Embassy

Yesterday we went to the US Embassy here in Moscow to receive N's visa. Unlike almost every other developed country in which their citizens adopt overseas, the US Embassy will not issue N a US passport here, thus conferring upon her the rights and privileges of a US citizen...a child of US citizens born overseas, which she is now that the Russian adoption decree is final, since that decree is recognized in the US. She must travel into the US on her Russian passport with a special visa. This visa allows for her to become a US citizen when we land in the US, but not before then.


There is a petition regarding this here if you care to sign: FACE Act. This act needs more congressional support in order to pass, so writing your congressperson asking them to sponsor or at least support itwouldn't hurt, either, if you are so inclined.


Why does all this matter? Well, for one thing, when we fly home tomorrow, we have a transfer in Amsterdam. Should something happen to delay or cancel our flight, I cannot leave Schipol Airport with my daughter because she is not yet a US citizen and is travelling on a Russian passport. I cannot get her past passport control. She would need a visa to get into Europe. Let's say the worst happens...a 9/11 type event where all flights in and out of the US are cancelled for days. What do I do then? Live at Schipol with my 14 month old daughter? It just isn't right. She is now the daughter of US citizens and should be enjoying all the rights and privileges of that NOW.