Shattered Adoptee Dreams: Mike Davis's Unjust Deportation and Fight for Life
Mike's plight not only highlights the injustices faced by deported adoptees but also emphasizes the urgent need for systemic change.
In 2005, Mike Davis, an Ethiopian adoptee, was deported from the United States, a country he had called home since childhood. Mike's story is a heartbreaking testament to the failings of the adoption system and the harsh realities faced by many adoptees. It's crucial to shine a light on Mike's journey, advocate for his cause, and encourage support for his ongoing legal and medical expenses. His plight not only highlights the injustices faced by deported adoptees but also emphasizes the urgent need for systemic change.
Mike's Story:
Mike was adopted into what seemed to be a loving family, but like many international adoptees, he faced numerous challenges. Cultural dislocation, identity struggles, and a lack of adequate support culminated in a tragic turn of events. In 2005, Mike was deported to Ethiopia, a country that had become foreign to him. Struggling with no familial ties, legal representation, or financial resources, Mike has had to navigate a harsh reality on his own. How would you feel if you were abruptly sent to a country you likely don’t remember, stripped of your identity and support network?
Why This Matters:
Mike's story is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities adoptees face, often through no fault of their own. Deported adoptees are frequently left without support networks, proper documentation, and the means to survive in an unfamiliar land. They are often treated as outsiders, grappling with feelings of rejection, confusion, and isolation.
Please Watch: Deported, Not Forgotten: Mike Davis by Also-Known-As.
We are not doing enough to hold the adoption system accountable for the promises made to adoptees. The psychological and emotional toll of being seen as an outsider in both their adoptive and birth countries is profoundly unsettling and deeply traumatizing. This cultural dislocation is heartbreaking as adoptees struggle to find a sense of belonging in a place that should have been home but now feels unwelcoming and foreign.
Adoptee Citizenship Act: A Critical Legislative Move
The Adoptee Citizenship Act via Adoptees for Justice is a crucial piece of legislation that aims to rectify the injustices faced by international adoptees who, despite being promised a safe and permanent home in the U.S., find themselves vulnerable to deportation. What can be done to ensure adoptees like Mike have the security and stability they deserve?
This act would grant citizenship to individuals like Mike Davis, who were adopted by American parents and raised in the United States, ensuring they are not torn from the only home they've ever known. By supporting this act, we can protect future adoptees from facing similar fates and provide a path to security and belonging for those already affected.
Call to Action - How You Can Support the Adoptee Citizenship Act:
Supporting Adoptees for Justice and the Adoptee Citizenship Act is crucial for ensuring that adoptees like Mike Davis are granted the citizenship they rightfully deserve. To support this act, you can start by contacting your local representatives and senators to express your backing for this legislation. Share Mike's story and the broader issues faced by deported adoptees on social media to raise awareness. How can we, as a society, better support international adoptees and prevent such heartbreaking stories from recurring?
Join Adoptees for Justice to support advocacy groups working tirelessly to push for the passage of this act. Participate in or organize local events and discussions to educate your community about the importance of the Adoptee Citizenship Act. Every voice counts, and your support can help bring about meaningful change and protection for all adoptees.
How You Can Help Mike Davis:
We urge you to learn more about Mike's story and consider donating to his GoFundMe. Your contribution can significantly impact his fight for justice and stability. By raising awareness and advocating for adoptees' rights, we can help prevent future injustices and support those who have been wronged. Supporting the Adoptee Citizenship Act is a vital step in this direction, and your voice can help push this necessary reform forward.
Consider Reading: Help Mike Davis, Ethiopian Adoptee, Get Home To His Family and Friends by Maureen McCauley of Light of Day Stories.
A Message for Mike Davis:
“Dear Mike,
From the bottom of our hearts, we want you to know how deeply sorry we are for the pain and suffering you have endured. Your story is a beacon, shedding light on the critical issues that so many adoptees face.
You are not alone, Mike. The adoptee community is a global family, and we are here, holding you in our hearts and thoughts every step of the way. Your courage inspires us to continue this fight, ensuring that no other adoptee has to endure what you have faced.
We will rally, advocate, and push for the changes needed to protect and support adoptees everywhere. We stand with you, unwavering in our support and commitment to fight for justice and change.”—Pamela A. Karanova | Adoptees Connect, Inc.
Understanding is Love:
Mike Davis's story is a powerful reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by adoptees. By sharing his journey and supporting his cause, we can make a meaningful impact on his life and advocate for broader changes in the adoption system. Let's commit to standing with adoptees like Mike, ensuring their stories are heard and their needs are met. Your support and empathy can make a world of difference.
Why This is Important to Me:
As someone deeply connected to the adoption community, I understand the profound impacts of adoption-related trauma. Mike's story resonates with many adoptees who have faced similar struggles. It's a personal mission to advocate for justice, support, and systemic change. Together, we can help Mike and other adoptees find the stability and support they deserve.
Please join me in supporting Mike's GoFundMe and spreading awareness about the injustices faced by deported adoptees. $1, $5, $10—anything helps! I have over 2000 subscribers to my newsletter. Many of us spend almost $10 for a cup of coffee at Starbucks and if we all pitched in $10 it would be enough to help Mike Davis in a monumental way. Your consideration is greatly appreciated.
Follow Adoptee Remembrance Day—October 30th—to help raise awareness about deportation among adoptees and bring to light these unjust and vital topics. RSVP to the event on Facebook and invite your friends and family to participate. You can’t claim to love adoption, and not want to support those adoptees who are deeply impacted by decisions they had no choice in.
Thank you for your compassion and support. Let's make a difference together.
I see you; I feel your pain for all the adoptees who feel forgotten, lost, and alone. Please don’t give up, and know you aren’t alone in feeling like you do.
I have compiled a list of recommended resources for adoptees and advocates. It can be found here: Recommended Resources for Adult Adoptees and Adoption Advocates.
Thank you for reading and for supporting me and my work.
Understanding is Love,
Pamela A. Karanova
Here are some of the writing pieces I’m the proudest of:
Adoption: Mislabeled, Medicated, & Diagnosed Adoptees Could Be Grieving Profoundly.
The Perplexity of Forced Bonding in Adoption - I share my thoughts on the bonding process in adoption.
100 Heartfelt Transracial Adoptee Quotes that Honor the Truth of Adoption - 100 Transracial Adoptees come together to share feelings on how adoption has impacted them.
Adoptees, Why Are You So Angry? - Adoptees share feelings on why they are angry.
Why Do Adoptees Search? An Adoptee Collaboration - Many adoptees experience why they choose to search for biological families.
100 Heartfelt Adoptee Quotes that Honor the Truth of Adoption - 100 Adoptees come together to share heartfelt feelings on how adoption has made them feel.
My Friend Has an Adopted Child, and They Don’t Have Any Issues with Being Adopted - Shining a light on the comment so many adoptees hear over and over.
Here are some of the articles I have been featured in:
These Adoptees Refuse to Be Christian Pro-Life Poster Kids by Kathryn Post of Religious News Service.
Toward Preventing Adoption- Related Suicide by Mirah Riben.
Before a month celebrating adoption, a day to recognize adoptees’ trauma by Religion News Service.
Bringing Adult Adoptee Issues to Light by Angela Burton of Next Avenue.
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