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Klobuchar Statement on Guatemala Decision to Temporarily Halt Adoptions

May 6, 2008

Washington, D.C. – Senator Klobuchar released the following statement today in response to Guatemala’s decision to halt pending adoption cases for thirty days:

“The Guatemalan government’s decision to once again halt American adoptions is tragic.  Just this past weekend, I met with a number of Minnesotans who have already waited months and months to complete their adoptions in Guatemala.   Many of these families have already traveled to Guatemala to meet the children.  They know their names and cherish their photos.  They are eager to welcome these children into their homes, but they are frustrated by the confusion and uncertainty that has overtaken the adoption process there.
 
“Along with several other U.S. Senators, I met last week in Washington with Guatemala’s President, Álvaro Colom.  We urged him to work in a constructive way with American families who are trying to complete their adoptions in Guatemala.  We recognize there have been some problems with adoptions in Guatemala and we appreciate the Guatemalan government’s intention to ensure safe, responsible adoptions.  However, the right way to go about it is with well-considered, measured reforms, not by suddenly shutting out American families who are trying to do everything right.  We can’t have a red light/green light approach to adoptions.  I will continue to impress upon the Guatemalan government, as well as our own, the importance of a timely and orderly adoption process.  I trust that everyone’s goal is to make sure these children have permanent homes with loving families.”