Tracey and Jim Hoehn have two adopted daughters, Lulu and Magaly, who were born in Guatemala. The adoption processes for both children were long and drawn out, as international adoptions often are.

But the Hoehns hit a unique snag with their second daughter, when the Guatemalan government ordered that international adoptions be stopped.

By August [2008], the Hoehns had completed the steps to adopt Magaly and had a U.S. passport for her, but the authorities were not going to let her leave Guatemala ... As legal guardians, the Hoehns were responsible for supporting Magaly and began paying for her care. ...

This March, the Hoehns brought their older daughter, almost 5, to the U.S. -- Source: The Dundalk (MD) Eagle

Though Tracey and Jim have their daughters, many adopting couples do not. About 900 adoptions were in process when the Guatemalan government ceased allowing international adoptions, and those families are still in limbo.

The Hoehns plan to participate in a June 17 march Washington, D.C., to bring attention to the situation.

Labels: international

Posted By: Aspen/CRC