Abandoned at Birth: Arizona Man’s DNA Search Leads to Irish Citizenship and Family Secrets
A DNA test unravels the dramatic story of an American man’s lost identity, long-lost parents, and his legal battle for Irish citizenship. 🌐 #News #PhoenixAZ #Arizona #Lifestyle
PHOENIX, AZ – A man born in Arizona, unaware of his Irish heritage, embarked on a journey of self-discovery that led to a shocking revelation about his origins and a hard-fought victory for Irish citizenship. John Portmann, now a religious studies professor in Virginia, found out that his real name was Thomas James Delehanty, a name tied to biological parents he had never known. His life took a dramatic turn after a DNA test exposed secrets buried for decades, unlocking an extraordinary chapter that intertwined adoption, legal battles, and long-lost family.
A Baby Given Up, An Identity Lost
Portmann was born in 1963 to an unwed mother named Therese, who traveled from Minneapolis to Arizona seeking refuge. She was taken in by the Sisters of Mercy, a religious order that helped young pregnant women in need. After giving birth, as required by the nuns, Therese gave up her child just three days later.
The baby, named Thomas James Delehanty, was cared for by the nuns before being adopted and renamed John Edward Portmann by his adoptive parents. They raised him knowing he was adopted, but the mystery of his birth parents remained until a fateful DNA test in 2019 began to unravel the truth.
DNA Detective Cracks the Case
Portmann’s DNA test results initially left him puzzled, but one thing stood out—he was 100% Irish, a fact he had never suspected. With the help of Jennifer Harris, a professor who moonlights as a “DNA detective,” the search for his biological family gained momentum. Harris sifted through DNA databases, archives, and public records, piecing together the clues that would eventually lead her to Therese and his father, Thomas FitzGerald.
Therese had returned to Minneapolis shortly after giving birth and married a man with five daughters. She carried the secret of her first child, keeping only a photograph of him as a reminder of the past. On the paternal side, FitzGerald had left Ireland to seek fortune in America, working at a luxury hotel in Minneapolis where he met Therese.
Legal Battle for Citizenship
Once Portmann identified his biological parents, he sought Irish citizenship, but the process proved difficult. Officials initially rejected his application due to insufficient evidence, leaving him devastated. He turned to a lawyer, who advised him to pursue a court-ordered “declaration of paternity,” a critical step in establishing his legal claim.
After presenting compelling testimony, the court ruled in his favor, granting the declaration. However, Ireland’s government required additional DNA testing and documentation. With some resistance from his biological half-sister, Portmann struggled to meet these demands. Despite the obstacles, the Irish government eventually approved his application in 2022, granting him citizenship and issuing his passport.
Reuniting with Biological Family
Portmann has since connected with relatives from his mother’s side. Though his mother passed away in 2019, he learned that she had cherished a photo of him throughout her life. His newly discovered family included university professors, who were surprised to find out Portmann had followed a similar academic path.
Setting a Path for Adoptees
Portmann’s case is seen as groundbreaking for adoptees seeking recognition of their birthrights. His story shines a light on the legal and financial hurdles adoptees face when trying to reclaim their heritage. For many, the cost of legal representation is a barrier that prevents them from pursuing citizenship or connecting with their roots.
His victory, however, stands as an example of perseverance. By securing legal recognition of his ancestry, Portmann hopes to inspire other adoptees to explore their origins and fight for their rights. He believes that adoptees have a legitimate claim to their heritage, despite the complications adoption may introduce.
As Portmann reflects on his journey, his story resonates beyond his personal achievement—it reveals the complexities of identity, belonging, and the enduring human desire to understand where we come from.
RELATED TOPICS: Arizona | Ireland | Lifestyle
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