The ‘unregistered Americans’: because of their parents, they do not exist

The ‘unregistered Americans’: because of their parents, they do not exist

The Guardian April 21, 2026

Hundreds in the US have no birth certificate or Social Security number. Some covet this ‘off-grid’ status – but it means being barred from ordinary lifeSam Bishop is 26 years old and lives in Worcester, Massachusetts. He has red hair, a quiet voice – and, legally speaking, he does not exist.There is no document anywhere that proves Sam was born. Continue reading…