Yes, but now we’re all safer! Just like when we take out shoes off for security at the airport.
There are different standards for documents. In this State, proof of residency docs can be home-printed. I was surprised that one can, for example, photograph their Jury Duty summons or lease agreement and simply print that photo. I used a home printed W2 for proof of SS# myself, the one I received in the mail has the complete number ***'d out. I’m certain that this must be more strict in other places.
Illinois SOS says this about residency docs:
All acceptable documents presented for verification or proof must be valid (current and not expired). Hard copy documents are required because we are required to scan all documents; images from a cellphone are not accepted. An applicant may print the image (e.g., bank statement) and provide the printed copy when presenting documentation. Account numbers must be visible. Photocopies will not be accepted.
https://realid.ilsos.gov/checklist.html
Genuine document is the term Illinois uses and it’s required for proof of identity, DOB, & US citizenship. Birth certificate, passport, existing RealID, etc.
At this point I have nothing to add except to suggest contacting the governor’s office in Guam. Sure she’s the governor but her constituency is the size of a small city. Maybe you will get a response. The website has an online contact form and also a physical address.
https://governor.guam.gov/contact-us/
Every time I see this thread it reminds me of this Nate Bargatze bit.
Thank you for the link. Message with all the details has been sent.
Anything?
Absolutely nothing. One of the realities in life is that sometimes you can’t win.
As someone who has worked for government throughout my life I can tell you there is power in social media. The government of Guam and the governor have social media accounts. I’m sure so does the representative. In public tell your story. If you aren’t a social media guy become one.
Are there any Dopers in Guam who could be helpful?
And, after all this time, a surprising response from my Governor, Tina Kotek!
"Dear Michael,
Thank you for reaching out to the Office of Governor Tina Kotek. The role of Governor Kotek’s Constituent Services Team is to ensure all Oregonians are receiving the assistance they need to navigate state government and that their voices are being heard.
To address this type of issue, we’ve contacted the Oregon Health Authority (OHA)'s Public Health Division on your behalf.
Because we’ve referred your inquiry to the OHA, no other action is required on your part; you can expect to receive a response from them within ten business days. However, in the event you need to follow up, please reach out using our webform.
Sincerely,
Constituent Services Team
Office of Governor Tina Kotek"
I’ll let you know what happens, of course.
Ah, a hopeful sign.
I’m glad Oregon has realized their requirements are the source of the problem for you.
I don’t think that’s what has happened at all.
I think the governor’s staff that handles citizen complaints / problems has guessed which department is relevant to birth certificates and has punted the problem to them. With no further thought than that.
Problem is, Oregon’s birth certificate office can’t solve any aspect of his problem.
Oh, come on.
If I don’t have false hope, I’ve got no hope at all!
I too am hopeful on your behalf.
I just thought @gnoitall’s conclusion that Oregon was certainly going to change their regs based off your case was … premature.
I didn’t say they were going to waive the requirements. Only that the requirements were the source of the problems. There are other helpful responses a bureaucracy can undertake when properly motivated.
Bureaucratic inflexibility is almost always voluntary and optional if the bureaucrats want it to be. “Workarounds” are a way of life if you know the system.
They aren’t going to waive the requirements- they can’t issue a REAL ID without some proof of legal status. The workaround of getting a passport works for certain missing documentation ( like residence) but you still need proof of citizenship for a passport.
BUT - there are interstate compacts for all sorts of issues where states* must interact with each other- for example , the Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision allows individuals on parole or probation to transfer their supervision to another state. There’s one that allows children to be moved across state lines for foster care or adoption ( for example, an aunt living in NJ becomes a foster parent for her niece who lives in NY).
AND - there’s an organization of vital records professional called NAPHSIS .The membership includes all all 50 states, the five U.S. territories, New York City, and the District of Columbia. Someone in Oregon is an administrator/liasion to this organization and so is someone in Guam. They may or may not actually know each other - but they absolutely will be able to get in touch with each other.
I don’t think it’s false hope @Czarcasm. What you need is someone who wants to help you - and as an ex-government worker , I will tell you that correspondence from the governor’s office can be very motivating.
* in the context of the law regarding interstate compacts
the term “States” means the several States and Alaska, Hawaii, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and the District of Columbia.
Seems to me that one of the many issues is that this is a problem that needs to get solved in Guam (because I agree that Oregon cannot solve this under current law—they need proof of legal status) but Czarcasm is not the constituent of anyone in Guam. Makes me wonder if the appropriate government agency in Guam has some sort of ombudsman’s office you can ask for help.
I feel foolish asking this, but have you tried emailing publichealth@dphss.guam.gov?
Yep.
Nope.
Holy fuck!
I got home just now, and My Beloved says, “You’ve got mail”, so I open it up and it contains a single piece of paper.
My birth certificate! Step one in the long process of getting a Real ID, of going to conventions more than a couple of hundred miles away and, most importantly, being able to be with family in case of emergency has finally begun.
Outstanding news! I’m sorry that it was such a Bohemian clusterf**k to get it, but I’m glad that someone in Guam finally came through for you!