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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Afghanistan"

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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/af-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Aghanistan.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
 
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/af-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Aghanistan.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/sas/af_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Afghanistan'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/sas/af_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of [[Afghanistan]]'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov}}
  
 
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/91/Pashtuns.jpg/672px-Pashtuns.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A collage of Pashtun Afghans.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
 
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/91/Pashtuns.jpg/672px-Pashtuns.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''A collage of Pashtun Afghans.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1b/Aerial_view_of_a_section_of_Kandahar_in_2013.jpg/800px-Aerial_view_of_a_section_of_Kandahar_in_2013.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Aerial view of a section of Kandahar'''<BR/>Source: wikipedia.org.}}
 
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1b/Aerial_view_of_a_section_of_Kandahar_in_2013.jpg/800px-Aerial_view_of_a_section_of_Kandahar_in_2013.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Aerial view of a section of Kandahar'''<BR/>Source: wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/17/Geography_of_Afghanistan.jpg/800px-Geography_of_Afghanistan.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The incredible geography of Afghanistan.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/17/Geography_of_Afghanistan.jpg/800px-Geography_of_Afghanistan.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The incredible geography of [[Afghanistan]].'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
 
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/photo_gallery/af/images/AF_007.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''View of Shahr-i-Zohok (the "Red City") in Bamyan Province.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
 
{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/photo_gallery/af/images/AF_007.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''View of Shahr-i-Zohok (the "Red City") in Bamyan Province.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/df/Afghan_children_in_Badakhshan_Province-2012.jpg/775px-Afghan_children_in_Badakhshan_Province-2012.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Afghan children in Badakhshan Province'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
 
{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/df/Afghan_children_in_Badakhshan_Province-2012.jpg/775px-Afghan_children_in_Badakhshan_Province-2012.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Afghan children in Badakhshan Province'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/22/Afghan_women_at_a_textile_factory_in_Kabul.jpg/800px-Afghan_women_at_a_textile_factory_in_Kabul.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Afghan women working in a textile factory in Kabul, Afghanistan.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/22/Afghan_women_at_a_textile_factory_in_Kabul.jpg/800px-Afghan_women_at_a_textile_factory_in_Kabul.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Afghan women working in a textile factory in Kabul, [[Afghanistan]].'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/62/Herat_Masjidi_Jami_courtyard.jpg/800px-Herat_Masjidi_Jami_courtyard.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Herat Masjidi Jami courtyard, Afghanistan'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/62/Herat_Masjidi_Jami_courtyard.jpg/800px-Herat_Masjidi_Jami_courtyard.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Herat Masjidi Jami courtyard, [[Afghanistan]]'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b8/Tribal_and_religious_leaders_in_southern_Afghanistan.jpg/391px-Tribal_and_religious_leaders_in_southern_Afghanistan.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Tribal and religious leaders in Southern Afghanistan.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b8/Tribal_and_religious_leaders_in_southern_Afghanistan.jpg/391px-Tribal_and_religious_leaders_in_southern_Afghanistan.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Tribal and religious leaders in Southern [[Afghanistan]].'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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'''Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating international adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry [[Universal Accreditation Act]].'''
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'''Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating [[international]] adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry [[Universal Accreditation Act]].'''
  
 
=Hague Convention Information=
 
=Hague Convention Information=
  
  
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Afghanistan 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).
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[[Afghanistan]] 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).
  
  
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The Afghan Civil Code governs the rights and interests of minors in Afghanistan.  Islamic Shari’a law, upon which Afghanistan family law is largely based, does not allow for [[adoption]] of Afghan children in Afghanistan.  Therefore, U.S. citizens considering [[adoption]] of an Afghan child must obtain guardianship for the purpose of emigration and [[adoption]] in the United States from the Afghan Family Court that has [[jurisdiction]] over the prospective adoptive child’s place of residence.  It is important to note that according to Afghan laws, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] who are non-Muslim may not be appointed guardians of Muslim children.  Strong cultural ties to Afghanistan (dual Afghan-American nationality, for example) may favorably influence the court’s decision, but are not required.
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The Afghan Civil Code governs the rights and interests of minors in [[Afghanistan]].  Islamic Shari’a law, upon which [[Afghanistan]] family law is largely based, does not allow for [[adoption]] of Afghan children in [[Afghanistan]].  Therefore, U.S. citizens considering [[adoption]] of an Afghan child must obtain [[guardianship]] for the purpose of emigration and [[adoption]] in the United States from the Afghan Family Court that has [[jurisdiction]] over the prospective adoptive child’s place of residence.  It is important to note that according to Afghan laws, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] who are non-Muslim may not be appointed guardians of Muslim children.  Strong cultural ties to [[Afghanistan]] (dual Afghan-American nationality, for example) may favorably influence the court’s decision, but are not required.
  
