BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Patrick Daniels and his family have been collecting and filtering through mounds and mounds of paperwork for the past year.
Daniels was born in Columbia, but his American born parents adopted him when he was a toddler. Ever since, he's been living in the United States. But in the state's eyes, he's not a U.S. citizen.
"I mean it's like a spit in the face. II mean I served this country for four years. I've lost really good friends of mine," said Daniels.
In a move from Ohio, a majority of his adoption papers were lost, including any proof that he became a U.S. citizen.
As Alabama's immigration law drew attention and criticism, his mother urged him to get replacements.
"When my family told me that I needed this I was like alright, we can take of this. I can get this done in a week. No," said Daniels.
Daniels brought his California driver's license and military form called DD214 to the social security office.
That wasn't enough. Thus began a year long process.
He contacted Senator Jeff Sessions for help and eventually took a citizenship test only to find out what he already knew from an official in Atlanta's Immigration office.
"He flipped through a page and said ya, you're a citizen. I said well can I get some paperwork? Can I get something to leave here with something in my hands saying I am and he was like I'm sorry, I can't," said Daniels.
So far, the Daniels family has shelled out hundreds of dollars trying to get the right documentation for a replacement social security card. It's a process costing more than just money.
It's weighing heavily on Daniels' family.
"You want your child to have a shot at the future like any parent does and so the frustration is constantly there in a constant way," said Daniels Mom, Dianne.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Patrick Daniels and his parents go though stacks of paperwork in efforts to get Patrick his Social Security card.
