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I know this is absurd, but at some point I lost my certificate of naturalization. I had removed it from the frame it was in to use as proof of citizenship for a job I applied for years ago and it wasn't until much later that I couldn't locate it. I hadn't replaced it because I never plan to leave the country and after being here for 50 years without ever needing to show it, plus the $555 replacement fee. Anyway, I recently decided to replace it, but it requires my alien number. I don't have that since it was on my green card and I never kept that after I became a citizen. I have had multiple moves and a flood since losing it so I know I don't have it anywhere.
So I am in a bind. I just filled out a Freedom of Information request with the INS for my file, but it too asks for my alien number. I'm thinking of leaving it blank with an explanation.
I know my shoddy care of my certificate will draw fire, but believe me it was my proudest possession. I feel like a real jerk. What to do, what to do?
Have you contacted the employer you needed it for the I9 for? Have you updated your information with Social Security and can retrieve it through that route?
I'm turning 62 in January and was filling out the application for SS. They needed the date I was naturalized - apart from the year and month I drew a blank on day, INS wouldn't give that to me without filing a Freedom of Info for my file.
Similar thing happened to my friend several years ago. She moved a lot, a trunk was stolen at one point, she didn't think about safe boxes, etc. At any rate, I remember she went to the US Citizenship office in DC. You may find one in whatever your area is. Going in person was so much better in dealing with the people she felt.
The date was significant but she did find that.
She eventually contacted an immigration lawyer who was American since she had trouble with accents. She just wanted him to smooth the way and it really wasn't very expensive then.
She did have to travel to DC for that too.
I can't recall every step but she actually had to go through a process all over again, although much quicker. She had a little picture taken, sent in paperwork a couple of times because it got lost, and in the end raised her hand and pledged allegiance. She told the woman she already did that a few years ago and just wanted the paperwork but she was told they had to do some of the process all over again, although at a fast rate.
Now, that said, it could be very different nowadays. That was about 20 years ago. but may give you some ideas.
But why do you want a replacement certificate, besides for emotional reasons? If you have a US passport, that's good enough to prove your citizenship status.
But why do you want a replacement certificate, besides for emotional reasons? If you have a US passport, that's good enough to prove your citizenship status.
You have to notify Socicial Security Administration of your change of status after Naturalization. The original certificate is required.
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