Accessing the Library's Collections
The History Office and Library collection documents the history of federal immigration policy from the creation of the Immigration Bureau in 1891 to the activities of USCIS today. The general collection contains agency generated reports, handbooks, guides, and other publication related to agency programs and operations. The collection also includes legal history and secondary resources that track regulations, legal opinions, and U.S. immigration history. These sources can be searched using the library’s online catalog. In addition, finding aids for the collection’s most popular resources are listed on this page.
Agency PublicationsThis collection includes 20th century agency produced periodicals and newsletters. Read online:
Monthly Review. Started in 1943, this periodical was published to “assist petitioners for naturalization, and to inform employees of the Service and other interested persons of its activities.” It also served as “a current record of policies and practices adopted to meet new problems.” Vol. V ended with issue 8 and the Monthly Review suspended publication from March until June 1948 because the INS Central Office moved from Philadelphia to Washington, DC.
INS Information Bulletin. Started in July 1951, this weekly publication was delivered to employees to keep them better informed of developments in all parts of the service.
I&N Reporter. Started in 1952, The Immigration and Naturalization Service used this publication to “supplement and advance that part of the work concerned with aliens seeking to become citizens of our beloved country.” It featured articles about immigration, citizenship, recent court decisions and statistics. The name changed to INS Reporter in 1976.
Open Line. Started in 1974 and published by the Central Office of INS. Material in this newsletter came from the Commissioner’s Office and kept employees up to date on the Commissioner’s activities. The name changed over the years, but the intent remained the same. Names: Open Line: keeping you informed, 1974-77; Commissioner's Communique, 1978-1994; INS Communique, 1995-1998; Communique, 1999-2002
Archival
This collection includes non-record, historic correspondence and memorandum, event programs, greeting cards, etc. The finding aid for this collection is currently being processed.
This collection includes framed hand drawn charts, artistic prints, maps, photographs, and paintings created 1902-2019. Thumbnail images of the artwork are included in the finding aid.
Film & Video
This collection is in different formats: DVD Discs and VHS tapes. It covers major changes in immigration, conferences, training tapes and other topics from the 1980s to the present.
Historic immigration and naturalization forms from the 1910s to the present. This collection of forms is not exhaustive. Digital copies of the forms are available by request.
The photo collection depicts agency facilities and operations throughout the country from the 1890s to the present. The finding aid lists the overall subjects, topics, and places. If you are looking for something specific, please submit a research request to the History Office and Library: cishistory.library@uscis.dhs.gov
Agency created posters to highlight services, programs, locations, and notable immigrants.
Vertical Subject Files
Immigration and naturalization subject files arranged alphabetically from A-Files to Zero Population Growth. The finding aid for this collection is currently being processed. You can search a list of subjects in the catalog.
Materials are housed in the USCIS History Office and Library and are non-circulating. Access is available during normal business hours and research appointments are preferred. For more information on visiting the library please see our researcher guide.