I work with clients in the Stockton area on immigration issues. A recent article in the Chicago Tribune noted that intercountry adoption has become more difficult. For years, American families have been able to rely upon adoptions from highly popular countries such as Russia, China and Guatemala. But this is no longer the case.
For prospective parents who want to adopt now, a good lawyer who understands immigration and intercountry adoption is an important asset. Here’s what has recently developed over the past few years.
Stricter Requirements
Parents are screened on their income and marital status in all three countries and also on their body mass index in China. The fact is that you may meet the criteria in the U.S., but you may not in other countries. It has become very competitive.
More Expensive
Choice countries have raised the price of adoption from $10,000 a decade ago to over $40,000. The economic climate in the U.S. has stopped some from pursuing adoption. Still, I do find that this price is only for some of the choice countries and the price range is between $10,000 – $25,000 for many other countries.
Decrease in Available Children
The baby boom that occurred over the last 20 years is over. Plus, countries such as Russia and China have stabilized and their adoption pool has shrunk. In the past, 5,000 children per year were adopted from Russia. That number is now at 1,500. China allowed 8,000 in the past. Now just 3,000 children are adopted from that country.
Numbers are Down
Overall, the number of intercountry adoptions in the U.S. has shrunk by about half with less than 13,000 having taken place over a one-year period.
Contact the Ranchod Law Group in Sacramento or Stockton. If you have any questions regarding intercountry adoption. We represent clients throughout the fifty states. To schedule a consultation contact us at (916) 613-3553 or at info@ranchodlaw.com.