The ‘stateless kids’ a year after

Traveling between Saipan and Manila or between Saipan and Guam has never been more relaxing and happier for the former stateless children, a year after finally being granted the U.S. citizenship that had been denied them for so long.

According to three former stateless children—Ruth Bigalbal, Mike Mercado and Ron Mostales—queuing up at the Customs sections inside the Francisco C. Ada Saipan International Airport is no longer the nerve-racking and humiliating experience it once was.

Bigalbal, 27, born to Filipino parents here on Saipan, said that her stateless status gave her much anguish and humiliation whenever she traveled as she would be subjected to lengthy interrogations and skepticism about her citizenship.

She recalled how she used to use her birth certificate to prove that she was born in the CNMI just so she could fly in and out of the islands.

“You don’t have a passport?” was the usual question that would greet her at Customs. She would then be made to step out of the line for further questioning.

Things became even more difficult for Bigalbal when even the birth certificates could no longer serve as their “passport” in traveling in and out of the CNMI.

“I remember I was crying all the time,” she said.

* * *

For Mostales, 23, and Mercado, 25, they did not suffer the same plight as Bigalbal because the two had no choice but to acquire Philippine passports when they took their college studies in Manila. Both are also born to Filipino parents here in the Commonwealth.

Mercado went back and forth to the Philippines for nearly 10 years. He took up a college degree in Dentistry at the Centro Escolar University, one of the oldest universities in Manila.

He earlier fought for his citizenship but realized it would be better that he study further in order to equip himself for better days.

Mostales also studied in one of the premier information technology universities in Manila, the AMA University.

Both said they weren’t subjected to the same level of humiliation that other former stateless encountered.

* * *

All these, however, seems like a distant dream now for Bigalbal whenever she queue’s up at the U.S. citizens’ section. She, together with the other former stateless children, can now access the airport without a headache and the fear that they would be questioned about their nationality.

The change came about after the U.S. State Department decided in February last year not to appeal a Court of Appeals ruling acknowledging the American citizenship of the “stateless persons”—those born to foreign parents in the CNMI from Jan. 9, 1978 to Nov. 3, 1986. That decision forever changed the lives of at least 300 former stateless children in the CNMI.

When she heard about the news from a Saipan Tribune reporter, Bigalbal recalled that she was screaming over the phone in utter joy.

“It was funny. It was exhilarating. I remember I was screaming. I was so happy,” she said. She added that it seemed like a big load was lifted from her shoulders.

The news also brought back harsh memories, including words like, “There’s no hope for us. We should just marry a U.S. citizen.” She said she feels glad that she hung on as long as it took.

Mercado said it felt like he won the lottery when he heard the news last year. “I have known so many Filipinos who would go the extra mile just to get a U.S. citizenship,” he said, adding that it felt like a huge thorn was taken out of his back.

For Mostales, he could only say at that time, “Oh, yeah? Finally,” heaving a huge sigh of relief.

* * *

A year since that momentous day, the three said that life couldn’t be sweeter for them. “Definitely, we have a better way of life now,” said the three.

Mostales said they now have more options in traveling as they could go wherever they want to, with no worries of what would happen at one of those airports. Mercado added that their lives are “great right now,” with no more hassles in arranging papers.

“They treat you differently now,” Mercado added. His said his teaching job is very rewarding. He teaches Science to junior high school students.

Bigalbal, who had to wipe tears from her eyes every now and then, said that what happened to them was a life-altering experience.

She said the most rewarding part is that she doesn’t have to worry now about her mother, who has been on Saipan for a long time now.

“I now can sponsor my mom as an IR [immediate relative],” she said.

This wasn’t the case then, when her brother died in the Philippines and she couldn’t attend his interment. That incident devastated her. Now, if something should happen, she wouldn’t have to worry if she could still come back to the CNMI, which she considers her home country.

Mostales said he is enjoying his job as a computer teacher at ChaCha Oceanview Junior High School. He said all the former stateless children could now choose any job they want. “We wouldn’t have to worry about finding jobs.”

* * *

The three said there are many people who are owed thanks for the improvement in their lives but one person that they would never forget is Randy Mendoza, also a former stateless kid who championed their cause and led the group in lobbying for a change in their status. They said they consider Mendoza their “hero.”

Mendoza, who led in lobbying local authorities for their cause, is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the U.S. mainland.

“Thank you [Randy] for being aggressive,” Bigalbal said.

Mercado said that, although he got his U.S. citizenship, he would not forget that he is still Filipino and he will always take pride in being one.