Virginia: American doctor losses citizenship after 61 years | Check his unbelievable story
PTC Web Desk: A 62-year-old Virginia-based doctor, after a lifetime of dedicated service and citizenship, has been thrown into a baffling state of statelessness. Dr Siavash Sobhani's jaw-dropping revelation came when a routine passport renewal turned into an ordeal. Born and bred in the United States, Dr Sobhani recently discovered he's no longer a US citizen due to a bureaucratic hiccup linked to his father's diplomatic status.
A perplexing letter from the State Department shattered his world, revealing he was mistakenly granted citizenship at birth, leaving him in a bewildering citizenship limbo.
This startling twist left the doctor reeling. "I've been here all my life, contributing to society, serving my community," Dr Sobhani expressed to 'The Washington Post'. Yet, abruptly learning he's not a citizen after 61 years was profoundly disorienting, he added.
Facing an exorbitant legal battle, spending over USD 40,000 in fees, and an uncertain timeline for resolution, Dr Sobhani is distressed about the ambiguity ahead. He worries about the protracted process of regaining his rights, raising concerns about missing out on crucial family moments and travel freedoms.
The unforeseen turmoil has not only disrupted his plans for retirement, but also dashed hopes of exploring other countries. Unable to visit ailing family members abroad or support friends in times of need, Dr Sobhani finds himself in a nightmarish scenario with no clear resolution in sight.
In a cruel turn of fate, this American doctor's world has been upended, highlighting a bureaucratic nightmare that could happen to anyone.
- With inputs from agencies