  
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] may apply for a U.S. immigrant visa in cases where the Afghan Family Court grants guardianship of an [[orphan]] as defined under U.S. immigration law.  The Afghan Family Court must specifically rule that the child is permitted to leave the [[jurisdiction]] of Afghanistan for the purpose of being [[adopted]] in the United States by the prospective parents.  Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should refer to our country information sheet on [[Adoption]] of Children From Countries in which Islamic Shari'a Law is Observed for more information.
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] may apply for a U.S. immigrant visa in cases where the Afghan Family Court grants [[guardianship]] of an [[orphan]] as defined under U.S. immigration law.  The Afghan Family Court must specifically rule that the child is permitted to leave the [[jurisdiction]] of [[Afghanistan]] for the purpose of being [[adopted]] in the United States by the prospective parents.  Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] should refer to our country information sheet on [[Adoption]] of Children From Countries in which Islamic Shari'a Law is Observed for more information.
  
 
=Who Can Adopt=
 
=Who Can Adopt=
  
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In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, you must also meet the following requirements in order to [[adopt]] a child from Afghanistan:
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In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, you must also meet the following requirements in order to [[adopt]] a child from [[Afghanistan]] (go to [[Who Can Adopt from Afghanistan]]") .  
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==Residency==
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Afghan law does not clearly state any residency requirements for prospective guardians.
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
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Afghan law does not clearly state any age requirements for prospective guardians.
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==Marriage==
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Afghan law does not clearly state any marriage requirements for prospective guardians.
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==Income==
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Prospective guardians must demonstrate to the Family Court that they have sufficient resources to educate and raise the child.
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==Other==
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Per Afghan laws, prospective parents who are non-Muslims may not be appointed as guardians of Muslim children.  Prospective parents must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Afghan Family Court judge that they intend to raise the child in accordance with Islamic tradition and norms.
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In order to be eligible as a [[guardian]], Afghan Civil Code states that the [[guardian]] must be righteous, meet all eligibility requirements, and be able to support the child.  A person who has been convicted of crimes against public morality or chastity, has a bad reputation, does not have legitimate income, previously lost guardianship of the child by order of the court, has been denied guardianship in writing by the father or paternal grandfather of the child, or has any judicial dispute with the child’s family, may not be appointed [[guardian]].
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Prospective parents must comply with U.S. legal requirements in the [[I-600]] process.  U.S. citizens who are interested in adopting an Afghan child are strongly encouraged to contact U.S. Consular officials in Kabul before making any [[adoption]] plans to ensure that appropriate procedures are followed which will make it possible for the Embassy to issue a U.S. immigrant visa to the child.
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
 
=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
  
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In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, Afghanistan has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]:
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In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, [[Afghanistan]] has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]] (go to [[Who Can Be Adopted from Afghanistan]]).
  
  
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'''[[Abandonment]] Requirement:'''  As determined by the Afghan Family Court.
 
'''[[Abandonment]] Requirement:'''  As determined by the Afghan Family Court.
  
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'''Age of Adoptive Child Requirement:'''  Guardianship terminates when the child reaches the age of 18.
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'''Age of Adoptive Child Requirement:'''  [[Guardianship]] terminates when the child reaches the age of 18.
  
 
'''Sibling [[Adoption]] Requirement:'''  N/A
 
'''Sibling [[Adoption]] Requirement:'''  N/A
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In order to [[adopt]] a child from Afghanistan, a child must meet the definition of an [[orphan]] under U.S. law for you to bring him or her back to the United States.  Find out more about [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/childeligibility.php Who Can Be Adopted] and these U.S. requirements.
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In order to [[adopt]] a child from [[Afghanistan]], a child must meet the definition of an [[orphan]] under U.S. law for you to bring him or her back to the United States.  Find out more about [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/childeligibility.php Who Can Be Adopted] and these U.S. requirements.
  
