Vietnamese Adoptions - DNA Requirement

According to CIS, On April 1, 2008 an internal USCIS field memo was inadvertently given to the public regarding a new policy requiring DNA testing for known birth families. CIS maintains this memo was not forwarded to adoption service providers. However, some adoptive families were alerted to the new requirement upon receipt of their I600 petitions, and they then forwarded the information to their agencies. USCIS has confirmed that a public statement was scheduled to be released at the same time however there were delays with revisions and in obtaining clearance. They are expecting that the statement, along with a Q&A, will be released sometime on Tuesday or Wednesday.

It is our current understanding that USCIS expects that DNA testing will expedite the process, allowing orphan status confirmation for example, in cases in which investigations cannot be completed due to non-cooperating Vietnamese authorities. Ethica will be having additional talks with USCIS and DOS in the coming days to clarify the rationale and basis for this policy as well as the consequences to Vietnamese adoptions. We hope to address the adoption community’s concerns and will share information as we receive it. Thank you for your support and patience.

–
Linh Song, MSW
Executive Director
Ethica, Inc.

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2 Comments Leave a comment.

  1. On at Margaret Said:

    I’m pleased to read this. DNA will ensure certainty as to who the child’s parents really are. This can also be helpful later if the child traces his/her family.

  2. On at Mary Said:

    I hope the DNA requirement will help eliminate the corruption.

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