Barcelona & Pilarski, P.A.
Attorneys at Law

Vanessa S. Barcelona                John L. Pilarski

6300 Corporate Court
Suite 103
Fort Myers, Florida 33919
239.590.9864
800.664.0162
The hiring of an attorney is an important decision that should not
be based solely on advertising. Before you select an attorney,
you may request free written information about our qualifications
and experience. This web site is designed for general
information only. The information presented at this site should not
be construed to be formal legal advice.  Review of the
information at this site does not form a lawyer/client relationship.
U.S. CITIZENSHIP

Most people born in the United States are U.S. citizens simply by virtue of their birth in
the United States or certain incorporated territories. Others acquire U.S. citizenship if
they are born abroad, so long as one or both parents are U.S. citizens.

Still others – minors, for example --  can obtain U.S. citizenship when one of the minor’s
parents naturalizes.  If one parent is a citizen by birth or naturalization; the child is under
18; the child is a green card holder; and the child is in the United States in the legal and
physical custody of the citizen parent, then the child automatically becomes a U.S. citizen
immediately upon the grant of lawful permanent residency.  In such a situation, there are
two ways to obtain proof of U.S. citizenship:  apply for a certificate of citizenship from the
USCIS; or apply for a U.S. passport directly with the U.S. Department of State.

U.S. citizenship can also be obtained by naturalization.  The criteria to for naturalization
include:

  •        green card status for a minimum of 5 years (3 if married to a U.S. citizen);
  •        18 years of age, at minimum;
  •        residence for at least 3 months in the state one is residing in when the petition is  
filed;
  •        presence in the United States for at least 2 ½ years plus 1 day out of the 5 years
  •     before the filing of the application; or 1 ½ years plus 1 day if eligible to apply as a
spouse of a U.S. citizen;
  •        continuous residence in the United States
  •        good moral character for 5 years prior to the filing of the application (3 years if    
married to a US citizen;
importance if and when asked; and
  •        a commitment to uphold the principles of the Constitution.

Check out this
video produced by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for more
information.

* Click on the above links and you will be taken to a separate website.