Advertisements

Difference between revisions of "Adopting from South Sudan"

(Hague Convention Information)
Line 23: Line 23:
 
=Hague Convention Information=
 
=Hague Convention Information=
  
 +
The Republic of South [[Sudan]] is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption(Hague Adoption Convention).  Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section  204.3 as it relates to orphans as defined under the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F).
 +
 +
 +
The 2008 Child Act of Southern [[Sudan]] provides a legal framework for adoption in the newly-independent South [[Sudan]].  Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are cautioned, however, that the lack of judicial resources in South [[Sudan]] may mean that any adoption or [[custody]] decree issued by courts in South [[Sudan]] may be insufficient for the purposes of U.S. immigration petitions. 
 +
 +
 +
'''U.S. IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS'''
 +
 +
 +
To bring an [[adopted]] child to the United States from the Republic of South [[Sudan]], you must meet eligibility and suitability requirements.  The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) determines who can [[adopt]] under U.S. immigration law.
 +
 +
 +
Additionally, a child must meet the definition of orphan under U.S. immigration law in order to be eligible to immigrate to the United States on an IR-3 or IR-4 immigrant visa.
  
 
=Who Can Adopt=
 
=Who Can Adopt=

Revision as of 07:04, 9 April 2014

The official flag of South .
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Map of South .
Source: cia.gov.

Map of South .
Source: cia.gov.

Children in West Equatorial South .
Source: Wikipedia.org.

A village in South .
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Kids playing in Northern Bahr el Ghazal, South .
Source: flickr.com.

Cattle herders in Rumbek, South .
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Rural school children in South .
Source: Wikipedia.org.

South refugees in .
Source: flickr.com.

Women and children wait in line for water in Jamam refugee camp, Republic of South .
Source: flickr.com.

Village in South .
Source: flickr.com.

Hague Convention Information

The Republic of South Sudan is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption(Hague Adoption Convention). Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 204.3 as it relates to orphans as defined under the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F).


The 2008 Child Act of Southern Sudan provides a legal framework for adoption in the newly-independent South Sudan. Prospective adoptive parents are cautioned, however, that the lack of judicial resources in South Sudan may mean that any adoption or custody decree issued by courts in South Sudan may be insufficient for the purposes of U.S. immigration petitions.


U.S. IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS


To bring an adopted child to the United States from the Republic of South Sudan, you must meet eligibility and suitability requirements. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) determines who can adopt under U.S. immigration law.


Additionally, a child must meet the definition of orphan under U.S. immigration law in order to be eligible to immigrate to the United States on an IR-3 or IR-4 immigrant visa.

Who Can Adopt

Residency

Age of Adopting Parents

Marriage

Income

Other

Who Can Be Adopted

How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

The Process

Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave South Sudan. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports. Getting or renewing a passport is easy. The Passport Application Wizard will help you determine which passport form you need, help you to complete the form online, estimate your payment, and generate the form for you to print-all in one place.


Obtaining Your Visa

In addition to a U.S. passport, you also need to obtain a visa. A visa is an official document issued by a foreign country that formally allows you to visit. Where required, visas are attached to your passport and allow you to enter a foreign nation. To find information about obtaining a visa for South Sudan, see the Department of State's Country Specific Information.


Staying Safe on Your Trip

Before you travel, it's always a good practice to investigate the local conditions, laws, political landscape, and culture of the country. The State Department is a good place to start. The Department of State provides Country Specific Information for every country of the world about various issues, including the health conditions, crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, and any areas of instability.


Staying in Touch on Your Trip

When traveling during the adoption process, we encourage you to register your trip with the Department of State. Travel registration makes it possible to contact you if necessary. Whether there's a family emergency in the United States, or a crisis in South Sudan, registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you. Registration is free and can be done online.

After Adoption

What resources are available to assist families after the adoption?

Many adoptive parents find it important to find support after the adoption. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.


Here are some good places to start your support group search:


Child Welfare Information Gateway

North American Council on Adoptable Children

Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons


SOURCE

Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State Country Information