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] may petition the Afghan family court for guardianship of a specific child.  However, obtaining legal guardianship under Afghan law does not automatically signify that a child is an [[orphan]] under U.S. law.
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Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] may petition the Afghan family court for [[guardianship]] of a specific child.  However, obtaining legal [[guardianship]] under Afghan law does not automatically signify that a child is an [[orphan]] under U.S. law.
  
 
=How to Adopt=
 
=How to Adopt=
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==Afghan's Adoption Authority==
 
==Afghan's Adoption Authority==
  
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There is no central government [[adoption]] authority.  Guardianship proceedings are handled by the Afghan Family Court.
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There is no central government [[adoption]] authority.  [[Guardianship]] proceedings are handled by the Afghan Family Court.
  
 
==The Process==
 
==The Process==
  
  
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The process for adopting a child from Afghanistan generally includes the following steps:
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The process for adopting a child from [[Afghanistan]] generally includes the following steps: (go to [[How to Adopt from Afghanistan]].)  
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# Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]]
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# Identify a child to [[adopt]]
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# Apply to be found eligible to [[adopt]]
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# Gain guardianship of the child in Afghanistan
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# Apply for the child to be found eligible for [[orphan]] status
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# Bring your child home
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''' 1. Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider]]'''
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The recommended first step in adopting a child from Afghanistan is to decide whether or not to use a licensed [[Adoption Service Provider|adoption service provider]] in the United States that can help you with your [[adoption]].  [[Adoption]] service providers must be licensed by the U.S. state in which they operate.  The Department of State provides information on selecting an [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/how_to_adopt/agencies.php adoption service provider] on its website.
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''' 2. Identify a Child to [[Adopt]]'''
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If you are found eligible to [[adopt]], and have identified a child who is in need of a [[guardian]] per Afghan law and meets the definition of [[orphan]] under U.S. law, you may petition the Afghan Family Court to obtain guardianship of that child.  Each family must decide for itself whether or not it will be able to meet the needs of and provide a permanent home for a particular child.
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The child must be eligible to be [[adopted]] according to Afghanistan’s requirements, as described in the Who Can Be [[Adopted]] section.  The child must also meet the [http://www.uscis.gov/tools/glossary/orphan definition of orphan] under U.S. immigration law.
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''' 3. Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]'''
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In order to [[adopt]] a child from Afghanistan, you will need to meet the requirements of the Government of Afghanistan and U.S. immigration law. In order to obtain guardianship of an Afghan child, you must file a guardianship petition with the Afghan Family Court.
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Prospective guardians should appear in person at the Afghan Family Court in the province in which they were born (for U.S. citizens who were born in Afghanistan), or in the province in which the child is currently residing, to file a petition for guardianship of a particular child.  A designated attorney can represent the prospective [[guardian]] in court.  The court will consider the request and complete a community/background investigation.  If the court approves the guardianship petition, the guardians and two witnesses will appear in person at the Family Court and a legal guardianship decree will be issued.  Again, a designated attorney can represent the prospective guardians in court.  The final guardianship decree can be obtained from the Family Court in approximately one week.
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To meet U.S. immigration requirements, you may also file an [[I-600A]], [http://www.uscis.gov/i-600a Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition] with U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to be found eligible and suitable to [[adopt]].
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''' 4. Gain [[Legal Custody]] of Child in Afghanistan'''
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The process for gaining [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] in Afghanistan generally includes the following:
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*'''Role of [[Adoption]] Authority:'''  There is no central government [[adoption]] authority. Guardianship proceedings are filed in the Afghan family courts.
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*'''Role of the Court:'''  Prospective parents must petition the Afghan Family Court for guardianship.  The court will issue a ‘wasiqa’ granting guardianship to the prospective parents.
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*'''Role of [[Adoption Agencies]]:'''  None.
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*'''[[Adoption]] Application:'''  An application for legal guardianship should be presented to the Afghan Family Court.  The application can be obtained through the Family Courts.
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*'''Time Frame:'''  There is no specific time frame.
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*'''[[Adoption]] Fees:'''  There are minimal fees (less than USD $100) required to apply for legal guardianship and to have the guardianship decree translated into English and authenticated by the court.  The current passport fee for a Afghan passport with five year validity is approximately USD $100.
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*'''Documents Required:'''  Prospective guardians or their attorney should consult the Family Court to determine what documents should be submitted with the guardianship petition.  ''Note:  Additional documents may be requested''.
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*'''Authentication of Documents:'''  You may be asked to provide proof that a document from the United States is authentic.  If so, the Department of State, [http://www.state.gov/authentications/ Authentications Office] may be able to assist.
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''' 5. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Orphan]] Status'''
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After you finalize the [[adoption]] (or gain [[Legal Custody|legal custody]]) in Afghanistan, the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services must determine whether the child meets the definition of [[orphan]] under U.S. immigration law.  You will need to file a Form [[I-600]], [http://www.uscis.gov/adoption/immigration-through-adoption/orphan-process Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative].
