December 23, 2016, new fees will go into effect for USCIS form

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Michael Steele Talks about His Adoption Story

Who doesn't need an inspiring adoption story during this time of year? We just listened to The Ax Files Podcast of Michael Steele talking about his adoption. Michael Steele is an American politician who served as the first African-American chairperson of the Republican National Committee. If you read Steele's Biography , you will see many of his accomplishments.  Although he has a tremendous resume, it wasn't smooth sailing for him to get there. Michael Steele's biological mother got pregnant with him back in the 50's while she was attending a Catholic University. She was on her way to "deal" with her pregnancy when she came across a nun that ended up changing her mind and instead, helped her to make an adoption plan. On  another side of the adoption triad, we have Mr. Steele's adoptive mother.  She and her husband wanted to have childen, but they were told they were infertile.  Mrs. Steele said this is when she knew that there was something bigger and...
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SIJS PROCESSING TIMES UPDATE

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SIJS Processing Times Updates I've filed a number of SIJS cases since May 2017 with no action.  Under TVPRA 2008, those cases are supposed to be decided within 6 months and that is what we used to see.  However, a number of factors have created the perfect storm to slow down decisions by USCIS. SIJS cases are now all routed to the National Benefits Center, instead of decided at local Field Offices.  There was a huge influx of children from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador fleeing gang violence and unsafe conditions beginning in 2014:  https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/07/15/us/questions-about-the-border-kids.html .  Many of those children applied for this pathway to a  law ful permanent resident card.  This pathway differs from asylum in that it is limited to children who have been abandoned, abused or neglected by one or more of their birth parents.  They also have to be under the age of 18 (unless their state court extends eligibility...
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How Good is Your Adoption Agency?

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I often am asked if a particular agency is a reputable agency.  The number one piece of advice that I offer is to always use a licensed adoption agency if you are considering placing a child for adoption OR if you are seeking to adopt. Why? Over the years, I've seen countless expectant parents suffer heartbreak when they have innocently connected with an adoption facilitator online instead of a licensed adoption agency with a physical address in their area.  The facilitator makes big promises and develops a phone relationship.  But, there are no on the ground services to the expectant parent,such as referrals for housing or job assistance, or pregnancy support centers, or doctors or clinics in her area.  And, no real pregnancy counseling.  As a result, the expectant parent is often unprepared to make an informed adoption decision when she gives birth. This same issue of lack of training and on the ground services leads many expectant parents to "change their min...
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