Alien Files To Become Permanent Records

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) have taken the first major step in the permanent retention of the immigration files of millions of aliens.

The immigration files, known as the A-files, document the history of the interactions between an alien and the U.S. government. They contain demographic information, photographs, birth certificates, marriage licenses, interview transcripts, and other related documents.

There are approximately 53 million A-files currently maintained by the USCIS. About 21 million of these files have been retired to the Federal Records Center.

The A-files were previously considered temporary records and could be disposed of 75 years from the date the files were retired to the Federal Records Center or 75 years from the date of the last action.

Under the agreement between the USCIS and the NARA, these A-files will be transferred to the National Archives’ custody and become permanent records 100 years from the alien’s birth date.

The first set of archival processing of approximately 135,000 files is projected to be completed by next summer and be available for public access.

The preservation of these records is important because these are major resources to various researchers and scholars who would like to study the records and delve into the wealth of information on the rich heritage and contributions of immigrants to the U.S. They provide additional perspectives in studies on immigration history, government policy and diaspora.

These records are also of significant value to those wanting to trace their family genealogy and learn about their ancestors’ personal experiences to immigrate to the U.S.

Access to these records is an invaluable tool in studying and charting out U.S. immigration policy and protocols.

For instance, an interesting footnote in history was discovered through the A-files concerning Dr. Sun Yat Sen, the pre-eminent founding father of the Republic of China. Inquiry into his records revealed that he once tried to gain access and seek refuge in the U.S. by claiming that he was a “native-born Hawaiian.” The discovery of his true identity had led to important debates and deliberations in view of the restrictions imposed under the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882.

This is just a glimpse of what other important footnotes in history can be discovered through the A-files. The permanent preservation and access to these files will allow us the luxury of time and opportunity to look further into these.

From these historical archives, we are able to glean an array of images and voices of our predecessors who treaded their challenging paths in order to weave the colorful fabric of what is America today.

At present, access to the A-files is made though the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act (FOIA). A written request to the USCIS is needed as well as written authorization or proof of death of the immigrant.

The transfer to the National Archives will make the records available to the public either in the research rooms where they will be archived in Kansas City or San Francisco. Copies will also be available through mail. An index will be available to support research use.