Registering with the Russian Consulate

Many have asked if we are officially "done" with our adoption. Yes, as far as Andrew and Kathlena's formal paperwork, but we have a few additional things to wrap up. One of them is to register both Andrew and Kathlena with the Russian Consulate (click on adoptions). This was something we agreed to in court and is required by Russian law to renew/replace their Russian passports when they expire. More info on registering .

Why keep the Russian passports once they have U.S. passports? This has been a difficult question to answer but here is what my search has turned up.

"any internationally adopted child, even if he/she becomes a U.S. citizen, may continue to be considered a citizen of his birth country by the authorities of that country. That child, who will need to use a U.S. passport to reenter the U.S. after travel, may be required to use a passport of his/her country of birth when entering that country and may also continue to be subject to certain laws of that country."
"However, today I was asked about a report that the Russian Foreign Ministry has just announced that, henceforth, families wishing to travel to that country with a previously adopted child from there, would NOT be issued a visa in the child's American passport. Instead, the child would be required, until the age of 18 years old, to use a Russian passport for entering that country.
I called the State Department for information and was told that, while the existence of this new Russian requirement was still unconfirmed, it would not be surprising. Some countries do hold the belief that a minor cannot voluntarily relinquish citizenship in his/her birth country, and that even an internationally adopted child who becomes a U.S. citizen may legitimately be considered by a foreign government as having dual nationality until such time as he/she grows up and takes specific action to renounce allegiance to his/her birth country. I asked my contact what the implication of this situation might be for internationally adoptive families and for the agencies that advise them. My contact indicated that agencies should advise families to be cautious when considering taking minor children to visit their birth countries, whether in the context of a subsequent adoption or for homeland tours to reinforce pride in their heritage. "-quoted from "Dual Nationality" -- U.S. State Department Website - by Sharon Kaufman, Executive Director of Joint Council

We will also soon receive Andrew and Kathlena's
Proof of Citizenship:
"Since your child arrived home on an IR-3 visa, meaning both parents observed the child prior to the adoption, and the adoption was finalized in Russia, the USCIS will mail you a Certificate of Citizenship (proof of child’s U.S. citizenship) within 45 days of your arrival home with your child.
While waiting for the Certificate of Citizenship to come in the mail, contact your local county probate court and request two forms to apply for the child’s new state birth certificate. It is also recommended that you wait until you receive the Certificate of Citizenship before applying for a social security number. " -from AAI's welcome home page

Re-adoption is also another option in order to obtain state certified birth certificates for certain states. I am looking into this for our state as I am not sure if we need to do this in order to obtain state certified birth certificates. It is possible that we may want to re-adopt anyway as it would move all of their paperwork to the U.S. instead of Russia...but we will see. I do not think it is something that has to be done right away.

We are also required to complete post placement reports for Russia at 6 months, 1yr, 2yrs and 3yrs. with our social worker. This requirement helps insure good relationships with accredited agencies and Russia for future adoptive families.