NCFA Calls for Urgent Federal Action on Disruptions to Intercountry Adoption Visa Processing

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — National Council For Adoption (NCFA) is deeply concerned about recent disruptions to U.S. visa processing that are affecting intercountry adoption cases and leaving some American families stranded overseas with their newly adopted children.

Adoption service providers have reported canceled or postponed visa appointments, delays in issuing visas, and families stranded overseas without clear timelines for returning home with their children.

The consequences for children and families are immediate and serious. Some parents have already traveled overseas, completed their children’s adoptions, and taken custody but cannot return home because the required immigrant visa interview or issuance has been delayed. Families are experiencing separation, unexpected lodging and travel expenses, employment disruptions, and considerable emotional distress—all without knowing when their cases will move forward.

“This is not a routine travel inconvenience,” said Kate Kennedy, President and CEO of National Council For Adoption. “These families have completed extensive legal and immigration requirements, and some are already overseas caring for children who are now legally part of their families. They deserve prompt action and clear, direct communication from their government.”

NCFA is working with adoption service providers, the Department of State’s Office of Children’s Issues, and other federal contacts to understand the scope of the disruption and help resolve affected cases.

Specifically, NCFA is asking the Department of State to:

• Provide adoption service providers and families with an immediate explanation of the disruption and its anticipated duration;
• Prioritize cases involving families who are already overseas or have taken custody of their children;
• Promptly reschedule canceled adoption visa interviews and complete visas following interviews that have already occurred;
• Ensure that intercountry adoption cases are not unnecessarily delayed by operational changes directed at unrelated visa categories; and
• Establish consistent and timely communication with adoption service providers while the disruption continues.

“Clear communication is essential,” Kennedy added. “Agencies cannot adequately guide families when they have not received information from the federal officials responsible for these cases. NCFA stands ready to work constructively with the Department of State to resolve this situation and bring these children and families home.”

Families with pending cases should remain in close contact with their adoption service providers, which are best positioned to provide guidance about individual circumstances. NCFA will continue monitoring developments and will share verified information as it becomes available.

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About National Council For Adoption

Founded in 1980, National Council For Adoption (NCFA) is a global adoption advocacy nonprofit that promotes a culture of adoption through education, research, legislative action, and collaboration. As the authoritative voice for adoption, NCFA’s areas of focus include domestic infant adoption, adoption from foster care, and intercountry adoption.

For more information, visit www.AdoptionCouncil.org.

Media Contact:
ncfa@adoptioncouncil.org
703-299-6633