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    • Main contributor: Thomas MacEntee
    National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) enemy alien registration affidavit
    National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) enemy alien registration affidavit

    During the tumultuous periods of World War I and World War II, several nations mandated the registration of enemy aliens, recognizing the necessity of maintaining national security.

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    United States enemy alien registration legislation and procedures

    In both World Wars, the United States designated nationals from enemy countries residing within its borders as "enemy aliens." This term specifically referred to citizens of countries at war with the U.S., notably impacting Germans, Italians, and Japanese among others.

    World War I

    • Alien Enemy Registration Act (1917): Shortly after entering World War I in 1917, the United States government required all male nationals of Germany, and later Austria-Hungary, aged 14 and older, to register as enemy aliens. They were fingerprinted, photographed, and required to carry registration cards. Restrictions were placed on their movements and activities.

    World War II

    • Alien Registration Act (Smith Act, 1940): This act required all non-citizens in the United States. to register with the federal government. When the United States entered World War II, more stringent measures were applied to nationals of Germany, Italy, and Japan.
    • Executive Order 9066 (1942): This order led to the internment of Japanese Americans and some German and Italian Americans. Registered individuals were subject to curfews, travel restrictions, and internment in camps.

    Britain: Enemy Aliens and Internees

    During both World Wars, Britain classified many foreign nationals living within its borders as "enemy aliens." These individuals, primarily from Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy, and Japan, were seen as potential threats.

    World War I

    • Aliens Restriction Act 1914: Allowed for the control and internment of enemy aliens. Aliens were required to register with the police, and restrictions were placed on their movement.

    World War II

    • Enemy aliens were categorized into three groups: Category A (high risk, to be interned), Category B (doubtful cases, restricted but not interned), and Category C (no security risk, no restrictions).
    • Defence Regulation 18B: Allowed for the detention of individuals suspected of being Nazi sympathizers without trial.

    Identifying enemy alien registration records

    United States

    • World War I Alien Registration Records (1917-1918): These records, often called "Alien Enemy Registration Affidavits," were collected under the Alien Enemy Act of 1798. Each registered individual filled out an affidavit that included personal information, fingerprints, and photographs. These records can include valuable genealogical data such as birthplace, occupation, immigration data, family members, and even employer information.
    • World War II Alien Registration Records (1940-1944): Initiated by the Alien Registration Act of 1940, this registration was more comprehensive and included all non-citizen adults in the United States, not just those from enemy nations. The forms collected similar personal information as during World War I but applied to a much broader population. This registration led to the creation of the Alien Files (A-Files), which are now a key source of genealogical data for researchers.
    • Internment Camp Records: During World War II, individuals from enemy countries—primarily Japanese, German, and Italian nationals—might have been interned in camps across the United States. Records from these camps can include internment files, personal letters, camp newspapers, and legal documents related to internment cases.
    • Property Seizure Records: The United States government also seized property from enemy aliens during both world wars. These records, maintained by agencies like the Office of Alien Property, can include detailed financial records and correspondences that provide insights into the lives of those affected.
    • Naturalization Records: Enemy aliens often applied for naturalization after their periods of restriction, and these records can be particularly rich sources of personal history, providing insights into their lives and families during and after the war periods.

    Britain

    • 308 volumes of people interned or considered for internment by the British in the Second World War (1939-1947): individual index cards for enemy aliens. The cards record a person’s name, date and place of birth, nationality, address, and occupation, as well as the name and address of the person’s employer and the decision of the tribunal.
    • First World War internment lists (1915 and 1918) Enemy aliens in London: Contains lists of German nationals who were assessed for internment, but not interned.
    • Parts 1 and 2 - Aliens and Nationality and Naturalisation: Central Register of Aliens in United Kingdom; policy of internment and repatriation of alien enemies, 1914-1924: Contains registrations of enemy aliens in lunatic asylums, investigations by the Home Office
    • Reception and internment of aliens: list of internees, 1938-1946: Includes internees from prisons in Holloway, Cardiff, Birmingham, Manchester, Lincoln, Lewes, Dorchester, and Leeds and reports of internee movements and transfers and internee complaints about conditions and investigations.

    Locating and accessing records

    • National Archives: Both the United States National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and the National Archives-UK house enemy alien registration document and naturalization records.
    • Online databases: Websites like MyHeritage and FamilySearch often have digitized enemy alien registration records.

    Interpreting enemy alien registration records

    Enemy alien registration records can contain various types of information. Key details to look for include:

    • Names and aliases: Verify the identity of the person and any name variations.
    • Dates and locations: Birthdates, departure, arrival dates and locations.
    • Citizenship: Citizenship/nationality, Declaration of Intent, and Petition for Naturalization
    • Occupation: Usual occupation, present occupation, and employer information.
    • Other: Military service, club/organization membership, and arrest history.

    See also

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