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What is international adoption?
Adoption is one of the most profound ways to build a family, and international adoption—also known as intercountry adoption—is a path many families in the United States have chosen to take. But what exactly does it mean to adopt internationally, and how does the process work in the U.S.? Let's explore the basics.
Understanding International Adoption
International adoption refers to the process by which U.S. citizens adopt children from other countries and bring them into the United States to live permanently. This process is governed by both U.S. law and the laws of the child’s country of origin, making it a legally complex but potentially rewarding journey.
The U.S. Department of State defines intercountry adoption as “the adoption of a child from another country by a U.S. citizen and the process by which that child becomes a lawful permanent resident and eventually a U.S. citizen”.
Who Oversees International Adoption?
In the United States, international adoptions are regulated by:
- The U.S. Department of State, which serves as the central authority for intercountry adoptions under the Hague Adoption Convention.
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which processes the immigration paperwork and eligibility of the adoptive parents and the child.
- Adoption agencies, which must be accredited and authorized to provide services in accordance with the Hague Convention if the adoption is from a Hague-participating country.
The Hague Adoption Convention
A key piece of the puzzle is the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption, a treaty that ensures ethical and transparent international adoption practices. The United States became a party to the Hague Convention in 2008.
Under the Hague process, prospective adoptive parents must work with an accredited adoption service provider and go through a structured process that includes a home study, background checks, and immigration approvals
The Process of Adopting Internationally
The international adoption process typically involves several steps:
- Choose a country to adopt from (keeping in mind the country’s relationship with the U.S. and its current adoption policies).
- Select an accredited adoption service provider.
- Complete a home study to assess your suitability to adopt.
- File immigration forms such as Form I-800A (for Hague countries) or I-600A (for non-Hague countries) with USCIS.
- Match with a child and accept the referral.
- Travel to the child's country (sometimes multiple times) to complete the in-country adoption process.
- Bring the child home and finalize their immigration and legal status in the U.S.
Countries Commonly Adopted From
In recent years, countries like China, Colombia, South Korea, and India have been among the top countries from which U.S. citizens adopt children internationally. However, political shifts and policy changes can impact these trends quickly
Why Do Families Choose International Adoption?
Families may pursue international adoption for various reasons:
- A desire to provide a home to a child from a developing country.
- Infertility or other barriers to biological or domestic adoption.
- Cultural or familial ties to a specific country.
- The belief that they can offer a stable, loving home to a child in need.
However, international adoption isn’t without its challenges—cultural differences, language barriers, and emotional transitions can all play a role in the post-adoption adjustment period.
International adoption is a meaningful and life-changing journey that connects families across the globe. It involves navigating a web of legal, cultural, and emotional landscapes, but with the right support and information, many families have found it to be one of the most fulfilling paths to parenthood.
If you’re considering this route, be sure to consult the U.S. Department of State’s intercountry adoption website and speak with an accredited adoption agency to get started.