Lofgren Introduces Bill to Simplify Foreign Adoption Process

Washington, D.C. – Recently, Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) introduced the International Adoption Harmonization Act of 2010 which allows an adopted child to legally immigrate so long as the adoption is completed and the petition is filed before the child turns 18. The current age limit is 16. The bill would also restore an international adoption exemption that was inadvertently eliminated when the U.S. joined the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoptions.

June 21, 2010

“I have heard countless stories from prospective parents in the United States about the inflexibility and draconian nature of our laws,” noted Rep. Zoe Lofgren. Adopting a child from a foreign country is already hard enough without unneeded bureaucratic headaches. My bill simply makes a few common sense changes to current law that will make it easier for American citizens to navigate the complicated adoption process.”

Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren is serving her eighth term in Congress representing most of the City of San Jose and Santa Clara County. She is the Chair of the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. She also serves as Chair of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law. She Chairs the House Administration Subcommittee on Elections and serves on the House Homeland Security Committee. Congresswoman Lofgren is Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation consisting of 34 Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives from California.