Alien Files Boot Camp

Alien Files Boot Camp

Alien Files, or A-Files, are among the richest federal records available for researching twentieth-century immigrants, yet many genealogists do not know they exist or understand how to obtain them. This boot camp explains how the federal government created and maintained these centralized files, who is likely to have one, and what researchers may find inside.

Attendees will see examples of the documents A-Files can contain, including records that may reveal immigration history, family relationships, addresses, employment, military service, and other biographical details unavailable elsewhere. The presentation also breaks down the access process, including how to determine where a file is held and which agency or repository to contact.

Because A-File access can seem confusing at first, the session emphasizes a practical, step-by-step workflow that researchers can use with confidence. Participants will leave prepared to identify promising A-Files, request them efficiently, and use their contents to strengthen immigrant research more effectively.

Presenter

Alec Ferretti is a New-York-City-based professional genealogist, who has worked for the Wells Fargo Family & Business History Center, researching family histories for high net worth clients.  Alec specializes in the history of 20th century immigrants to the United States, focusing on the Italian Diaspora.  He is a regular lecturer at genealogical societies and conferences.  He serves as the President of the New York Genealogy & Technology Group, serves actively on the Board of Directors of the Association of Professional Genealogists, and on the Board of Reclaim the Records, a nonprofit dedicated to wrangling public records from obstinate government agencies.

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