Blueback 2023

Antonio LeBlanc is an adopted Korean American and tattoo artist navigating life outside New Orleans with his pregnant wife Kathy and her biological daughter, Jessie. Despite Kathy’s willingness to return to work as a rehabilitation nurse to help financially, Antonio struggles to find stable employment due to his criminal history. His life takes a turn for the worse when he endures multiple incidents of harassment from NOPD officers Ace and Denny. Compounding this, Denny is Jessie’s estranged biological father, leading to a violent arrest that lands Antonio in ICE custody. In a shocking twist, it’s discovered that his adoptive parents failed to naturalize him according to the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, putting him at risk of deportation.

In an effort to fight his deportation, Antonio and Kathy engage the services of immigration lawyer Barry Boucher, who requires a retainer fee of $5,000. Barry warns them that if their appeal fails, Antonio may never be allowed back into the United States. Amidst this turmoil, Antonio befriends Parker, a Vietnamese refugee battling terminal cancer, who encourages him to stay connected with his roots. After receiving a meaningful tattoo of a “Fleur-de-lis” from Antonio, Parker invites his family to a communal cookout, showcasing their growing bond.

Facing financial struggles, Antonio and his friends resort to stealing and selling motorcycles to fund Barry’s legal fees. When Kathy uncovers the truth about the source of the money Antonio paid to Barry, tensions rise. Complicated by his hidden relationship with his adoptive mother—who he has long kept from Kathy due to a difficult past—Antonio faces greater stress when Kathy moves out with Jessie, feeling betrayed and alone.

In a turning point, Antonio decides to confront his adoptive mother, but her indifference leaves him disheartened. Striking a tenuous remembrance of hope, he rekindles his friendship with Parker, who battles her worsening illness. At the same time, Kathy gives birth to their daughter, prompting a reunion. Yet, on the day of his crucial hearing, Antonio is brutally attacked by Denny, leading him to contemplate suicide in despair.

In a harrowing climax, despite the arrival of Kathy, Jessie, and his friends to support him, Antonio remains unaware that he has been abducted by Denny and his cronies. As he is escorted to the airport for deportation, he wants nothing more than to keep his family in America, leading to a heart-wrenching farewell as he is forcibly separated from Jessie, who cries out for him—an emotional moment that resonates profoundly.

Ultimately, the narrative reflects real-life struggles faced by not naturalized adopted individuals, highlighting their dire circumstances and the advocacy efforts from organizations like the Adoptee Rights Campaign of International Adoptees.