travel.state.gov/family/adoption/intercountry/intercountry_3825.ht...

Department of State Urges Citizens Not To Start Adoptions in Guatemala Travel Warnings | Travel Alerts | Country Specific Information Search Most Requested Immigrants to the U.S. Temporary Visitors to the U.S. Apply for a new passport Passport applications and forms Check the Status of Your Passport Online Visa information for temporary visitors Visa information for Immigrants Current Travel Warnings Travel document requirements New travel document requirements Foreign entry requirements Register your trip Consular Report of Birth AbroadFeedback | Contact UsMonday April 21, 2008International Travel Home Passports Home Visas Home Children & Family Home Laws, Regulation & Public Policy About The Bureau of Consular Affairs News and Updates Congressionial Liaison Home > Children & Family Home > Intercountry Adoption Printer friendly version Email Department of State Urges Citizens Not To Start Adoptions in Guatemala GUATEMALA DECEMBER 2007 WARNING: The U.S. Department of State continues to urge U.S. citizens not to commence an adoption process from Guatemala at this time. Fundamental changes in Guatemalan and U.S. adoption law will take effect over the next several months. These changes are likely to inject considerable uncertainty into the adoption process. On Tuesday, December 11, 2007, the Guatemalan Congress passed adoption legislation intended to implement the Government of Guatemala’s obligations under the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption. It will take time, however, for Guatemala to implement the revised adoption processes mandated by their new legislation. Guatemala must write regulations and create the infrastructure necessary to set up an adoption process that meets their obligations under the Hague Convention. Along with other member countries of the Hague Convention, we are working closely with the Government of Guatemala to assist in completing this task. After the H...