Imagine trying to apply for a driver’s license, register for college or get married without access to a birth certificate.

For many international adoptees living in New York, this isn’t a hypothetical situation. It’s their everyday reality.

But a new pair of bills making their way through the New York State Legislature could fix that and bring long-overdue clarity and fairness to adopted individuals born outside the United States.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening — and why it matters.

What Are Bills A1944 and S3765?

New York Assembly Bill A1944 and Senate Bill S3765 are companion pieces of legislation introduced in the New York State Legislature.

These bills aim to update the language in New York’s adoption statute to ensure all adoptees, not just minors, can request a Certificate of Birth Data, regardless of their age at the time of the request.

How Current New York Law Is Failing Adult Adoptees

Currently, the law only refers to “adoptive children,” which state officials have interpreted to mean that anyone over the age of 18 is excluded from accessing a Certificate of Birth Data.

Because of the current interpretation of New York’s law, many adult adoptees are being unfairly denied a valuable piece of documentation.

This two-word issue may seem minor, but its consequences are anything but. Here’s what adult adoptees in New York are experiencing:

  • Inability to get a driver’s license or state ID: Without this legal document, proving identity can be extremely challenging even for people who have lived in New York for most of their lives.
  • Barriers to higher education: Colleges and universities often require a birth certificate or equivalent to verify a prospective student’s name and age.
  • Delays or denial of health insurance: Many insurance providers require government-issued identification documents during enrollment or claims processing.
  • Complications in legal matters: Tasks like getting married, applying for a passport or legally changing a name may all require documentation that adoptees currently cannot access.
  • Emotional harm and institutional distrust: Being told, as an adult, that you don’t qualify for a basic document of identity because of how a law is interpreted can be both dehumanizing and disorienting.

If passed, these bills would guarantee that all foreign-born adoptees, adopted either in New York State or abroad by New York residents, no matter how old they are, can access this important form of legal identity.

Why This Change Is So Important for Adoptees

Correcting the wording in the law by changing “adoptive children” to inclusive language that applies to all adoptees would bring about real, meaningful benefits for many adult international adoptees across New York.

By passing Bills A1944 and S3765, New York would:

Ensure Access to Legal Proof of Identity

For many internationally adopted adults, the Certificate of Birth Data serves as legal proof of identity.

Without it, they may struggle to obtain basic services that require government-issued identification including driver’s licenses, employment documents and even housing applications.

This change ensures that all adoptees can verify who they are, something that should never be in question simply because of the circumstances of their birth or adoption.
Fixing the law means protecting adoptees’ ability to fully participate in civic life.

Align with New York’s Values of Equality and Inclusion

Passing this legislation is an affirmation of New York’s commitment to equity. It sends the message that all New Yorkers, regardless of age, origin or adoptive status, are seen, respected and protected under the law.

A Simple Fix with a Big Impact

This legislation corrects a technicality, a small change, but one that would have life-changing consequences for the thousands of New Yorkers who were born abroad but adopted by New Yorkers.

By passing A1944 and S3765, New York can ensure that no adopted person is denied access to the legal documents they need to live fully, independently and confidently.

How You Can Support Assembly Bill A1944 and Senate Bill S3765

Find your New York Assemblyperson and New York State Senator today and ask for their support of Assembly Bill A1944 and Senate Bill S3765.

Want to help spread the word? Share this post, encourage friends and family to write their local representatives and let others know that New York has the chance to do something great for all adoptees.