Just because your ancestor came to America does not mean they held a passport from their home country. Every once in a while you will note a stamped "Non -Immigrant Alien" on a ship manifests in lieu of a passport number. These immigrants into the USA still exists today. Like passport laws and other Visa types, the laws and restrictions for non-immigrants have changed over the years. We mentioned this in our Secrets Revealed podcast. This podcast has generated LOTS of questions from listeners. Of course, we love that so here's a primer!
Defiinition of "Non -Immigrant Alien Visas"
There are two categories of U.S. visas: immigrant and nonimmigrant.
Immigrant visas are issued to foreign nationals who intend to live permanently in the United States. Nonimmigrant visas are for foreign nationals wishing to enter the United States on a temporary basis - for tourism, business, temporary work, study, or other similar reasons. It was often used for performance artists for shows and venue bookings.
To listen directly to the Non- Immigrant Alien case study discussed on the Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen podcast, go to the 8:31 - 12:51 minute mark.
Where Are The Documents?
Of course, if your ancestor did not have passport or other emigration record for his native country, the next best document to obtain may be his Visia Application from the home country that was registered and presented upon entry to America. But, these records were not considered essential, and many were destroyed.
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| From NARA Presentation, Elizabeth Burnes |
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We can often get administrative information about the period your ancestor travelled to the USA, and the ship data, but as stated above "individual case files for 1914 - 1932 were destroyed by the Depart of State."
Well, best I told you now, than endless hours looking for paperwork that was destroyed decades ago!
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