Judy’s Story
I am Judy Van Arsdale, a 65-year-old woman residing in Hemet, California. Despite being the biological daughter of an American and having been adopted as a child by Americans, I am not officially recognized as an American citizen. By sharing my testimony, I hope to provide insight into my life and the circumstances that have led me to seek a pardon.
Born in Taiwan to an American soldier and a Taiwanese mother, my early years were marked by significant hardship. As the eldest daughter among eight siblings, we lived in abject poverty and I endured sexual abuse throughout my formative years.
At age 12, the Pearl Buck Foundation facilitated my adoption by one of my surgeons, a compassionate missionary and former U.S. Army doctor stationed with his wife in Taiwan. Despite assurances of a better life, my adoption did not unfold as anticipated.
In my new family, my Father warmly welcomed me, reading stories to me while teaching me English. Conversely, my mother viewed me as a threat, as the ‘other woman.’ A few months into my adoption, she dragged me into the bathroom, slapping, and accusing me of trying to steal her husband. For years, she subjected me to both physical and emotional abuse. In my father's absence, my mother's cruelty unfolded, while in his presence, she treated me with scorn. I absorbed her relentless criticisms, belittlement, and demeaning behavior, believing I was inherently flawed. At 16, we journeyed to the U.S., while anticipating a brighter future, I found out my trials were far from over.
Judy with her adoptive parents
Judy with adoptive parents and siblings
In the U.S., we visited my Mother’s younger sister, Aunt Arlene, in Tennessee. Perceptive and wise, within 2 days of our visit, she took me aside to share her experiences of being the target of my Mother’s jealousy during their upbringing. Aunt Arlene’s revelations shared in that hushed moment provided temporary solace, easing the solitude of my own private pain. Yet, even as her words washed over me, my feelings of low self-esteem and insecurity remained.
Seeking refuge from abuse, I enlisted in the military, but my Father refused to sign my enlistment application. Undeterred, I earned my GED and escaped to California at age 17. While working and attending college, I discovered I was not a U.S. citizen when applying for a US passport. This revelation devastated me.
Judy with her adoptive family
My parents were unaware that citizenship wasn't automatically conferred with my adoption, leading to detrimental impacts on my life. From challenges meeting I-9 requirements to securing basic Medicare coverage, each instance serves as a reminder of my unacknowledged American identity. This ongoing struggle has taken a toll on my sense of belonging and self-worth.
Feeling overwhelmed and struggling financially, I briefly found solace in shoplifting. While providing fleeting control and relief, it deepened my sense of low self-esteem and insecurity, trapping me in a vicious cycle.
In 2005, due to shoplifting convictions, the nursing board placed me on probation and restriction of my nursing license, making it impossible to find employment. Facing home foreclosure and utility disconnections, I relapsed into shoplifting and ended up in Chowchilla Prison, where Immigration and Customs Enforcement briefly placed a hold due to my lack of citizenship.
In prison, I confronted my past mistakes, identified my negative patterns, and regretted the harm caused to businesses, employees, and the community. Post-release, despite efforts, I relapsed into shoplifting. Acknowledging my limitations, I sought professional help to address the root cause: overwhelming low self-esteem and insecurity. Cultivating healthy coping mechanisms with professional help, I emerged with a newfound strength.
I have reconciled with family, friends, and myself, building a supportive community. Despite economic difficulties, I'm committed to avoiding theft, relying on odd jobs and community kindness. I aspire to secure consistent work, repaying my community for their support.
Despite the unchangeable past, my focus is on transforming my present and future while positively impacting others. In 2015, I committed to Adoptees For Justice, part of the Asian American nonprofit NAKASEC, and have been ardently advocating for the passage of the Adoptee Citizenship Act. Since 2019, I've volunteered for Toastmasters International, empowering individuals in their journey toward success through public speaking, leadership, and professional development.
Lacking citizenship, with convictions in tow, poses challenges in securing employment and accessing my Medicare and Social Security retirement benefits. However, seeking card replacements risks deportation. Humbly, I request Governor Newsom's pardon to adjust my immigration status, ensuring my safe stay in the United States – the country I cherish and have called home for nearly 50 years.
- Judy Van Arsdale
