Legal Question in Immigration Law in Missouri

Possible adoption for citizenship.
I was wanting to know if it is possible to adopt two girls from Guatemala. One is 13 and the other is 16. They have been here in the U.S. for 10 years now. The mother if worried that the older they get the more possible they may get caught and deported. There is no father involved. The mother asked that if something should ever happen to her that she wants us to take care of the girls. She would like for my wife and I adopt them so they could become legal citizens. Is this possible?

Asked on 7/09/06, 2:31 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Vincent Martin Hellmuth & Johnson PLLC

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Re: Possible adoption for citizenship.

In order for an adopted child to receive immigration benefits, the adoption must occur before the age of 16 and the child must live with the adoptive parents in their legal custody for at least two years. In addition, it must generally be proven that the biological parent(s) have abandoned the child, are not fit to raise the child, are deceased, etc. Adoption merely for the purpose of immigration benefits is not permitted.

If you believe that you can meet the above criteria and wish to proceed, please feel free to contact me further.

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Answered on 7/10/06, 10:24 am

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