Adoptive Children over the Border

[GrannyEv]

I am going to Disney in Sept with my DB, DSIL and DNe. We are driving down. They are in the process of adopting their son but it won't be finalized when we go next month. Their lawyer said that there is a letter he can provide which may be sufficient. They can't get their DS a passport because they won't receive his birth certificate until the adoption is finalized. Has anyone else had this problem with children who are in the process of being adopted, and taking them over the US border. Any good or bad experiences.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.

hugs
GrannyEv

 

[cabmom]

Hi Grannyev,

Not with adoptive children, however, when my oldest wasn't even a month we were travelling to friends in Indy and we got a letter from the town he was born in to prove who he was. The process for the birth certificate was too long and we already have the trip planned. We had no problem with travelling over the border with him.
They might not even get asked for ID for the kids!

Marilynn

 

[SandrA9810]

Well you probably won't have much of a problem at the border.
When I went across, I was flying so the airline has to make sure of who you are, the border patrol has to make sure of who you are and so forth. But I didn't have a passport, I just went on an I.D. and birth certificate.

Of course I know they are trying to imply a new rule of every one must have a passport, but I don't think it'll go into effect for a couple of years. You should be fine with the letter. If not, expect a delay of calls.
You can always call Border patrol to see how it would work out. Even if you get the constant run around, and occasional hang ups after being on hold for 3 hours. But it'll be worth it when it comes to not having to do that at the border.

 

[cpbjgc]

You didn't mention of this was a domestic adoption or international adoption. If the child is born in Canada, this is likely not an issue. If they are from outside of the country (our daughter is from China), it is a real problem to enter the U.S. without the child having a passport or citizenship card showing Canadian citizenship. In that case they would need to apply for a visitor's visa ($100 USD fee and a personal inteview with a U.S. immigration offical, last I heard).

 

[GrannyEv]

Their son was born in Canada so it's a domestic adoption. I am thinking that everything will be okay and that we will all make it safety across the border.
I did email the American Consulate to inquire about what documentation is required to bring him into the US.

I'll keep you posted.
And thanks for the tips.

hugs
GrannyEv

the one month countdown begins!!! YAHOOOO!!!

 

[Palendat]

We have taken our adopted sons to the US prior to receiving their birth certificate as will be the case with your party. The letter we received from Manitoba's "Child and Family Services" was perfectly adaquate. No question was raised at all. Have a great trip.