USCIS

Dear Parents of Intercountry Adoptees: Do These Two Things Today

First published on May 23, 2025 • Last updated on May 23, 2025

Two things parents of adult intercountry adopted people should do today to help secure documents related to US citizenship and immigration.

USCIS Is Withholding My Clients’ Immigration Records at an Alarming Rate

First published on May 14, 2025 • Last updated on May 23, 2025

New USCIS practices are making the job of securing and proving US citizenship for my clients maddeningly slow, difficult, and absurd.

“Adoption” Shortcuts Will Lead to Deportation of Adopted People. Just Ask My Clients.

First published on May 31, 2024 • Last updated on May 31, 2024

It’s already past time to fix issues for intercountry adoptees who have been in the US for decades—without citizenship. It’s also past time to eliminate immigration shortcuts that continue to feed that dynamic.

Big News About USCIS Filing Fees and Intercountry Adoptees

First published on February 10, 2024 • Last updated on February 10, 2024

Starting April 1, 2024, a substantial filing fee will no longer be required for adult intercountry adoptees who qualify for a Certificate of Citizenship.

Proposed Jump in USCIS Filing Fees Will Impact Intercountry Adoptees

First published on January 17, 2024 • Last updated on January 22, 2024

The biggest impact will be felt by intercountry adoptees who do not currently have a green card or who need a Certificate of Citizenship.

Getting Your Own Immigration Records

First published on June 7, 2022 • Last updated on November 15, 2024

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).

Should I Wait for Congress? Or Should I Naturalize Now?

First published on April 10, 2022 • Last updated on December 14, 2022

Two key questions I often discuss with intercountry adoptee clients who do not have US citizenship.

Naturalization Fee to Increase More than 80 Percent in October

First published on July 31, 2020 • Last updated on September 30, 2020

The final rule adjusts application and other USCIS fees, with the cost of naturalization increasing from $640 to $1,170.00.

Proposed USCIS Fee Hike: Impact on Adult Adoptees

First published on December 19, 2019 • Last updated on December 19, 2019

The proposed fee hikes will substantially increase the cost of naturalization applications for intercountry adoptees plus eliminate the ability to apply if you lack the financial resources to do so.

A Little Holiday Help for an Adoptee?

First published on December 11, 2019 • Last updated on December 13, 2019

A fee of $1,170.00 is the only thing that stands between my client obtaining proof of her US citizenship. That’s where you can help.