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Difference between revisions of "Adopting from Haiti"

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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/ha-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag of Haiti.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/flags/large/ha-lgflag.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''The official flag.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/ha-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Haiti.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/maps/ha-map.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/cam/ha_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map of Haiti.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
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{{#eimage:https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/graphics/locator/cam/ha_large_locator.gif|410x579px|thumb|'''Map.'''<BR/>Source: cia.gov.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8522/8534669058_651ee9e913_b.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Haiti.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8522/8534669058_651ee9e913_b.jpg|410x579px|thumb|''"'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/75/Coat_of_arms_of_Haiti.svg/510px-Coat_of_arms_of_Haiti.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms of Haiti.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/75/Coat_of_arms_of_Haiti.svg/510px-Coat_of_arms_of_Haiti.svg.png|410x579px|thumb|'''The official coat of arms.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6501158923_a57e83361c_b.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Haiti.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6501158923_a57e83361c_b.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''[[Haiti]].'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
 
{{#eimage:http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8491/8293453133_2380ac43e3_b.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The devastation after the earthquake in 2010.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
 
{{#eimage:http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8491/8293453133_2380ac43e3_b.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''The devastation after the earthquake in 2010.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6478848285_c469453708_b.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Haitian children.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
 
{{#eimage:http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6478848285_c469453708_b.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Haitian children.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ed/Haiti_Saut-d%27Eau.JPG/450px-Haiti_Saut-d%27Eau.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Waterfall at Saut-d'Eau in Haiti'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ed/Haiti_Saut-d%27Eau.JPG/450px-Haiti_Saut-d%27Eau.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Waterfall at Saut-d'Eau'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d4/Citadelle_Laferri%C3%A8re_Aerial_View.jpg/800px-Citadelle_Laferri%C3%A8re_Aerial_View.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Citadelle Laferrière aerial view, Haiti.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d4/Citadelle_Laferri%C3%A8re_Aerial_View.jpg/800px-Citadelle_Laferri%C3%A8re_Aerial_View.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Citadelle Laferrière aerial view.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/97/EscombrosBelAir7.jpg/800px-EscombrosBelAir7.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Street scene in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/97/EscombrosBelAir7.jpg/800px-EscombrosBelAir7.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Street scene in Port-au-Prince.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
  
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{{#eimage:|410x579px|thumb|'''Street scene in Haiti.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/90/EscombrosBelAir5_Edit1.jpg/800px-EscombrosBelAir5_Edit1.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''UN forces took to patrolling the streets of Port-au-Prince after the catastrophic January 2010 earthquake.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:|410x579px|thumb|'''Street scene in Haiti.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c8/CapHaitienMarche.jpg/800px-CapHaitienMarche.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Market, Cap-Haïtien.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:|410x579px|thumb|'''Street scene in Haiti.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f6/Labadee%2C_Haiti_Aug_2002.JPG/800px-Labadee%2C_Haiti_Aug_2002.JPG|410x579px|thumb|'''Labadee, a private resort on the northern coast and popular tourist destination.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
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{{#eimage:|410x579px|thumb|'''Street scene in Haiti.'''<BR/>Source: flickr.com.}}
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{{#eimage:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ae/Sans_Souci_Palace_Ruins.jpg/450px-Sans_Souci_Palace_Ruins.jpg|410x579px|thumb|'''Inside the ruins of Sans Souci Palace, Cap Haiten.'''<BR/>Source: Wikipedia.org.}}
  
  
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=Haiti Adoption Alert=
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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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<span style="color:red">'''Notice: Haiti deposits its instrument of ratification for the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention (January 16, 2014)'''
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The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed and qualified professional. While the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.
  
  
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The Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]] (the Convention) will enter into force for Haiti on April 1, 2014.  Haiti’s [[adoption]] authority, Institut du Bien-Être Social et de Recherches (IBESR), deposited its instrument of ratification with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the [[Netherlands]] on December 16, 2013. 
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=About Haiti=
  
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The native Taino - who inhabited the island of Hispaniola when it was discovered by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1492 - were virtually annihilated by Spanish settlers within 25 years. In the early 17th century, the French established a presence on Hispaniola.
  
