Italian American Culture_SP18

Argentina to America

Giuseppe Gialdini arrived in San Francisco on May 3, 1914. His wife and son, Edgardo (Ed, born August 2, 1912), were still in Argentina at the time. Once again, I have little knowledge of why he moved again, but what I do know is that American records are full of spelling errors (note the "i" in place of "e" for Giuseppi and the "a" in place of an "i" in Gialdini.

According to his petition for naturalization (August 23, 1921), his voyage began in Antofagasta, Chile (about 2,000 km. from his home in Argentina) on April 15th, 1914. Giuseppe's declaration of intention to become a citizen of the United States was submitted on January 7, 1919, after almost five years of living in the United States (and after signing up for the draft during World War I). 

My favorite excerpt of the petition for naturalization is the seventh clause:

 I am not a disbeliever in or opposed to organized government or a member of or affiliated with any organization or body of persons teaching disbelief in or opposed to organized government. I am not a polygamist nor a believer in the practice of polygamy. I am attached to the principles of the Constitution of the United States, and it is my intention to become a citizen of the United States and to renounce absolutely and forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, or sovereignty, and particularly to Victor Emanuel III, King of Italy  of whom at this time I am a subject, and it is my intention to reside permanently in the United States.

Giuseppe obtained American citizenship in November of 1921, five months after my Nonno was born (June 2, 1921), hence the reason why I was able to obtain dual citizenship after years of bureaucracy and document hunting. He many have renounced Vittorio Emanuele III, but they never asked me! Although this topic leads me down a rabbit hole, I'd like to mention that my citizenship is currently flagged (and my dad's and sisters' applications were rejected) because I have to obtain a document from Argentina stating that Giuseppe never naturalized there. I appreciate the journey of my great-grandfather, but I'd have to say that it is incredible that (minor) inconveniences to my life occur today as a result of his endeavors, even though I would not have it any other way.
 

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