Conversation

My father-in-law told me that he is thinking about legally changing his name. He grew up thinking his middle name was his mother's maiden name. When he was 20, he needed a copy of his birth certificate and learned that his middle name was actually the last name of his father's best friend.

He says that he has been asked to explain the discrepancy several times during background checks for jobs.

He said he is thinking about changing his name because despite being born in the US, he is of Mexican descent, and if he is ever detained, he is worried the name discrepancies may be an issue that could lead to him being deported.

My father-in-law is a three-time Trump voter.