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The Department is also currently assessing whether consular officers will be able to verify that the requirements of the Convention and the Intercountry [[Adoption]] Act of 2000 will have been met with respect to individual [[adoption]] cases by the date that the Convention enters into force for Haiti.  This decision includes determining if Haiti has designated a central authority and key competent authorities to undertake specific responsibilities outlined in the Convention as well as determining if those authorities have the capacity to fulfill their stated functions.  The Department must also review Haiti’s [[adoption]] laws, procedures, practices, and infrastructure to ensure that key Convention principles will be implemented.  Those principles include consideration of subsidiarity, adoptability of the child, effective consent, determination of habitual residence, prevention of improper financial gain, and prohibition against prior contact with a child’s [[Legal Guardian|legal guardian]](s) until the appropriate time in the [[adoption]] process. 
 
  
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To learn more about [[Haiti]] please read [[About Haiti (The Country)]]. 
  
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The Department of State expects to inform the public by April 1, 2014 whether the United States will be able to certify Convention adoptions from Haiti.  The Department of State will provide updated information on [[adoption]].state.gov.
 
  
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To read about the origin on the [[Haitian National Anthem|Haitian national anthem]] please read [[Haitian National Anthem]].
  
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USCIS will continue to accept [[I-600A]] applications specifying Haiti until March 31, 2014.  However, we encourage [[adoption]] service providers and prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] to contact IBESR prior to initiating a new [[adoption]] from Haiti.  If you have questions about the status of your [[adoption]] case, please work closely with your [[Adoption Agency|adoption agency]] or facilitator. 
 
  
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=Haiti Adoption Alert=
  
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Please refer to our website and to USCIS’ website at uscis.gov for updates on the status of the U.S. [[adoption]] program from Haiti as we approach Haiti’s entry into force date.  If you have any questions about this notice, please contact the Office of Children’s Issues via email at Haitiadoptions@state.gov.
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There have been multiple alerts for [[adoption]] in [[Haiti]].  To learn more please read the [[Haiti Adoption Alert]] page.
  
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<span style="color:red">'''Alert: Haiti authorizes U.S. [[adoption]] service providers (February 8, 2013)'''
 
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Haiti’s [[adoption]] authority, Institut du Bien-Être Social et de Recherches (IBESR), has authorized a limited number of U.S. [[adoption]] service providers (ASPs) to provide [[adoption]] services in Haiti pursuant to its new administrative [[adoption]] procedures, which became effective on November 5, 2012.  Although these new procedures are part of the Government of Haiti’s efforts to become a Hague [[Adoption]] Convention partner with the United States, at this time Haiti is not party to the Convention.  The U.S. government will continue to process adoptions under the non-Hague [[system]] until the Convention enters into force for Haiti.
 
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In order to complete an intercountry [[adoption]] from Haiti, the [[adoption]] must comply with all of Haiti’s laws and regulations.  These include the eligibility of the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] to adopt, the eligibility of the child for intercountry [[adoption]], and the [[matching]] of prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] with a specific child.  The child must also meet the definition of an [[orphan]] under U.S. immigration law.  All adoptions filed with the Haitian government on or after November 5, 2012 must comply with the new procedures.
 
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The Department strongly urges all U.S. prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] interested in pursuing an [[adoption]] in Haiti to work with an ASP authorized by IBESR.  The Department emphasizes that Haiti’s new procedures prohibit adoptions in which arrangements are made directly between the biological parents or custodians and the prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] (i.e. private adoptions).  The new procedures also prohibit adoptions in which prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] seek a match with a child without the assistance of IBESR or an ASP authorized by the Haitian government (i.e. independent/individual adoptions).  Similarly, Haiti will not approve adoptions where the child’s biological parents or legal representatives expressly decide who will adopt their child, unless the [[adoption]] is of a spouse’s child, is an intra-family [[adoption]], is by a child’s foster family, or the child is the sibling of a child who has already been adopted. 
 
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The procedures (paras. 37-40) also specifically require ASPs authorized by IBESR to conduct post-[[adoption]] reporting on the child every six months for the first two years and annually for three additional years after the child is placed with the adoptive family.  These reports must include a medical evaluation of the child, a school report, a psychological evaluation, and a social evaluation.  The director of the authorized ASP must author the first four reports and forward them directly and solely to IBESR, whereas an independent expert may author the final three reports and the parents can submit them to IBESR.
 
