Adoptee Rights Law Center

Legal representation and advocacy for adult adopted people

USCIS

Getting Your Own Immigration Records

First published on • Last updated on

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).

Proposed USCIS Fee Hike: Impact on Adult Adoptees

First published on • Last updated on

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 • Last updated on

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.

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.