At 13, I came to the United States from Japan with someone who promised to care for me—but within months, I was alone, without family, documents, or a way home. I entered foster care carrying fear and uncertainty.
Years later, as I prepared to age out, the absence of a birth certificate threatened my future once again. ISS‑USA refused to give up. Through tireless, cross‑border work, they found my parents, helped complete DNA testing, and made it possible to register my birth. Because of ISS‑USA, I didn’t leave foster care empty‑handed—I left with an identity, dignity, and hope for what comes next.