Photocopying Naturalization Certificate

[JimmyHou 611]

I've read several posts over the past few months about the legality of photocopying the naturalization certificate. I'm not a lawyer, but the following is my understanding of the rules. I hope some of my fellow VisaJourney members find this helpful.

The naturalization certificate contains a warning that it should not be photocopied. However, that is based on a law that makes it illegal to photocopy certain documents for illegal purposes.

In fact, for some applications, USCIS specifically instructs the applicant to send in a photocopy.

For example, for the I-130 petition, the document checklist says:

"A copy of your naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship issued by USCIS or the former INS."

http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-130instr.pdf

I've read several cases posted by fellow applicants who were told by USCIS officials that they should only make black-and-white copies of the certificate. I haven't seen any legal basis for this, but I believe it is a precaution to make sure that the owner of the certificate cannot be accused of trying to pass off the copy as an original.

Finally, the paragraph below describes what the law actually says. It was clearly not intended to ban photocopying for the purpose of a legal application.

18 U.S. Code § 1426 - Reproduction of naturalization or citizenship papers

"Whoever falsely makes, forges, alters or counterfeits any oath, notice, affidavit, certificate of arrival, declaration of intention, certificate or documentary evidence of naturalization or citizenship or any order, record, signature, paper or proceeding or any copy thereof, required or authorized by any law relating to naturalization or citizenship or registry of aliens."

http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1426

[hon08 13]

Thanks so much for this..

[Buckyball 22]

I made for sure a copy of my certificate before I sent the original one with my passport application.