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According to IBESR, the following 20 U.S. ASPs have been authorized to provide [[adoption]] services in Haiti.  The Department will publish the names of any additional authorized ASPs upon receipt of official notification.  Publication of this list of ASPs does not constitute the Department’s endorsement of them:
 
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* A Love Beyond Borders
 
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* [[Adoption]]-LinkAll Blessings International/Kentucky [[Adoption]] Services
 
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* All God’s Children International
 
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* America World [[Adoption]]
 
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* Bethany Christian Services
 
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* Building [[Arizona]] Families
 
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* Carolina [[Adoption]] Services, Inc.
 
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* Children of All Nations
 
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* Children’s House International
 
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* Chinese Children [[Adoption]] International
 
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* Dillon International, Inc.
 
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* European [[Adoption]] Consultants, Inc.
 
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* Holt International Children’s Services, Inc.
 
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* Lifeline Children’s Services
 
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* Love Basket
 
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* MLJ Adoptions, Inc.
 
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* Nightlight Christian Adoptions
 
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* Sunny Ridge Family Center, Inc.
 
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* Wasatch [[International Adoptions]]
 
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The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince will continue to clarify the new procedures as they are updated by IBESR, and the information in this update is subject to change.  Please refer to our website [[adoption]].state.gov for updates on adoptions in Haiti.
 
  
 
=Hague Convention Information=
 
=Hague Convention Information=
  
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'''Children Affected by the earthquake in Haiti (January 22, 2010)'''
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[[Haiti]] is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]] ([http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/overview.php Hague Adoption Convention]). Therefore, when the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry [[adoption]] processing for [[Haiti]] did not change.  To learn more please read about [[Haiti and the Hague Convention]].
  
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The Department of State is receiving inquiries from American citizens deeply touched by the plight of children in Haiti in the aftermath of the January 12 earthquake.
 
  
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As Secretary of State Clinton said on January 20, "Children are especially vulnerable in any disaster, especially those without parents or other guardians to look after them. This devastating earthquake has left many in need of assistance, and their welfare is of paramount concern as we move forward with our rescue and relief efforts."
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=Who Can Adopt=
  
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Together with the Department of Homeland Security, the State Department is processing and evacuating as quickly as possible those orphans who were identified for [[adoption]] by American citizens before the earthquake.
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To bring an [[adopted]] child to United States from [[Haiti]], you must be found eligible to [[adopt]] by the U.S. Government. To learn more please read about [[Who Can Adopt from Haiti]].
  
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We understand that other Americans, moved by images of children in need, want to open their homes and adopt other Haitian children who had not been identified for [[adoption]] before the earthquake. The State Department advises against this course of action at this time. Intercountry [[adoption]] involves strict safeguards and legal requirements that must be met to protect children from illegal adoptions, abduction, sale and child-trafficking as well as to ensure that any [[adoption]] is in the best interests of the child.
 
  
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Before a child can be legally taken to the United States for [[adoption]], the Governments of both the United States and the child’s country of origin must first determine that the child is indeed an [[orphan]]. It can be extremely difficult during the aftermath of a natural disaster to ascertain whether children who appear to be orphans truly are eligible for [[adoption]]. Children may be temporarily separated from their parents or other family members, and their parents or family members may be looking for them. Moreover, it is not uncommon in an emergency or unsettled situation for parents to send their children out of the area, or for families to become separated during an evacuation. Efforts to reunite such children with relatives or [[Extended Family|extended family]] should be given priority.
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
  
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In addition, some children who had been residing in orphanages before the earthquake were placed there temporarily by parents who could not care for them. In most of these cases the parents did not intend to permanently give up their [[Parental Rights|parental rights]]. Even when it can be demonstrated that children have indeed lost their parents or have been abandoned, [[reunification]] with other relatives in the [[Extended Family|extended family]] should be the first option.
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[[Haiti]] has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. To learn the details of these requirements please read about [[Who Can Be Adopted from Haiti]].
  
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During times of crisis, it can also be exceptionally difficult to fulfill the legal requirements for [[adoption]] of both the United States and the child's country of origin. This is especially true when civil authority breaks down or temporarily ceases to function. It can also be difficult to gather documents necessary to fulfill the legal requirements of U.S. immigration law.
 
