Fort was already a teenager when he moved from Tanzania to Iowa. Though the adjustment was hard, he has managed to learn to speak English almost fluently and now looks like a typical American teen. But his life in America isn't secure.

"[Robin] Barber officially adopted Fort in Tanzania last summer and in Iowa in December, only to learn that at 17 he's too old to become a U.S. citizen as her son. And his student visa expires next month."

Barber and the rest of her family aren't sure how to resolve their situation, which is the result of what she calls "really poor advice." She has appealed to Iowa senators to write a law specific to Fort's case, but they're hesitant. Fort's biological family already approved the adoption, which Barber hopes will work in her - and her new son's - favor. Source: The Leaf Chronicle

Labels: legislation, citizenship, adoption_rights

Posted By: Aspen/CRC 1 Comment

Parents who adopt children from foreign countries may be under the impression that the adoption process itself makes their kids American citizens. But, as Alexis Stevens found out, that isn’t necessarily true.

“Stevens’ parents never went through the process to allow Stevens to become a U.S. citizen. The mistake her parents made by not applying for naturalization of their adopted children almost 50 years ago has sent Steven’s life reeling, leaving her uncertain of her identity and her future.” [Source: Fort Myers Press-News]

In 2001, the Child Citizen Act of 2000 was passed in an attempt to solve the unique citizenship challenges posed by foreign adoptions. Under the new law, a child who’s adopted by American parents becomes a U.S. citizen the moment he enters the country. However, the law only applies to adoptees that were minors as of February 27, 2001. All others will still need to apply for citizenship.

Labels: international, adoption laws, citizenship

Posted By: CRC Health 1 Comment