I-171H Expiration - Policy Change Needed

As you may know, families adopting children from other countries need to obtain immigration approval from the USCIS (formerly known as INS). The approval - called I-171H or I-797C - requires an application, fingerprinting and homestudy. The process is both expensive and time-consuming.

Once approved, the authorization is good for 18 months, which until recently was sufficient for families adopting from China. Because of the increasing wait times, though, it is very likely that currently in-process families will need to refile. This is costly and frustrating for us and a poor use of the USCIS' time - there are far more important immigration issues than re-processing already approved adoption files!

If you or anyone you know is in process or is considering international adoption, please take a few minutes to write your Senator, Representative, the President and the USCIS, asking that the expiration date of form I-171H/I-797C be extended to two years, longer if possible.

Here are links to the contact information for:
- your Senator
- your Representative
- the President
- the USCIS

Thank you for helping to make a difference!