Agents with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) seemed confused about Jang’s situation and repeatedly gave him incorrect or incomplete information. They couldn’t understand how he was allowed into the U.S. in the first place if he truly had no paperwork, and ultimately recommended that he contact the Korean government for the required documentation.
Jang contacted the Korean government, who eventually sent him documents proving his adoption. With this, Jang was able to apply for a I-90 green card, and get a driver’s license and social security card. Now, Jang could legally work and apply for naturalization. Due to high costs and with no guarantee he would obtain citizenship, however, nineteen-year-old Jang decided not to pursue naturalization.
Over the years, Jang has undertaken various freelancing jobs fixing electronics, doing photography and digital media, becoming a barista, and eventually a master carpenter. Because some employers have refused to accept his green card, Jang has missed out on a number of dream jobs for which he was well-qualified.
To help Jang and other adoptees without citizenship, help pass the Adoptee Citizenship Act!