This is my step-sister Isabella’s passport (not pictured for privacy reasons). My step-sister was the daughter of two undocumented immigrants. She was born in America, granting her birthright citizenship. She was placed for adoption by her mother, and adopted by my step-father when she was very young. This passport shows that she got to be a legal American citizen and live in America without any worries, but her parents did not have the same right. My step-sister will always be the most important part of my family, her history and life before us in comparison to with us is one of the main reasons. My family, a third of which were here essentially since the Mayflower, adopting someone who is a first generation American, really speaks to American culture. America’s culture is community, love, and equality. America is a mix of thousands of different cultures, and races. Immigration is one of the most important parts of America, and her passport and story shows that. Her mother’s safety would be in question in today’s America, and if Isabella were alive today, her’s would be too, but being adopted by a white family provided her another layer of protection. She became the most important part of our family. Her passport is a thread in the culture and history of America, and her story will always be an example of how America’s culture truly is community. Isabella and her passport make me American because it is a testament to the community and love that our family showed her.

– CP

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant