[Dawnb93]

That is the question. My agency called me last Tuesday and said they had a referral for us. Then they called us Wednesday and said that they wouldn't give us the referral because we don't have USCIS approval (I-171H). Well, then she said that they would give it to us if we insist, but that we shouldn't take the risk of the program closing down and us losing our money. I don't anticipate a problem with the USCIS approval as both DH and I are clean as a whistle, but timing is the issue. We filed I600A and were fingerprinted on 9/6/06, three months ago as of tomorrow. The New Orleans office is, apparently, extremely slow in processing these applications. We've tried calling them and were told they have 3-6 months to process them. I've e-mailed them, I've e-mailed my US Senator and I have an appointment with the USCIS on 12/11/06. If they take 6 months to process, that will put us into MARCH 2007! I've considered starting an all out e-mail campaign to my US Senator, asking everyone I know to write him on our behalf in hopes that this will get his attention. Any opinions on what we should do? Should we just wait for the bleeping USCIS patiently? Should we insist upon a referral and take the risk? How big is the risk that our approval won't come through before the country closes down (if it even closes down at all)? I know we have to make this decision for ourselves, I just wanted other views on the subject. And after lurking around this forum for a while, I do value your opinions. Thanks all.

Dawn

[mildredjohn]

If your POA is registered you would be under the Grandfather clause if something happen. But this is a tough situation to decide. Ask for this to your agency.

[KJones5]

It all depends on you! If you have your heart set on adoptiong an infant, I, personally, would wait until I had my I171H in my hand. Doesn't guarantee if you wait that you'll have a speedy process but it does help to know that you're not sitting around with no hope of anything happening until you get your I171H.

That's just my own opinion and doesn't necessarily mean that's right for your family. Only you know what the right thing to do is!

[PabloandCarlosMama]

You have a hard decision. I don't have any advice, but if you live in Louisianna, Senator Mary Landrieu has adopted two children, and prides herself on helping adoptive families. Perhaps her office could help you. Six months is a very long time to wait.

Best of luck to you.

[bbeard72]

I would wait until I had it to accept. My agency won't even give out any until you have it.

[Saya]

Personally, I would wait till I had my I171H in hand. It would be too hard to know my child was getting older and I didn't even have the paper work in place to start the process yet. But everyone is different - if you feel on some level that this is your child, then I can understand moving forward.

[maham0]

I personally would wait for my I171H because I would just lose my mind knowing that my baby was getting older and older without being able to progress to DNA and preapproval without that slip of paper. But, I'm a real baby person...so just my opinion. I accepted our son's referral 1 week before getting our I171H, but I knew for sure that the timeline for my area was very quick and sure enough, it came quickly after we accepted.

[AngelsMama]

My husband and I accepted a referal BEFORE we had our 171H thinking it would come quickly, It did not. Our case was able to progress but DNA of course had to wait. When we finally were able to get the DNA done we were out of FC and then hit speed bumps with the Embassy asking for more of the Biomom's info. In short it was two months after 171 approval that the DNA was completed. And while our case is progressing naturally (trapped in PGN with everyone else) our son is now a year old and still not home, so please be weary and make the decision that is right for you. I hope this helps. Feel free to PM me if you wnat to talk more.

[angieandstever]

I would wait until you get your USCIS approval to accept a referral. You just never know what could go wrong with your approval or how long it could take. Even though it is tempting do you really want to watch your baby get older and nothing happening on your file? I know I wouldn't. My agency wouldn't even give us a referral until approval was received. You have to do what is best for your family but I would seriously consider waiting.

[Dawnb93]

Thanks for the replies! I know everyone is right. We should wait for the I171H. It's just so hard knowing that the New Orleans office could take up to six months to process the application! It just feels like we're stuck in a big black hole. In a way I feel like it may be easier to have the referral in that we would know that our baby does indeed exist and is waiting for us. And then again, I know it would be harder wanting her home and not having the proper paperwork to get things going. ARGH!!! I guess I'll start gathering the troops soon for the e-mail campaign. Thanks again everyone!!!

Dawn

[pedinp2b]

This is a very personal decision. My husband and I accepted a referral of a newborn baby without our I-171H. We didn't really have a choice...once we saw her, she was ours. It was difficult knowing that she was getting older and we were not with her, but I do not regret our decison. She was the baby that we prayed for and God provided. We had a smooth process and brought her home at seven months. She is such a joy and has adjusted extremely well. Best of luck to you with this decison.

Teri
mom to 4 bio boys and 1 Guatemalan princess
Cenah Celeste- home forever September 27, 2006

[csw]

Hi
Our INS approval took 3 months..and that was with us hand carrying our homestudy to them and getting fingerprinted that same day..I sure hope your doesn't take six months..that is ridiculous..

Please PM me with the email address and info and I will be happy to help you in any way..

[LJR1974]

Our agency is less stringent about I171H status BECAUSE of the impending Hague mess. I guess they'd rather see someone matched with a baby and it take longer, than miss out on the process altogether. We accepted a referral without I171H. We know our dossier can be translated (4-6w?) and we can enter FC without it, so we feel ok about it. Our consultant estimates it should take 60-90 days for approval.

Just as pretty much everyone has said... a very personal decision. You just never know what can happen. I guess go with your gut.

[Disneycrazed]

I think if it were me, with this Hague looming over, I would do whatever choice would hopefully ensure I would be able to complete an adoption.
If the agency said I had a better chance if I accepted the referral , then I would accept. If the agency said I may lose my referral since we didn't have approval, then I would not start something that could end in heart break.
I hope whatever you decide works out well for you