Guidance for families with pending Haitian adoption cases as of January 15, 2010

In light of the tragic earthquake in Haiti, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have begun discussing ways to continue facilitating pre-existing international adoptions out of Haiti.  At this time, focus will be on providing necessary essentials to those affected, however USCIS/DOS emphasized that as soon as Visa operations resume, adoptions will be a priority. Please be advised that this action may only apply to cases that are almost complete. The proper federal agencies will make the determination on which cases can move forward under applicable law. 

Right now, USCIS/DOS are trying to collect as much information as possible about currently pending cases. This includes identifying information about prospective parents and the children to be adopted.  If you have an adoption case pending in Haiti, please gather the information requested below and forward it to Ms. Laura Ortiz at Laura_Ortiz@kohl.senate.gov.  Laura will forward the information to the proper officials at DOS. You may also call Laura at (414) 297-4451 with any additional questions. 

Information that will be helpful for them includes:

1)  Adoptive Parent name, spouse name, contact information
     (phone, fax, email, address, any form of contact)
2)  Matched child's name
3)  Current Location of Child
4)  Child's date of birth
5)  Was an I-600A form filed? If so, when? And at which USCIS office location?
6)  Was an I-600 form filed? If so, when? And at which USCIS office location?
7)  Was the adoption finalized in Haiti? Or what status is the case?
8)  What documents does the parent have?