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''' 6. Bring Your Child Home'''
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Once your [[adoption]] is complete (or you have obtained [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] of the child), you need to apply for several documents for your child before you can apply for a U.S. immigrant visa to bring your child home to the United States:
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::1. Birth Certificate
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If you have been granted [[custody]] for the purpose of adopting the child in the United States, a new Afghan birth certificate will not be issued, even after you obtain legal guardianship of the child.  The original Afghan ''tazkera'' will remain valid and will permanently list the biological father’s name.  The guardianship decree should be used in tandem with the Afghan ''tazkera'' for any legal matters where a birth certificate and evidence of [[Legal Custody|legal custody]] are required.
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::2. Afghan Passport
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Your child is not yet a U.S. citizen, so he/she will need a travel document or passport from Afghanistan.
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You can obtain an Afghan passport for your child at the Passport Office in Kabul or at the office in your or the child’s home province.  You should submit the child’s original Afghan ‘tazkera’ and the guardianship decree with the passport application.  The fee for a five year validity passport is approximately USD $100 and it takes approximately one to two weeks to process.
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::3. U.S. Immigrant Visa
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After you obtain the new birth certificate and passport for your child and you have filed Form [[I-600]], [http://www.uscis.gov/i-600 Petition to Classify Orphan] as an Immediate Relative, you then need to apply for a U.S. immigrant visa for your child from the U.S. Embassy in Kabul.  This immigrant visa allows your child to travel home with you.  As part of this process, the Consular Officer must be provided the Panel Physician’s [http://adoption.state.gov/us_visa_for_your_child/health.php medical report] on the child.
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You can find instructions for applying for an immigrant visa on the [http://kabul.usembassy.gov/immigrant-visas.html U.S. Embassy in Kabul’s website].
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The prospective adoptive child must be the beneficiary of an approved Form [[I-600]] petition before an immigrant visa may be issued.  Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] who have a valid, approved Form [[I-600A]] may file their Form [[I-600]] either in the United States with USCIS’s National Benefits Center or in person at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul.  Contact the Embassy in Kabul at KabulIV@state.gov to schedule an immigrant visa interview for your prospective adoptive child.
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A Form I-604 Determination on Child for [[Adoption]] (sometimes informally referred to as an [[orphan]] investigation) is required in all [[orphan]] [[adoption]] cases, even if a Form [[I-600]] petition has been approved, and serves to verify that the child is an [[orphan]] as defined by U.S. immigration law.  Generally, the Form I-604 is initiated after the prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) file their Form [[I-600]] petition.  Depending upon the circumstances of the case, it can take several months for the I-604 to be completed.  [[Adoptive Parents|Adoptive parents]] are advised to have flexible travel plans while awaiting the results of the I-604 investigation.
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'''Child Citizenship Act'''
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'''''For adoptions finalized abroad prior to the child’s entry into the United States:'''''  A child will acquire U.S. citizenship upon entry into the United States if the [[adoption]] was finalized prior to entry and the child otherwise meets the requirements of the [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/faqs/child_citizenship_act_of_2000.php Child Citizenship Act of 2000].
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'''''For adoptions finalized after the child’s entry into the United States:'''''  An [[adoption]] will need to be completed following your child’s entry into the United States for the child to acquire U.S. citizenship.
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'''''Please be aware that if your child did not qualify to become a citizen upon entry to the United States, it is very important that you take the steps necessary so that your child does qualify as soon as possible.  Failure to obtain citizenship for your child can impact many areas of his/her life including family travel, eligibility for education and education grants, and voting.'''''
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Read more about the [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/faqs/child_citizenship_act_of_2000.php Child Citizenship Act of 2000].
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=Traveling Abroad=
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'''Applying for Your U.S. Passport'''
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U.S. citizens are required by law to enter and depart the United States on a valid U.S. passport. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports.
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Getting or renewing a passport is easy.  The [http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports.html 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.
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'''Obtaining a Visa to Travel to Afghanistan'''
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In addition to a U.S. passport, you may 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 affixed to your passport and allow you to enter a foreign nation.  To find information about obtaining a visa for Afghanistan, see the [ http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html Department of State’s Country Specific Information].
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'''Staying Safe on Your Trip'''
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Before you travel, it is always a good practice to investigate the local conditions, laws, political landscape, and culture of the country.  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.
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'''Staying in Touch on Your Trip'''
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When traveling during the [[adoption]] process, we encourage you to enroll with the Department of State.  Enrollment makes it possible to contact you if necessary.  Whether there is a family emergency in the United States or a crisis in Afghanistan, enrollment assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you.
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Enrollment is free and can be done online via the [https://step.state.gov/step/ Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)].
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=After Adoption=
 
