ordering one? A: Fill out this form: http://www.ins.usdoj.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/g-639.htm It's a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. Then determine where to send it. Make sure you send documentation that attests how you are related and proof of death (death certificate, obituary) if the death occurred less than 100 years ago. This will speed things up immensely. Read the info at http://www.ins.usdoj.gov/graphics/aboutins/foia/index.htm I started by sending it to the National Archives in D.C./Maryland. Though no info was found there, they did know which office was correct (my case, INS, Buffalo, NY) and forwarded it. It's been my experience that you may have to petition multiple offices before you succeed, as rules for immigration and naturalization archives changed quite a bit in the early days. DO expect it to take several months, and DO NOT be surprised if you are shuttled around from office to office. The Alien Registration Act passed by Congress on 29th June, 1940, made it illegal for anyone in the United States to advocate, abet, or teach the desirability of overthrowing the government. The law also required all alien residents in the United States over 14 years of age to file a comprehensive statement of their personal and occupational status and a record of their political beliefs. Within four months a total of 4,741,971 aliens had been registered. The main objective of the act was to undermine the American Communist Party and other left-wing political groups in the United States. Source http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk Designed as a national defense measure, the Act required all aliens (non-U.S. citizens) within the United States to register with the U.S. Government. They registered at Post Offices, and their registration forms were forwarded to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) for processing. After processing, a receipt card (Form AR-3) was mailed to each registrant as proof of their compliance with the law. Source: http://www.ins.usdoj.gov/graphics/aboutins/history/articles/Green.htm Bill Tarkulich