Agency News: Immigration policies during COVID-19
In an effort to keep families informed and up to date, America World would like to clarify recent statements published concerning the immigration process and how it relates to the homecoming of a child who has completed the adoption process.
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.
Regarding travel/entry to the United States, the March 11 and March 14, 2020 Presidential Proclamations do not apply to U.S. citizens or to others who fall under specific exceptions.
Regarding intercountry adoption cases, please note the Proclamations, under Section 2 – Scope of Suspension and Limitation on Entry, include exceptions for “any alien who is the child, foster child, or ward of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, or who is a prospective adoptee seeking to enter the United States pursuant to the IR-4 or IH-4 visa classifications; …”
Adopted children who are issued IR-2, IR-3, or IH-3 visas would generally be considered “the child … of a U.S. citizen” since issuance of such visas is dependent on a full and final adoption in the foreign court.
We hope that this brings peace to you today as we continue to walk through uncertainty. Please know that the America World staff is available to clarify, guide and assist your family every step of the way. We are looking toward the future; anticipating a great number of homecomings as the situation improves globally.