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

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 life Sam 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. Sam was born at home in Keene, New Hampshire. There was no doctor or nurse. No midwife either. His parents, whom he describes as drug users and anti-government extremists, were opposed to government documentation. No birth certificate was ever filed. Without that single piece of paper, obtaining any other official identification becomes impossible. Without it, Sam cannot obtain a social security number, a driver’s license, a passport or even a basic photo ID. He can’t open a bank account, get a credit card, or buy health insurance. He cannot pass a background check to rent an apartment or get a job. He can’t earn a GED, enrol in college or even get a library card. His world has shrunk accordingly. Sam can’t own a car. He can’t call an Uber. He can’t board a plane or leave the country, and most interstate buses and trai

Apr 21, 2026 → Apr 22, 2026