  
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The United States is cooperating directly with UNICEF and other relief organizations in Haiti to deliver needed supplies to Haiti’s orphanages and to provide assistance to other unaccompanied children. UNICEF is starting the process of registering unaccompanied children and will seek to unite children with relatives.
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=How to Adopt=
  
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There are many ways in which U.S. citizens can help the children of Haiti now. For example, individuals who wish to assist can make a financial contribution to a reputable relief or humanitarian organization working in that country.
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The process for adopting a child from [[Haiti]] generally includes the following steps:
  
  
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# Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider]]
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# Apply to be Found Eligible to [[Adopt]]
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# Be Matched with a Child
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# [[Adopt]] the Child in [[Haiti]]
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# Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Adoption]]
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# Bring Your Child Home
  
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'''Parents with Pending Haitian [[Adoption]] Cases (January 25, 2010)'''
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To learn more about this process please read about [[How to Adopt from Haiti]].
  
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Our hearts go out to the people of Haiti who have suffered such devastating losses as a result of the January 12 earthquake. Our thoughts are also with the many families across the country who have been waiting patiently for information about their adoptive children. The U.S. Government is working day and night to unify eligible orphans with their adoptive families here.
 
  
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As Secretary of State Hilary Rodham Clinton stated on January 21, 2010, "There are several hundred Americans in the United States who were already in the process of adopting Haitian children before the earthquake. As a mother, I share the anxiety that they must be feeling as they wait for word about their children's safety, and we are doing everything possible to locate these children and then expedite their arrival in our country."
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=Traveling Abroad=
  
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To learn about traveling in [[Haiti]] please read [[Traveling Abroad in Haiti]].
  
  
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=After Adoption=
  
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Haiti is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry [[Adoption]] ([http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/overview.php Hague Adoption Convention]). Therefore, when the Hague [[Adoption]] Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry [[adoption]] processing for Haiti did not change.
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'''What does [[Haiti]] require of the [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] after the [[adoption]]?'''
  
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[[Haiti]] does not have any post-[[adoption]] requirements.
  
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Haitian law does not allow for a Haitian child to travel to the United States to be adopted. Therefore, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] must obtain a full and final [[adoption]] under Haitian law before the child can immigrate to the United States. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] can expect a lengthy process to adopt a child in Haiti.
 
  
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'''What resources are available to assist families after the [[adoption]]?'''
  
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Haitian courts, in some jurisdictions such as Port-au-Prince, require American prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] to travel to Haiti to appear before a justice of the peace in consent proceedings before the [[adoption]] is finalized. The U.S. Government does not require [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] to travel to Haiti at any time during the [[adoption]] and immigrant visa process. While It is our understanding that this should only take one trip to Haiti to complete the process, the number of trips will depend heavily on the local agents in scheduling and planning on behalf of their clients, the availability of the consenting parties, and of course on the availability of the magistrates.
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Many [[Adoptive Parents|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.
  
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=Who Can Adopt=
 
  
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To bring an adopted child to United States from Haiti, you must be found eligible to adopt by the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government agency responsible for making this determination is the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). [http://adoption.state.gov/adoption_process/who_can_adopt/eligibility.php Learn more].
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Here are some good places to start your support group search:
  
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In addition to these U.S. requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]], Haiti also has the following eligibility requirements for prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]]:
 
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==Residency==
 
  
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Haitian law does not require prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] to reside in Haiti, although Haitian courts and/or the Institut du Bien Etre Social et de Recherches (IBESR, the Haitian [[adoption]] authority) may require American prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] to travel to Haiti before the [[adoption]] is finalized. The U.S. Government does not require [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] to travel to Haiti at any time during the [[adoption]] and immigrant visa process.
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[https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoption.cfm Child Welfare Information Gateway]  
  
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==Age of Adopting Parents==
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[http://www.nacac.org/ North American Council on Adoptable Children]
  
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Under Haitian law, the prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]] must be 35 or older. For married couples, one prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]] may be under age 35, provided the couple has been married for ten years and has no biological children. The [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]] must be at least 19 years older than the child they intend to adopt. These restrictions can be waived with permission from the President of Haiti.(please see note below on "Waiver of Ineligibility.")
 
  
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==Marriage==
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'''NOTE:'' Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.
  
