The U.S. Embassy in Bogota, Colombia is pleased to report that the judicial strike that had been impeding intercountry adoptions in Colombia has been resolved and normal adoption processing has resumed. Prospective adoptive parents may proceed with their adoption plans in Colombia.
Joint Council reports that USCIS has announced a very positive ruling concerning the I-600A process
In summary, it is their understanding that, effective immediately, families who filed Form I-600A, Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition, prior to April 1, 2008 and whose USCIS approval of that petition (aka the I-171H) has not expired, will be able to proceed with their adoption under the I-600A process if they take certain steps while their approval remain valid. This means that families with valid Form I-600A approvals will not be required to transition to The Hague process via Form I-800A. In order to maintain their status as ‘grandfathered’ cases, families with non-expired Form I-600A approvals must request a one-time free extension. Then, prior to the expiration of the one-time free extension, families must file a new Form I-600A and pay the appropriate fee.
Families with a Form I-600A approval that has expired and who have not obtained an extension or filed a new Form I-600A, will need to undertake the Hague process. The Hague process will also apply to any petitioner who has not completed their adoption by 2014.
Joint Council notes that their interpretation of the ruling is offered as a courtesy only and should not be used in making determinations or decisions. Please refer to the full text of the announcements made by USCIS and can be found at USCIS ANNOUNCEMENTS and USCIS Q&A when making decisions.
Remember November is National Adoption Month and that is just around the corner, the best way to “celebrate” adoption is by getting more involved with your adoption agency and/or by continuing your adoption education. Please consider attending one or more of the adoption conferences below. These conferences are for people interested in considering adoption, those who are waiting to adopt and for those experienced adoptive parents.
Monday, November 3, 7:00 pm: Adoptive Families of the Capital Region’s 13th Annual Adoption Fair. Marriott Hotel, 189 Wolf Rd., Albany, NY. http://timesunion.memlink.com/default.aspx
Saturday, November 8, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm: Adoption Resource Network 17th Annual Conference: The Changing World of Adoption, Bay Trail Middle School, 1760 Scribner Road, Penfield, NY 14526. http://www.hillside.com/Services/Adoption/conference.htm
Sunday, November 23, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm: The 28th Annual ADOPTIVE PARENTS COMMITTEE(APC) Adoption Conference: Adoption… Where The Joy Begins. Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, 1300 York Avenue at East 70th Street, New York City, New York. http://www.adoptiveparents.org/