[JasonLack702]

I was adopted at age 2 from Romania. i am now 19 years old, and do not speak to either of my adopted parents. I do not have any of my adoption paperwork and do not have a birth certificate or anything. I am unable to get a drivers license because I do not have any paperwork to prove who I am. Can anyone tell me where i need to go or who i need to talk to to get these papers. I can;t even get a job since i cannot get an Id, i know my social security number, but I cannot get the card because I have no identification. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks n advance.

[sak9645]

You will need to get your foreign documents, and then use them to get valid U.S. ones, including a certificate of citizenship. From what you have said, it appears that you qualify for automatic citizenship under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000.

Obviously, the fastest way to do this would be to call or write to your parents. I cannot imagine that they would refuse to provide you with your documents. And they might well want an opportunity to get back in touch with their son.

If they do refuse, you could always pursue legal action through an attorney. He/she can probably convince them that they must turn over your paperwork. If you cannot afford a lawyer, there are organizations, such as the Legal Aid Society, that will provide free or low-cost legal assistance. Just remember that legal action could widen the gap between you and your parents, and make a reconciliation less likely.

You may also want to contact the adoption agency through which you were adopted. It may be able to assist you in getting your documents.

It is possible to get copies of things like your foreign birth certificate and adoption decree from the USCIS. However, you will probably require at least some identifying information, so this route may not be possible for you.

Sharon

[qs mom]

Getting in touch with your parents for your documents is probably your only real option.

However, do you know the agency that facilitated the adoption? You may be able to contact them. They may have copies of the paperwork.

I do know that my agency doesn't have copies of our adoption paperwork. My in-country agency doesnt' have copies either. So, unfortunately, I am the only option for my son to get that paperwork.

Our agency does have a copy of my son's Certificate of Citizenship, but that is all.

Do you have a 'green card'? If you do, you may be able to apply for a Certificate of Citizenship. It will depend upon the status on the card.