Adoptee Rights Law Center

Legal representation and advocacy for adult adopted people

Intercountry Adoptees

Congress Introduces the Adoptee Citizenship Act of 2024

First published on • Last updated on

Congress has introduced the Adoptee Citizenship Act of 2024, continuing the fight to secure US citizenship for all adopted people brought to the United States for adoption.

Getting Your Own Immigration Records

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A resource for intercountry adoptees to obtain their own immigration records through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Immigration Provisions in the Build Back Better Bill

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The Build Back Better bill contains provisions that could help millions of undocumented people, including some intercountry adoptees, though its impact is limited.

My Name is Monica Ross

First published on • Last updated on

I need your support to get the Adoptee Citizenship Act enacted. Support me and the thousands of other intercountry adoptees who are in the same situation.

What’s an Original Birth Certificate?

Most adopted persons know what an original birth certificate (OBC) is. Many non-adopted people do not. An original birth certificate is the initial birth certificate created shortly after a person's birth. For most people, it is their only birth certificate.

For persons born and adopted in the United States, a new or "amended" birth certificate replaces the OBC once the adoption is final. In addition to replacing the original, the names of the birth parents are also replaced with the names of the adoptive parents. Some states may also alter or omit additional information on a new certificate, including the adoptee's specific place of birth.

Depending on state law, an original birth certificate is sealed and remains unavailable to the adopted person, even when they become an adult. If you are not adopted, your original birth certificate is your only birth certificate---and it is always available to you upon request.