Gear Arena Practical Guides

U.S. Records & Archives.

A practical research hub for A-Files, USCIS FOIA, NARA, naturalization records and the family-history clues that help you find the right official record.

Last verified: September 30, 2026. Official procedures can change; use the linked agency pages when you file.

Start here

What are you trying to find?

These are separate pages because the search intent—and the repository—really is different.

Firsthand case

Our USCIS A-File request

The full failed-request → correction → online-download story, with redacted evidence and the final 66-page response.

Read firsthand guide → FOIA workflow

Records for a deceased relative

Proof of death, identity information, the online process and the address problem we encountered.

Open guide → Decision guide

USCIS vs. NARA

Use the National Archives Catalog and current record-series rules instead of relying on one outdated birth-year cutoff.

Choose repository → File number

Find an A-number

Where old family papers and NARA catalog entries can reveal the Alien Registration Number—and what to do with cross-references.

Find the number → Naturalization

Find naturalization records

Courts, NARA, C-Files, A-Files and the key 1906, 1956 and 1991 transitions.

Open research map → A-File contents

What can be inside an A-File?

NARA’s examples plus what our own 66-page USCIS response looked like.

See possible contents → FOIA response

Understand a partial release

Released in full, released in part, withheld in full, exemptions and appeal language.

Read response guide → Research tools

Ancestry & FamilySearch

How we use genealogy databases to find names, dates, locations and record clues before requesting official documents.

Use the tools →

Current orientation

NARA or USCIS?

Record custody changes over time. Search the catalog first and then follow the source-specific rules.

Current NARA A-File description: Kansas City holds a portion of A-Files for people born in 1918 and earlier. San Francisco holds a portion for people born in 1920 and earlier from specified former INS district offices. New accessions continue, so these are not universal cutoff dates.

Online USCIS FOIA: current Form G-639 instructions say online requests can be delivered through the USCIS account for viewing, downloading and printing as soon as records are released.

Genealogy databases: Ancestry and FamilySearch can be excellent for clues, indexes and digitized historical records. Use the appropriate government/court/registry custodian when the official record itself is needed.

Official / primary sources

We separate current source-based guidance from our own family’s experience. Agency custody, forms, fees and procedures can change.