Tennessee residents who wish to adopt have the option of picking a child from a foreign country. In such a scenario, the adoptive parent or parents would need to follow the laws and procedures of that country. The Department of State can provide information as to what these laws and procedures are. Furthermore, someone who wishes to adopt a child must meet requirements created by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Before a child can come to the United States, he or she must be given a visa to do so. This can be done by living abroad with a child for a period of two years. It can also be done by showing that the child is an orphan who has been adopted or will be adopted by American parents.
It is important to note that while the State Department can take steps to ensure that American parents aren’t discriminated against, they cannot force an adoption to happen. Furthermore, it is not possible for this government agency to act as an attorney in a foreign court. Finally, the State Department is not allowed to otherwise become directly involved in an adoption that takes place in another country.
Those who are looking to adopt should be aware that the best interests of the child must be met at all times. As a general rule, this means that the child will be given an opportunity to grow into a productive adult in a safe and stable environment. An attorney may be able to help those looking to adopt take steps to show that doing so can meet that standard. An attorney may also be able to provide assistance in court throughout the adoption process.