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The Impact of Identity: A Journey of Unraveling Citizenship
For many international adoptees, the joy of being brought into a family can be bittersweet—especially when that child grows up believing they are U.S. citizens only to discover a stark reality in adulthood. A’s story illustrates this haunting discovery. Raised by loving white parents in the U.S., A navigated life with confidence, going through the educational system and meeting societal expectations, never knowing her immigration status was clouded by an error in her adoption process.
The Hidden Crisis of Non-Citizen Adoptees
A’s revelation came as she applied for a passport, prompting an anxious examination of her identity. The sobering truth? Her adoptive parents had never finalized her naturalization, leaving her not only devoid of proper citizenship documentation but also facing the fear of potential deportation to South Korea—a land she barely knew. This fate is not unique to A; many adoptees find themselves in limbo, unaware of their citizenship status until critical life actions, such as applying for a passport or id, thrust them into a terrifying realization.
Advocacy and Legislative Action Needed
Since the passing of the Child Citizenship Act in 2000, which granted citizenship to certain adoptees, advocates have pushed to expand protections. Unfortunately, this act left behind many, especially those over the age cutoff or on incorrect visa types. As the Trump administration's uncertain immigration policies loom over the nation, fear mounts among these vulnerable populations. A's experience emphasizes the urgent need for changes in legislation to ensure all adoptees are recognized as citizens, thus protecting them from disproportionate deportation risks.
Facing a New Era of Fear
The harsh reality is that many adoptees like A never anticipated that they might be among those targeted under increased immigration enforcement. A now realizes that her story is part of a larger narrative affecting numerous individuals navigating the complexities of identity and belonging in an increasingly divided political landscape. This case underscores a growing concern: a need for societal understanding of adoptees' experiences and the systemic reforms needed to address their fears and rights.
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