Robin’s Story
Robin was born in 1974 in Mexico. He was adopted at two days old by U.S. citizens parents and brought to Texas, where he grew up. Robin’s parents finalized his adoption when he was five years old and attempted to naturalize him. Robin’s family received misinformation from local government officials, leading them to believe that he was not able to apply for citizenship. Instead Robin applied for a green card, which he received when he was 16 years old, and lived as a permanent resident in the U.S.
When he was 26, Robin was found in possession of marijuana and sentenced to prison. After a year, he was released directly into ICE custody and was deported to Mexico. Having no known family or ties to Mexico, Robin made efforts to return to the U.S. to be with his family. Eventually, Robin was arrested and, convicted of illegal re-entry, was deported back to Mexico.
Robin is married to a U.S. citizen and together they have a 7-year-old daughter, both of whom live separated from Robin in Texas. He is only able to see them on the weekends. Robin has established a successful restaurant business, and uses this income to support his family. He maintains a close relationship with his family and looks forward to the day he can be reunited with his wife, daughter, and adoptive mother in the U.S.
To help Robin and other adoptees without citizenship, help pass the Adoptee Citizenship Act!