This blog contains links to useful sites and instructions on how to obtain various records

 
Copy of documents from the Immigration and Naturalization Service can be requested using form G-639. It can be downloaded from http://www.immigration.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/files/g-639.pdf.

The numbers below refer to the sections of the form.

1) Mark the form as a Freedom of Information Act request
2) The next part mentions paying fees, but this is extremely unlikely as the first 2 hours of search time and first 100 copies are free. Even if the request goes over the free amount, you are not sent a bill until the charges reach more than $14.00. This is discussed on the second page that contains instructions.

Check the box for Deceased Subject and then write a note in the margin that the individual was born more than 100 years ago [the INS considers all born more than 100 years ago as deceased]. If the person was born less than 100 years ago and is deceased, proof of death is required. The proof can be a photocopy of a death certificate or an obituary. A printout of the person's entry in the Social Security Death Index will also suffice as proof of death.

3) Skip the section
4) Request a copy
5) Ask for all of the following Alien Registration, Immigration Visa Application, A-File, C-File, Naturalization Documents
6) Fill in as much information as you have. The minimum amount needed is the name, date of birth, and country of birth.

Once you complete the form, mail it to:
FOIA/PA UNIT
425 I Street NW 2nd Floor
ULLICO Building
Washington, D.C. 20536

The only negative about requesting documents from the INS is that it often takes about six months until you receive the copies and even then sometimes they do not send copies of all the requested documents. If you request information on anyone else you can send more than one request in an envelope. Make sure that if the person was born less than 100 years ago that you attach proof of death. If you do not receive all the information you requested, call the phone number that appears on the letter.
posted by Alex at 11:29 PM

 
To easily find Ancestry.com 1910 census files after obtaining data from the Heritage Quest CD download the 1910 Census Program at http://erosenbaum.netfirms.com/1910census.shtml
posted by Alex at 7:34 PM

 
A great search site for the Ellis Island Database is http://www.jewishgen.org/databases/EIDB/ellis.html .
posted by Alex at 7:32 PM