Our Italian ancestors traveled back and forth to Italy. I am trying to figure out if the older children were in fact born in america or italy. The father became a citizen in 1891. I see a passenger list in 1897 for the wife and children indicating they were italian. However every census record I have found indicated they were born in the US.

My question is could children be listed on the passenger lists as an alien, even though they were born in America, but the parent was not a citizen?

What paperwork was needed if any to travel? did american children need passports?

I apreciate any help you could give me.