Call Kurtis: Ethiopian Adoptee Now Grown Up Can't Get U.S. Passport
STOCKTON (CBS13) -- Mary Hunt was adopted from Africa when she was 18-months old and deemed an American citizen by the courts, but she can't get an American passport.
"I've always wanted to travel the world," She said. "Why can't I go on trips that I should be able to go on, like any other citizen?"
Mary planned a European cruise for her 21st birthday, and applied for her passport.
"We've been planning this for two years," Mary said.
But, she was forced to cancel the trip after the US State Department demanded her original translated Ethiopian adoption order – something Mary doesn't have.
Although, she said she sent the State Department every piece of paperwork she has proving she is an American, including her American adoption order.
"I just want to go away for a little bit, come back to my home, but they are making it so difficult." Mary said.
Elected officials like Congressman Jerry McNerney can cut through bureaucratic red tape, including issues with immigration, the VA, the IRS and the Social Security Administration.
"Immigration is the most difficult and the most frustrating." He said. "These cases can take years to solve. Our office can make sure that it's put on track and it gets through the system expeditiously."
After we got Congressman McNerney involved, he said his office worked with the embassy in Ethiopia and got the State Department to agree to accept Mary's paperwork.
Finally, Mary received her passport.
"You should have seen my happy dance when I finally got it,"' she said.
Mary missed the European cruise. But made up for it a few weeks later going on a cruise to the Caribbean and Central America.
"Thank you isn't enough for giving me something that I've always wanted," Mary told CBS13.
When someone is adopted overseas and brought here, are they automatically a US citizen?
We are told the process is easier now. If American parents adopt a baby overseas, they are US citizens.
You used to have to go through US courts, which Mary did.
Congressman McNerney said his office has 700 active cases and has helped more than 10,000 people since he got into office eight years ago.