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Adoptions by married couples require the consent of both spouses. This restriction can be waived with permission from the President of Haiti. (please see note below on "Waiver of Ineligibility.")  '''NOTE:''' U.S. immigration procedures still require the signature of both spouses on the USCIS Form [[I-600]] (Petition to Classify [[Orphan]] as Immediate Relative).
 
  
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==Income==
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=Contact Information=
  
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Haitian law permits adoptions by single parents, provided they meet the age requirements. [[Adoptive Parents|Adoptive parents]] who already have children will need to obtain a waiver from the President of Haiti. This requirement is commonly waived.
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'''U.S. Embassy in [[Haiti]]'''
  
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==Other==
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Consular Section (Adoptions Unit)
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Boulevard du 15 Octobre
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Tabarre 41
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Tabarre, [[Haiti]]
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Tel: 509-2229-8000 (from [[Haiti]]); 1-866-829-2842 (from the United States)
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Email: papadoptions@state.gov
  
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Waiver of Ineligibility: While Presidential waivers of ineligibility are sometimes issued, they are difficult to obtain and require a lengthy period of time to process. Prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] who do not fit the guidelines should consider not adopting in Haiti.
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Mailing address in the United States:
  
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=Who Can Be Adopted=
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U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince
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Consular Section
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3400 Port-au-Prince Pl.
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[[Washington]], DC 20521-3400
  
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Haiti has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for [[adoption]]. You cannot adopt a child in Haiti unless he or she meets the requirements outlined below.
 
  
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'''Haitian [[Adoption]] Authority'''
  
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In addition to these requirements, a child must meet the definition of an [[orphan]] under U.S. immigration law for you to bring him or her back to the United States. Learn more about U.S. requirements.
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Institut du Bien Etre Social et de Recherches" (IBESR)
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13 rue des marguerites
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PORT-AU-PRINCE
  
  
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'''Eligibility Requirements:'''
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'''Embassy of [[Haiti]]'''
  
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2311 [[Massachusetts]] Ave., NW
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[[Washington]], DC 20008
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Tel: (202) 332-4090
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Fax: (202) 745-7215
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Email: embassy@haiti.org
  
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'''[[Relinquishment]] Requirements:''' Prospective [[Adoptive Parent|adoptive parent]](s) must obtain consent from the child's surviving parent(s) or [[Legal Guardian|legal guardian]]. Known as the " Extrait des Minutes du Greffe du Tribunal de Paix", this document describes the proceeding during which prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] and the child's biological parents or legal guardians agree to the [[adoption]]. Such proceeding takes place at the office of the Justice of the Peace with [[jurisdiction]] over the residence of the child. In some jurisdictions, such as Port au Prince, prospective [[Adoptive Parents|adoptive parents]] are required to appear personally before the Justice of the Peace to effect consent before the [[adoption]] is finalized. In the Port-au-Prince [[jurisdiction]], parents are also asked to appear before the Dean of the Civil Courts after appearing before the Justice of the Peace. It is feasible to accomplish both meetings in one trip. While it is our understanding that this should only take one trip to Haiti to complete the process, the number of trips will depend heavily on the local agents in scheduling and planning on behalf of their clients, the availability of the consenting parties, and of course on the availability of the magistrates.
 
  
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'''NOTE:'''  [[Haiti]] also has consulates in [[New York]], Miami, Chicago, and Boston. In addition, [[Haiti]] has honorary consuls located in the following cities who may perform authentication services: Atlanta, Denver, Detroit, Evansville, New Orleans, St. Louis, San Francisco and Trenton.
  
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'''[[Abandonment]] Requirements:''' If the biological parents of the child are deceased, their Extrait de l'Acte de Decès (extract of the death certificate) must be obtained from the Haitian National Archives
 
  
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=How to Adopt=
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'''Office of Children's Issues'''
  
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==Adoption Authority==
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U.S. Department of State 
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CA/OCS/CI 
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SA-17, 9th Floor
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[[Washington]], DC 20522-1709
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Tel: 1-888-407-4747
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E-mail: AskCI@state.gov
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Website: [http://adoption.state.gov U.S. Department of State]
  
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'''Haitian [[Adoption]] Authority'''
 
