[adoptionnus]

Hi All,

My husband and I are looking to get into the adoption process. I have read some of the threads, and got to know quite a bit about the process, but hopefully some of you could reply to this too.

I have a zillion questions especially considering we are looking to adopt an Indian child and we are residents here in california.
He and I are both Indian Citizens, US green card holders for 1-1/2 years and it seems like it will be too long if we have to wait for our citizenship.
My questions:
1. Have any of you been in this situation?
2. If so, can you suggest what we could do to get into the process now?
3. Even if you have not ridden the same boat, do you have any suggestions on what we can do?
4. What if we are ok with one of us moving back home to be with the child after everything is done?Would that help in not needing one of us to be a US citizen?
5. What are some of the requirements medically for us to qualify for adoption? What I mean is - can we both look to adopt even if we could get pregnant in the future?
6. Are there any agencies here in California which assist with Indian adoptions?

Too many questions for my first posting, but I can't stop now that I have started.

Best wishes to all.

[mom2tara]

All I know is #5 - Yes, you can adopt even if you are able to have kids later.

[adoptionnus]

Dear Mom2tara,
Thanks for your reply. I will follow the lead that you have given me.
We have decided that even if we are not US citizens we will go ahead with the process.
I seriously don't know how that is going to work out, but we will cross the bridge when we get to it.

I read some of the other postings where members have suggested to adopt Indian babies from the US itself. Not sure how that will work out though. If anyone has even attempted this or been successful at it please write.

Thanks!

[BrandyHagz]

Non-US Citizens can't adopt internationally and bring the Child to the US.

You (or at least one of you) has to be a citizen of the US to adopt abroad.

The only way 'around' the rule is to adopt the child and stay in India for 2 years, then you can apply for a regular Visa for your child and bring him/her to the US.

Otherwise, it's not possible

[adoptionnus]

Yes, that is what we were thinking as an alternative. which is staying in India until we are eligible for the visa for baby.
However, we cannot stay in India for a continuous 2 years else we lose the green card too. Well, cross that bridge too then.

I am going to write to the org Children of India and see if they can suggest a licensed agency for us here in the bay area, CA. Do any of you know or have worked with a good agency in this area?

[BrandyHagz]

Well, since you won't be able to adopt abroad, it' likely going to be very hard for you to find an agency that will work with you (since they will be unable to complete the adoption as you will not legally be able to adopt).

If you're wanting to adopt, then it's possible that domestic adoption would be a good fit. US Citizenship is not required in order to adopt domestically.

[adoptionnus]

Brandy,
So what you mean is that if we are sitting here in the US as permanent residents and looking to adopt from India itself, then it will be tough to find an agency that will work with us?

Ideally, what we want to do is find an agency which will help us look to adopt both domestically and from India.

If it turns out that we get referred within the US then wow! great.. we will find the process smoother.
But, if the agency located here locally in the bay area will support us in looking to adopt internationally from India and when that comes through either of us will move to India.

I so hope that this process is not as difficult as it seems to be. Well, even if it is, we just have to work through it.

Thanks for your replies Brandy.

[BrandyHagz]

So what you mean is that if we are sitting here in the US as permanent residents and looking to adopt from India itself, then it will be tough to find an agency that will work with us?

You can't adopt from India if you live in the US and aren't a US Citizen. It isn't possible. So no, you likely won't find an agency that will work with you regarding that (since it's not possible/legal).

As for domestic - are you looking to match only with Indian children? If that's the case, then domestic adoption might also be difficult.

You should speak with an agency in your area for more information - but it sounds like you're wanting to adopt an Indian child, either here in the US or in India. Since India isn't an option for you (since you're not citizens) you might find your wait very long...as there (in my expereince) aren't many women from India in the US placing their children for adoption.