[peddy]

I am interested in adopting a child under an unusual set of circumstances. He was born in Romania and given up by his parents along with his brother, they lived in the tunnels and streets like many of the other Romanian streetchildren that do so today. His brother and him came to America about 8 years ago and since his brother died and he has been living on the streets.

We are not sure what to do? His brother and him came to America illegally and he has no legitimate citizenship and we are worried if he will be sent back to Romania if we go to the authorities or to an agency. If he gets sent back to Romania no doubt he will end up on the streets again, he has no family, no parents and nothing to look forward to in Romania. Sadly, he has just turned 15. We are not sure how to approach this?

Should we go to a legitimate adoption agency? Do you think they will try to send him to Romania if we do? There is no doubt about us keeping this child, the only question is how we can do it

Help needed quickly!

[lucyjoy]

The best thing I can think of is to contact an immigration lawyer/
Because he is a minor, you may be able to obtain some form of guardianship while this is worked out. If I'm reading this right, he entered the country at around age 7 so he'd have been to young to be responsible for his illegal entry. Since he has no family to speak of, I can't see him being sent back. The lawyer will know more about how the US will handle how he got into the country. At 7, he would have required help.

[Waiting4Skip]

I agree with the last poster. I think a lawyer specialing in immigration issues can probably give you the best guidance.

Good luck!

Judy