Discouraging Visa News

Here is the newest information concerning the issuing of visas in Liberia:

The consular is requiring adoption agencies to make an appointment for a pre-visa interview. That can only be done on a certain day and only for a couple of hours that day. After the petition has been filed, the consular requires 3 weeks to conduct a mandatory I-604-Determination on Child for Adoption. Due to security concerns, the consular staff is requiring that agencies bring in the relinquishing birth parent for an interview with the consular. This can be very difficult due to the fact that some birth parents live many hours away. DNA testing will be required for all cases which consular staff cannot determine parentage by interview. Adoption providers can drop off documents pertaining to adoptions on Thursdays from 2-4:00 p.m.. Parents cannot meet with the consular unless they have a visa interview which can only be Thursdays from 2-4:00p.m.

Here is the part that gets me...the embassy gets its directions from the state department in Washington. The same government that approved our adoption is now trying to slow it down. Go figure! They don't want to stop adoptions, they just want to slow them down to such a point that parents will be discouraged and not adopt from this country. They are now considering requiring parents to stay in country for a month. If the agency cannot locate the parent to a child, then no visa will be issued.

Patty Anglin (AOH) is making plans to go to the embassy early next. Please, please continue to pray for this situation and the many children who will be affected by this. Also, if you would consider writing to your senator, representative, and the state department concerning this issue and reminding them about the Geneva convention and a child's right to be adopted. Lives are at risk.

At this point I do not know what this means for us and Kenneth. The last time I spoke with Donna at Acres of Hope (two days ago) she said that Kenneth should have his pre-visa interview scheduled in September. As soon as I know anything I will post it.