President’s immigration ban and international adoption

Holt International,
Worldwide ministry based in Eugene Oregon

Since April 22, we have heard from a number of families concerned about President Trump’s executive order suspending immigration to the U.S. during the economic recovery period following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Holt has now received confirmation that this suspension does not apply to immigration via international adoption. Children can still travel home to the U.S. with their adoptive families, and international adoptions can move forward without delay.

Here is the official notice we received today from the Department of State:

“Dear Adoption Service Providers,

The April 22, 2020, Presidential Proclamation Suspending Entry of Immigrants Who Present Risk to the U.S. Labor Market During the Economic Recovery Following the COVID-19 Outbreak includes exceptions for adopted and prospective adoptive children.

Section 2, Scope of Suspension and Limitation on Entry, paragraph (b)(v) states:

“(b) The suspension and limitation on entry pursuant to section 1 of this proclamation shall not apply to:

(v) any alien who is under 21 years old and is the child of a United States citizen, or who is a prospective adoptee seeking to enter the United States pursuant to the IR-4 or IH-4 visa classifications; ”

We therefore understand this exception would apply to children seeking visas in the IR2, IR3, IH3, IR4, and IH4 categories.”

We want to assure you that Holt is continuing to process adoptions throughout this global health crisis. For over 60 years, we have dutifully carried out Holt’s mission to ensure every child has a loving and secure home. And while we are closely monitoring the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and have taken measures to protect our staff, we continue to serve children and families and do the mission-critical work of this organization to the greatest extent possible.

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