Lexi Barabanova
Born in Ukraine, sophomore Lexi Barabanova moved to the U.S. in 2018. In 2022, she acquired a green card. Even now, Barabonova says she and her family experience a longer routine than most.
“We often have to go through additional security in the airports because we don’t hold an American passport, even if it’s inside the U.S.,” Barabanova said.
With her 16th birthday and a choir trip to Japan coming up, Barabanova seeks to renew her Ukraine passport. Despite all the obstacles, Barabanova’s Ukrainian passport still holds a cherished place in her heart.
“My passport literally says the word ‘passport’ in Ukrainian,” Barabanova said. “It’s important. It connects me to Ukraine and to my past.”