=After Adoption=
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'''Post-[[Adoption]] Resources'''  
 
'''Post-[[Adoption]] Resources'''  
  
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Many [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] find it important to find support after the [[adoption]].  There are many public and private nonprofit post-[[adoption]] services available for children and their families.  There are also numerous adoptive family support groups and [[adoptee]] organizations active in the United States that provide a network of options for adoptees who seek out other adoptees from the same country of origin.  Take advantage of all the resources available to your family, whether it is another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.
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Many [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] find it important to find support after the [[adoption]].  There are many public and private nonprofit post-[[adoption]] services available for children and their families.  There are also numerous adoptive family support groups and [[adoptee]] [[organizations]] active in the United States that provide a network of options for adoptees who seek out other adoptees from the same country of origin.  Take advantage of all the resources available to your family, whether it is another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.
  
  
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'''U.S. Embassy Kabul'''
 
'''U.S. Embassy Kabul'''
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Great Massoud Road, Kabul, Afghanistan
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Great Massoud Road, Kabul, [[Afghanistan]]
 
Tel:  +011 0700 108 499
 
Tel:  +011 0700 108 499
 
Email:  KabulACS@state.gov  
 
Email:  KabulACS@state.gov  
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'''Embassy of Afghanistan'''
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'''Embassy of [[Afghanistan]]'''
 
2233 [[Wisconsin]] Ave., N.W.
 
2233 [[Wisconsin]] Ave., N.W.
 
Suite #216
 
Suite #216
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''Afghanistan also has consulates in [[New York]] and Los Angeles.''
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''[[Afghanistan]] also has consulates in [[New York]] and Los Angeles.''
  
  

Revision as of 18:52, 6 August 2014

The official flag of Aghanistan.
Source: cia.gov.

Map of Aghanistan.
Source: cia.gov.

Map of
Source: cia.gov

A collage of Pashtun Afghans.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Aerial view of a section of Kandahar
Source: wikipedia.org.

The incredible geography of .
Source: Wikipedia.org.

View of Shahr-i-Zohok (the "Red City") in Bamyan Province.
Source: cia.gov.

A bazaar in Kabul.
Source: cia.gov.

Afghan children in Badakhshan Province
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Afghan women working in a textile factory in Kabul, .
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Herat Masjidi Jami courtyard,
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Tribal and religious leaders in Southern .
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating international adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry Universal Accreditation Act.

