One-paper naturalization

Congress waived first papers for groups who had already shown attachment to the country. Honorably discharged Army veterans could skip them from 1862, and wives of citizens from the Cable Act of 1922. Widows and children of a declarant who died could finish his case by oath.

From December 24, 1952 the declaration became voluntary for everyone. So a missing declaration is usually not a lost record. The petition names the section of law it was filed under, which explains why.