Adam Crapser, a Korean adoptee, has been at the center of a legal battle highlighting the flaws in the United States adoption system that have left many international adoptees without citizenship. After living in the US for 37 years, Crapser was deported in 2016 due to a lack of proper citizenship paperwork.
Currently, Crapser is fighting for restitution in a Seoul courtroom, emphasizing the impact on his life and his separation from his two children, including a 10-year-old daughter. His case underscores the challenges faced by international adoptees who fall through the cracks of the legal system.
A proposed bill, the Adoptee Citizenship Act of 2024, aims to rectify this issue by granting automatic citizenship to international adoptees. However, the bill remains stalled in Congress, leaving Crapser and others in a state of uncertainty.
Despite facing deportation to South Korea, a country he had no connection to, Crapser has been vocal about his struggles and the lack of support he received during the process. His experiences, including a troubled childhood marked by abuse and neglect, shed light on the vulnerabilities of many adoptees.
While Crapser awaits a court decision in Seoul regarding his lawsuit against his adoption agency and the South Korean government, the legal battle continues. The Seoul High Court is expected to render a decision on his claims for monetary damages on January 8.
As the debate over adoptee rights and citizenship continues, Crapser's case serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by international adoptees seeking recognition and belonging.
