Maria Pires was adopted from a Brazilian orphanage at age 11 and brought to the United States in 1989 by an unmarried 42 year old man. She legally entered the US on an IR-4 visa, approved by the US Department of State. Her adoptive father, a US citizen, never filed the necessary paperwork for her to obtain citizenship, even though her birth certificate lists him as her parent. When Maria was placed in foster care as a ward of the state of Maryland, the state also failed to file the required application for her citizenship.
Maria’s early years in Maryland were marked by severe abuse, but thanks to her teachers and protective services, she was eventually placed in foster care and her adoptive father was convicted of child abuse. As an adult, Maria struggled and was incarcerated for several crimes. She served her time and was released, but the US government attempted to deport her. The Brazilian government initially refused to issue travel documents, recognizing that Maria had been adopted by a US citizen and should be considered a US citizen under Brazilian law. Maria was placed under an order of supervision, found a job, sought counseling, and reported annually to immigration as required.
On her ninth annual visit to immigration in March 2025, Maria was arrested, imprisoned for three months, and then deported to Brazil in the middle of the night—without proper travel documents, without notice to her lawyer, and without the required notification to the Brazilian government. Her application for US citizenship is currently pending. Now, Maria is alone in Brazil, a country where she does not speak the language, has no family or friends, and faces daily insecurity. She urgently needs support for basic living needs, safe housing, and legal assistance to fight for her right to return to the United States—the only home she has ever known. Your help can give Maria hope and a chance to rebuild her life.
Organizer
James Merklinger
Organizer
Mt. Pleasant, SC