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We want to say a big thank you to attorney Irene Steffas for constantly advocating for the importance of the COC over the years!
Every adoption journey is a testament to parents’ boundless love for their children. This love transcends borders, cultures, and legalities. While the emotional connection is immediate and profound, the world of international adoption is intertwined with legal intricacies. One such document at the heart of this is the Certificate of Citizenship (COC). Understanding its significance isn’t just a bureaucratic formality—it’s an act of love, ensuring your child’s future is protected in their new homeland.
1. Guardianship vs. Full Adoption
Many adoptees with an IR-4 visa have never transitioned their guardianship into a final order of adoption. This isn’t just a legal nuance; it affects the child’s well-being. Agencies ask for COCs not to burden parents but to secure the child’s future.
2. Passports and the Department of State (DOS)
DOS requirements for the COC before issuing a passport aren’t arbitrary. It’s about ensuring that the threads tying your child to their new country are unbreakable.
3. US Citizenship and USCIS
The actual affirmation of US citizenship stems from the USCIS, which issues the COC. A passport is essential, but it doesn’t narrate the story of your child’s journey to the US. No government body can know how someone entered the US with a simple passport.
4. DMV and Immigration Laws
DMVs are becoming enforcers of immigration laws. Having a COC can help you navigate these unforeseen challenges smoothly.
5. Proof of Citizenship
Your child’s Final Order of Adoption is invaluable. Yet, in legal terms, it’s the COC that stands as an unwavering testament to their US citizenship. Universities and many other agencies require proof through evidence of citizenship, and the COC is the document that provides that assurance and evidence.
6. Voting and Citizenship
The act of voting is sacred. This sacred right is only granted to citizens. Ensuring your child’s right to participate in the democratic process later in life begins with a COC now.
7. The Weight of Citizenship Claims
Legal intricacies can be daunting. The Immigration and Nationality Act has no tolerance for anyone wrongly claiming citizenship. It’s heartening that Congress created an exception for adopted children to have protections under the law. Be sure to have the COC to prove they are protected under this exception.
In the heart of every adoptive parent is the desire to provide the best for their child. This commitment involves navigating the maze of legalities with empathy and understanding. By educating oneself about documents like the COC, you’re not just adhering to legal formalities—you’re passionately advocating for your child’s rights and future. Because ultimately, every step taken in this journey, every document filed, and every hour spent understanding the process is an affirmation of your unwavering love and dedication to your child’s well-being.
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