I understand this completely. I have a grandson who cannot obtain his birth certificate because he does not have the documents required to obtain it. His baptismal certificate from 1992 was voided as the Quebec government felt that certificates issued prior to 1994 were not sufficient to prove a Quebec birth. As a grandfather, I am unable to assist despite the fact that I have known him since he was three months old.

His lack of a birth certificate and proof of citizenship will limit his employment, health insurance and heaven knows what other restrictions this lack will cause.

I am sure that issues in the US are much more problematic.