A Child Without a Country
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Posted by Crystal Killion Jun 20, 2008 |
Fourteen years ago, the Mulvihill family from West Allentown, Pennsylvania, brought little Allie home from Guatemala and adopted her into their family. The joy of adoption was overshadowed by doubts about the credibility of the adoption agency, which no longer exists, and allegations that Allie was kidnapped from her birth mother.
Over the years, instead of being able to finally resolve the matter and move on with their lives, the Mulvihills are facing the stark reality that their daughter may never be allowed to become a U.S. citizen.
Allie Mulvihill is in the country, on humanitarian parole, by permission granted in 1994 by the U.S. Attorney General. Since then, the family has faced mounds of paperwork and legal wrangling that has led to nowhere. At 16, Allie is ready to move on with her life.
In their defense, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services released a statement saying, "[The] USCIS simply cannot ignore the law. We strongly urge the Mulvihills to provide evidence showing their daughter is eligible for permanent residency."
It has been suggested that the Mulvihill family re-adopt Allie in Pennsylvania, a step that they say is futile, but I have to wonder why they refuse? Granted, there is no guarantee that if they do re-adopt Allie that she will finally be granted citizenship status, but why not try? I don’t see how she could be refused citizenship if she is formally adopted on U.S. soil, and I don’t see how it could hurt to try. Just my humble opinion.
Thankfully, most international adoptions go much smoother, which is why this is making the headlines.
You can read the full story here: Adopted Daughter, 16, Can't Become U.S. Citizen
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