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Learning from my mistakes
To the court, I want to express my sincere apologies. I was impudent, naïve, and ignorant. I caused trouble not only to myself, to my family, to the U.S. government but also to all of those who attended the sentencing hearing. I made a mistake when I made a false statement on a passport application for my daughter. I misrepresented the fact of my marriage status. I made a huge mistake and I learned a big lesson. I can assure you, I will not make the same mistake again. I have two very young kids, my son is only 4 years old, and my daughter is about 18 months old. I miss both of them very much. I pleaded guilty to this charge, but also, as a mother, I feel guilty that I am not performing my duty to care for my two kids. Thank you for imposing probation so that I am able to rejoin my family back to China as quickly as possible. Thank you.
To the public I also want to apologize for my actions. I know now that there are lawful means to address the situation I found myself in. My daughter was born on Saipan, but my husband was not able to travel here for her birth. When I applied for a passport for my daughter, I left my husband’s name off the application because I thought it would be easier and faster. It turns out that there is a form from the U.S. Department of State, which is for situations like this. It is called the DS-3053 and may be used where one of a minor child’s parents is not available at the time the passport is executed. I have learned from my mistake and I hope that this letter may help others avoid the same mistake.
Yu Zou
Via email