Hague Convention Information

Afghanistan 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 Afghan Civil Code governs the rights and interests of minors in Afghanistan. Islamic Shari’a law, upon which Afghanistan family law is largely based, does not allow for adoption of Afghan children in Afghanistan. Therefore, U.S. citizens considering adoption of an Afghan child must obtain guardianship for the purpose of emigration and adoption in the United States from the Afghan Family Court that has jurisdiction over the prospective adoptive child’s place of residence. It is important to note that according to Afghan laws, prospective adoptive parents who are non-Muslim may not be appointed guardians of Muslim children. Strong cultural ties to Afghanistan (dual Afghan-American nationality, for example) may favorably influence the court’s decision, but are not required.


Prospective adoptive parents may apply for a U.S. immigrant visa in cases where the Afghan Family Court grants guardianship of an orphan as defined under U.S. immigration law. The Afghan Family Court must specifically rule that the child is permitted to leave the jurisdiction of Afghanistan for the purpose of being adopted in the United States by the prospective parents. Prospective adoptive parents should refer to our country information sheet on Adoption of Children From Countries in which Islamic Shari'a Law is Observed for more information.

Who Can Adopt

In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, you must also meet the following requirements in order to adopt a child from Afghanistan (go to Who Can Adopt from Afghanistan") .

Who Can Be Adopted

In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, Afghanistan has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption (go to Who Can Be Adopted from Afghanistan).


Relinquishment Requirement:The child’s biological father, if living, may relinquish the child, or the Afghan Family Court can designate a legal guardian to do so.

Abandonment Requirement: As determined by the Afghan Family Court.

Age of Adoptive Child Requirement: Guardianship terminates when the child reaches the age of 18.

Sibling Adoption Requirement: N/A

Special Needs or Medical Condition Requirement: N/A

Waiting Period or Foster Care Requirement: N/A


Caution: Prospective adoptive parents should be aware that not all children in orphanages or children’s homes are adoptable. In many countries, birth parents place their child(ren) temporarily in an orphanage or children’s home due to financial or other hardship, intending that the child return home when this becomes possible. In such cases, the birth parent(s) have rarely relinquished their parental rights or consented to their child(ren)’s adoption.


In order to adopt a child from Afghanistan, a child must meet the definition of an orphan under U.S. law for you to bring him or her back to the United States. Find out more about Who Can Be Adopted and these U.S. requirements.

Prospective adoptive parents may petition the Afghan family court for guardianship of a specific child. However, obtaining legal guardianship under Afghan law does not automatically signify that a child is an orphan under U.S. law.

How to Adopt

Afghan's Adoption Authority

There is no central government adoption authority. Guardianship proceedings are handled by the Afghan Family Court.

The Process

The process for adopting a child from Afghanistan generally includes the following steps: (go to How to Adopt from Afghanistan.)

After Adoption

Guardians are not required to provide periodic reports on the child’s adjustment and welfare to the Afghan Family Court.


Post-Adoption Resources

Many adoptive parents find it important to find support after the adoption. There are many public and private nonprofit post-adoption services available for children and their families. There are also numerous adoptive family support groups and adoptee organizations active in the United States that provide a network of options for adoptees who seek out other adoptees from the same country of origin. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family, whether it is another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.


Here are some places to start your support group search:


Child Welfare Information Gateway

American Council on Adoptable Children

Adoption Services Support Groups for Adopting Persons


Contact Information

U.S. Embassy Kabul Great Massoud Road, Kabul, Afghanistan Tel: +011 0700 108 499 Email: KabulACS@state.gov Internet: U.S. Embassy Kabul


Embassy of Afghanistan 2233 Wisconsin Ave., N.W. Suite #216 Washington, D.C. 20007 Tel: (202) 298-9125 Fax: (202) 298-9127 Email: consulate@embassyofafghanistan.org Internet: Embassy of Afghanistan


Afghanistan also has consulates in New York and Los Angeles.


Office of Children’s Issues U.S. Department of State CA/OCS/CI SA-17, 9th Floor Washington, DC 20522-1709 Tel: 1-888-407-4747 Email: AskCI@state.gov


U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) For questions about immigration procedures: National Customer Service Center (NCSC) Tel: 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)


For questions about filing a Form I-600A or I-600 petition: National Benefits Center Tel: 1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-816-251-2770 (local) Email: NBC.Adoptions@uscis.dhs..gov


SOURCE

Intercountry Adoption. Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State. Country Information. [1] Last updated July 2013