In the guise of full disclosure
Hi everyone, Sam again. I'm getting pretty common around here, maybe I should get my own account for the blog.
Anyways today was our Adoption board meeting and all went smoothly as can be. I think Hannah may want to expand on that a bit, but really the fear and anxiety we felt over that was largely overblown. It was a real simple affair with three women from the Child Adoption Board. They asked us a few questions about our trip, how Jesse was adjusting, etc.. It was much like the meeting for the homestudy, you expect a lot worse than it really is.
What we really should have feared was the US CIS / Homeland Security. They hold the real keys and are the real gatekeepers in this whole ordeal. If you are in the process or the slightest bit squeamish you may wish to turn away now.
After all Jesse had a father. He had a mother (as so many do). Oops sorry wrong tale. Anyways Jesse's mother had relinquished her rights to the Thai Red Cross, and the father was apparently not in the picture. I had thought that it was a pretty clear case of a single parent who can not support a child. On the I-600 form there is a place to indicate this exact situation. Well apparently that may be our downfall.
Here's where it all gets sticky. Jesse's mother says she can't support him and hands him over to the Thai Red Cross (TRC.) The TRC gives us his referral. We travel to Thailand and meet the DSDW Adoption Board, who gives their approval. We thought we were home free. Well then the USCIS steps in and says wait. Are you sure he is an orphan? Could his mother support him by our standards? Under Thai law do we need to try contacting the birth father if his information is known? Will Jesse be able to become a Listopad? Will Hannah and Sam be able to catch their flight on the 20th of June? Tune in next time same bat time, same bat channel. Oops sorry again ;)
So apparently the CIS officer is going to do some investigating and hopefully give us some more information tomorrow. She seemed optimistic, but with government employees you never can tell what they are really thinking. I think its part of their training program.
What I don't get is that he was relinquished to the TRC, not us. So how can USCIS say no, she really could support him if she wanted to, which is their way of trying to stop baby buying? Its not like she relinquished rights to us, she didn't even know we existed. Another twist in the whole thing is that she may be supporting her first born son still. So I am not sure how that is going to come into the USCIS' determinations.
So hopefully tomorrow we will learn more, though it means we will probably be holding close to the hotel all day in order to see if we need to do anything or not.
And getting back to the title, I wonder if I had just checked the box "no parents" would all this have been glossed over?
PS If you are going to be around Ian, please don't discuss this in too much detail. If an unfavorable decision comes down we will talk to him then, until then I don't want him worrying about his brother not coming home.
Anyways today was our Adoption board meeting and all went smoothly as can be. I think Hannah may want to expand on that a bit, but really the fear and anxiety we felt over that was largely overblown. It was a real simple affair with three women from the Child Adoption Board. They asked us a few questions about our trip, how Jesse was adjusting, etc.. It was much like the meeting for the homestudy, you expect a lot worse than it really is.
What we really should have feared was the US CIS / Homeland Security. They hold the real keys and are the real gatekeepers in this whole ordeal. If you are in the process or the slightest bit squeamish you may wish to turn away now.
After all Jesse had a father. He had a mother (as so many do). Oops sorry wrong tale. Anyways Jesse's mother had relinquished her rights to the Thai Red Cross, and the father was apparently not in the picture. I had thought that it was a pretty clear case of a single parent who can not support a child. On the I-600 form there is a place to indicate this exact situation. Well apparently that may be our downfall.
Here's where it all gets sticky. Jesse's mother says she can't support him and hands him over to the Thai Red Cross (TRC.) The TRC gives us his referral. We travel to Thailand and meet the DSDW Adoption Board, who gives their approval. We thought we were home free. Well then the USCIS steps in and says wait. Are you sure he is an orphan? Could his mother support him by our standards? Under Thai law do we need to try contacting the birth father if his information is known? Will Jesse be able to become a Listopad? Will Hannah and Sam be able to catch their flight on the 20th of June? Tune in next time same bat time, same bat channel. Oops sorry again ;)
So apparently the CIS officer is going to do some investigating and hopefully give us some more information tomorrow. She seemed optimistic, but with government employees you never can tell what they are really thinking. I think its part of their training program.
What I don't get is that he was relinquished to the TRC, not us. So how can USCIS say no, she really could support him if she wanted to, which is their way of trying to stop baby buying? Its not like she relinquished rights to us, she didn't even know we existed. Another twist in the whole thing is that she may be supporting her first born son still. So I am not sure how that is going to come into the USCIS' determinations.
So hopefully tomorrow we will learn more, though it means we will probably be holding close to the hotel all day in order to see if we need to do anything or not.
And getting back to the title, I wonder if I had just checked the box "no parents" would all this have been glossed over?
PS If you are going to be around Ian, please don't discuss this in too much detail. If an unfavorable decision comes down we will talk to him then, until then I don't want him worrying about his brother not coming home.
posted by Hannah | 8:18 AM
10 Comments:
Saying extra prayers for you all.
- Maria
Prayers for a speedy resolution to all of this are coming your way. You would think the Homeland Security people had a few other things to worry about.
I can't imagine how you are dealing with all of this. Hugs, Libby & the boys
Hannah and Sam.
keep positive it will all work out.
Love you
donna
Hey, if prayers and a support network can win the day, you guys are in! I'll keep fingers crossed!
I've only just read all your blogs today but you have to have faith that everything will work out. This is beaurocracy at it's extreme but you have already proved that you are intelligent and committed people who know how to dig down deep for an extra dose of patience and that you will prevail this next test. All my best wishes-Dawn
Hi Hannah and Sam,
Mark and I have loved following your adventures in Thailand and seeing Jesse in your arms where he belongs. We believe with our whole heart that is where he will stay. We'll say extra prayers for a quick resolution to this snag in the process. We'll get Mom Sansone on it, too! :o)
Hang in there!
Jen & Mark
(P.S. Hannah, so glad you're feeling better!)
Hannah and Sam, I can only imagine the frustration you must be feeling right now! Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I know it will all work out.
Love, Wendy
Wow, that's a little more excitement than I bet you wanted. I'm glad the board went smoothly, but I am crossing every finger and toe for good news from USCIS tomorrow (today for you!). Hang in there!
Oh man!! You must be feeling so anxious. I'm so sorry this has happened to you. But you are so courageous, you have come so far and are nearly there. Just hang in there.
Hannah and Sam,
Thinking of you and sending you prayers for a speedy resolution.
April
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