  
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Institut du Bien Etre Social et de Recherches (IBESR)
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'''U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)'''
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==The Process==
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For questions about immigration procedures, contact the National Customer Service Center (NCSC) at
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1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833).
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The process for adopting a child from Haiti generally includes the following steps:
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# Choose an [[Adoption Service Provider]]
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# Apply to be Found Eligible to Adopt
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# Be Matched with a Child
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# Adopt the Child in Haiti
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# Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for [[Adoption]]
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# Bring Your Child Home
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=Traveling Abroad=
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=After Adoption=
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==SOURCE==
 
==SOURCE==
  
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'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information'''
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'''Intercountry [[Adoption]], Bureau of Consular Affairs.  U.S. Department of State Country Information''' adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=haiti
  
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]
 
[[Category: International Adoption]]

Latest revision as of 04:48, 19 February 2018

The official flag.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

Map.
Source: cia.gov.

"'
Source: flickr.com.

The official coat of arms.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

.
Source: flickr.com.

The devastation after the earthquake in 2010.
Source: flickr.com.

Haitian children.
Source: flickr.com.

Waterfall at Saut-d'Eau
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Citadelle Laferrière aerial view.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Street scene in Port-au-Prince.
Source: flickr.com.

UN forces took to patrolling the streets of Port-au-Prince after the catastrophic January 2010 earthquake.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Market, Cap-Haïtien.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Labadee, a private resort on the northern coast and popular tourist destination.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Inside the ruins of Sans Souci Palace, Cap Haiten.
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.

The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed and qualified professional. While the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.


About Haiti

The native Taino - who inhabited the island of Hispaniola when it was discovered by Christopher COLUMBUS in 1492 - were virtually annihilated by Spanish settlers within 25 years. In the early 17th century, the French established a presence on Hispaniola.


To learn more about Haiti please read About Haiti (The Country).


To read about the origin on the Haitian national anthem please read Haitian National Anthem.


Haiti Adoption Alert

There have been multiple alerts for adoption in Haiti. To learn more please read the Haiti Adoption Alert page.


Hague Convention Information

Haiti is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). Therefore, when the Hague Adoption Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry adoption processing for Haiti did not change. To learn more please read about Haiti and the Hague Convention.


Who Can Adopt

To bring an adopted child to United States from Haiti, you must be found eligible to adopt by the U.S. Government. To learn more please read about Who Can Adopt from Haiti.


Who Can Be Adopted

Haiti has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption. To learn the details of these requirements please read about Who Can Be Adopted from Haiti.


How to Adopt

The process for adopting a child from Haiti generally includes the following steps:


  1. Choose an Adoption Service Provider
  2. Apply to be Found Eligible to Adopt
  3. Be Matched with a Child
  4. Adopt the Child in Haiti
  5. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Adoption
  6. Bring Your Child Home

To learn more about this process please read about How to Adopt from Haiti.


Traveling Abroad

To learn about traveling in Haiti please read Traveling Abroad in Haiti.


After Adoption

What does Haiti require of the adoptive parents after the adoption?

Haiti does not have any post-adoption requirements.


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


'NOTE: Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.


Contact Information

U.S. Embassy in Haiti

Consular Section (Adoptions Unit) Boulevard du 15 Octobre Tabarre 41 Tabarre, Haiti Tel: 509-2229-8000 (from Haiti); 1-866-829-2842 (from the United States) Email: papadoptions@state.gov

Mailing address in the United States:

U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince Consular Section 3400 Port-au-Prince Pl. Washington, DC 20521-3400


Haitian Adoption Authority

Institut du Bien Etre Social et de Recherches" (IBESR) 13 rue des marguerites PORT-AU-PRINCE


Embassy of Haiti

2311 Massachusetts Ave., NW Washington, DC 20008 Tel: (202) 332-4090 Fax: (202) 745-7215 Email: embassy@haiti.org


NOTE: Haiti also has consulates in New York, Miami, Chicago, and Boston. In addition, Haiti has honorary consuls located in the following cities who may perform authentication services: Atlanta, Denver, Detroit, Evansville, New Orleans, St. Louis, San Francisco and Trenton.


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 E-mail: AskCI@state.gov Website: U.S. Department of State


U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

For questions about immigration procedures, contact the National Customer Service Center (NCSC) at 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833).


SOURCE

Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State Country Information adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=haiti