[Bcelli]

Have any APs of older Russian kids gone through this process yet? Just wondering if there is a form and if so where that's sent, etc. We have a few years to go yet, but it came up at dinner the other day and I said I'd ask the board - they know everything. :-)

[votemom]

i'll ask my friend and post what i learn. she and her husband adopted several teens a few years back and they are getting older and moving out of the house now.

[DET62]

My understanding was that the dual citizenship only lasts until they are 18, then it's automatically over and done and the child is simply American. I think they have to apply to KEEP Russian citizenship.
Dee

[Mykidsmom]

I believe the child can choose to relinquish. There have been several heated discussions on another forum, but no one can give an answer so far. I will be watching this thread closely.

[kretzklan]

I understood it like Dee. They would have to apply to keep the Russian citizenship...but otherwise it just expires. I'll be interested to hear if it is different.

[beckyww]

Our understanding was Julia would have to apply to keep dual citizenship. Unless something changes - we'll encourage her to do so. Never know when that second passport might be handy.

Becky
The Woodworth Family in Beautiful San Antonio TX

[DET62]

I don't want my daughter to keep her Russian citizenship. I want her to think of herself as totally American. She came over here at age 13, so she has had to emotionally let go of her ties to Russia and it's an ongoing process. She talks about going back one day, but I tell her she's fine to visit but her future is HERE. Maybe that sounds selfish, but I know the terrible prejudice she will face there as a former orphan. I've also never told her this, but even though she still speaks Russian, it's very poor. She would get flak about that, if she retains it.

I understand her need to return to her village and try to find out about her birth family. I support that. I just want her to feel her home is here, and her real future is here. She suffered so much in Russia - neglect, physical abuse, emotional abuse - and I hate her to face anything even remotely similar again. Russian women often lead very difficult lives.

Dee

[momraine]

My daughter is proud of her Russian heritage and of her new American heritage. I encourage that in her. There are good people in Russia as well as not so good ones, just like here. My son I encourage pride in three heritages, his Polish, His Romany and his American. When my children become adults, they will make thier own decisions. I would never want to take anything away from them that is a part of them.

[rhouse77]

The adopted children will be citizens of Russia and US forever (unless the child relinquishes at 18).

I would not encourage that (relinquishing citizenship).
There isn't any upside that I can see...

[Bcelli]

One of the reasons I asked was because of possible requirement for military service when the boys are old enough. In that case, there is definitely an upside to relinquishing. I'm concerned how things might evolve in the future and what obligations they might have if they retain both. Our older son (9) has asserted he is defintely an American and will remain so. Our younger one (6) just wants more candy.

[verukasalt]

We just finalized adoption and were told our son would remain a dual citizen until age 18. I understood that to mean he would need to apply for dual again at age 18 in order to keep it.

[Mykidsmom]

rhouse That was my understanding.
Bcelli That is my concerns.

I have been told you go to the embassy to relinquish, but if you go during prime military age, what will prevent them from keeping your son/daughter. Once you are on embassy soil it is like being in the motherland. I know I sound paranoid, but nobody can tell me relinquishing has been done.

[Bcelli]

I don't think it's paranoid to consider all the possibilities. One thing that I assume would prevent that is that they are also U.S. citizens. The other would be ME! Never rile a mama bear. :-)

[Mykidsmom]

Yes, so true. I am thankful it is a number of years down the road. As we know things change on a regular basis.

So sorry if I got the original question off track.....I look forward to hearing from votemom.

[kretzklan]

I had a few questions for the consulate and since I was now wondering about this one - I called there today and was transferred to voicemail for the person in charge of adoption paperwork. I'm hoping I'll get a return call - but I do remember they aren't the greatest about actually listening to or responding to messages.
I have always worried about the military service issue. I think it's valid (but that's because it's my thought).