how can you get a copy of naturalization papers dating back to the 1950''s
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The easist way to do this is to file a request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Go to www.uscis.gov and fill out Form G-639 and follow the instructions for mailing. Alternatively, you can fill out Form N-565 for a replacement certificate.
FOIA requests are taking about 12-14 months right now, so be prepared for a long wait. A N-565 can take anywhere from a few months to well over a year to process depending on how quickly your local USCIS office is working on them. Also, they could call you in for an interview on the N-565, so that has the possibility of complicating matters.
If you are certain you had Naturalization papers done in the 1950s, and you can wait out the processing period, you should try the FOIA request first. If nothing comes of that, then go ahead and file the N-565. Alternatively, you can file both at the same time and put "two horses in the race" given USCIS is not known for its speedy response.
Best of luck to you!