Learn what to do if you want to confirm Polish citizenship by descent, but your ancestors emigrated from Poland before 1920.
Seeking Polish citizenship through descent is not just a legal process for many people but also a journey into their roots. It’s a way to reconnect with the land of their ancestors and reclaim the rights associated with Polish citizenship. However, for those whose ancestors left Poland before 1920, the process may be more complicated.
Many of these individuals descend from families who emigrated from what is now Poland before it regained independence in 1918. Although their ancestors felt Polish, spoke the language, and upheld traditions, under the eyes of the territory’s former empires—Russia, Austro-Hungary, or Germany—they were subjects of those states. It wasn’t until the end of World War I that Poland regained its independence, and the process of establishing borders, a legal system, and an administration began anew.
For those attempting to confirm Polish citizenship by descent, where ancestry dates back to before 1920, an understanding both the historical context and the modern legal requirements is required.
In this article, we’ll explore the challenges posed by this situation.
Key Takeaways
- How can you confirm Polish citizenship by descent?
- Why is the year 1920 important for your ancestors?
- Can individuals whose ancestors emigrated before 1920 confirm Polish citizenship?
The Process of Confirming Polish Citizenship by Descent
For many individuals seeking to confirm their Polish citizenship by descent, their ancestors’ history plays a key role in the entire process.
The main criteria you need to meet include:
| Having at least one ancestor with Polish citizenship | You must prove that your ancestors—parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents—were Polish citizens and did not lose their citizenship before the applicant’s birth. |
| No loss of citizenship by the ancestor | The ancestor must not have lost their Polish citizenship by acquiring the citizenship of another country, serving in a foreign army, or holding a position of public office in another country without permission. However, there are many exceptions to this rule. |
Normally, there is a third criterion that states your ancestor must not have left Poland before 1920. However, there are means to confirm citizenship by descent without this, but it does come with unique challenges.
Understanding the historical context and legal framework can help you better grasp your ancestors’ situation and assess your chances of confirming Polish citizenship by descent.
You can read more about who qualifies for Polish citizenship by descent in the article “Who is eligible for Polish citizenship by descent.”
Historical Context
Emigration from Polish lands before 1920 is a common story among those seeking to regain Polish citizenship today.
Although a little more than 100 years have passed, the political landscape was entirely different back then. Poland did not exist as an independent state until 1918. Before this, the territories that are now Poland were divided between the Russian, Austro-Hungarian and German empires.
Your ancestors may have identified as Polish, spoken the Polish language, and upheld Polish traditions, but in the eyes of the ruling powers, they were subjects of these occupying empires.
It wasn’t until after World War I that Poland regained its independence and began the process of establishing its borders, legal systems, and administrative structures. This historical context is crucial for those now applying to confirm their Polish citizenship by descent.
You can find more about Poland’s complex history in the article “Polish History in a Nutshell.”
Challenges of Pre-1920 Emigration
One of the main challenges for descendants of Polish emigrants who left before 1920 is the absence of official Polish documents.
Poland’s first citizenship law was only passed on January 20, 1920. This law defined who could hold Polish citizenship, but for those whose ancestors emigrated before that date, obtaining the necessary documents may be more complicated.
To confirm Polish citizenship by descent, you must provide a full set of documents proving that your ancestors held Polish citizenship. However, because Poland did not exist as an independent state before 1918, there are no Polish-issued documents from that time. Instead, your ancestors might have possessed documents issued by Russian, Austro-Hungarian, or German authorities.
This absence of Polish documents can complicate the entire process.
Without official Polish records, proving that your ancestors were Polish citizens—or would have been recognized as such under the 1920 law—requires careful research into historical archives and an understanding of the legal intricacies from that era.
Polish Identity of Pre-1920 Emigrants
It’s important to note that the fact that your ancestors emigrated before 1920 doesn’t mean they weren’t Polish.
Many emigrants from this period spoke Polish, practiced Polish customs, and strongly identified with Polish nationality, even though they were technically subjects of a foreign empire. Their Polish identity was a significant part of their lives, and this cultural and ethnic heritage is still recognized today.
Although legally recognizing their citizenship may be more complicated due to historical context, this does not negate their Polish roots. Your path to confirming Polish citizenship honors that heritage, and with the right support, it is a journey you can successfully complete.
Help from the Consulate
Given these historical challenges, we often recommend that individuals whose ancestors emigrated before 1920 seek assistance directly from the nearest Polish consulate.
Below is a list of the most popular consulates:
- United States of America
The USA has five consulates – in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and the Polish Embassy in Washington, D.C.
- Canada
Canada has four consulates – in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, and the Polish Embassy in Ottawa.
- United Kingdom
The UK has four consulates – in Belfast, Edinburgh, Manchester, and the Polish Embassy in London.
For more information, please visit the official government website [here]
Summary
Emigration before 1920 can present challenges when applying for Polish citizenship by descent.
The lack of official Polish documents from this period, due to partitions and changing borders, can significantly complicate the process. Searching for records such as birth, marriage, or residence documents of ancestors can be complex and time-consuming.
If your ancestors emigrated before 1920, the best step might be to contact a Polish consulate. The consulate can help you understand the specifics of your situation and provide information on available options.
