Tuesday, October 14, 2008

We Did It!

I just got this e-mail from JCICS. It looks like we won the fight!

Joint Council Update
Program Advocacy
Date October 14, 2008
Regarding I-600A Process

Dear Families & Friends,
After advocating on behalf of adoptive families for the past 6 months, Joint Council is very pleased to confirm that USCIS has announced a very positive ruling concerning the I-600A process.

In summary, it is our understanding that, effective immediately, families who filed Form I-600A, Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition, prior to April 1, 2008 and whose USCIS approval of that petition (aka the I-171H) has not expired, will be able to proceed with their adoption under the I-600A process if they take certain steps while their approval remains valid. This means that families with valid Form I-600A approvals will not be required to transition to The Hague process via Form I-800A. In order to maintain their status as ‘grandfathered’ cases, families with non-expired Form I-600A approvals must request a one-time free extension. Then, prior to the expiration of the one-time free extension, families must file a new Form I-600A and pay the appropriate fee.

It is also our understanding that families with a Form I-600A approval that has expired and who have not obtained an extension or filed a new Form I-600A, will need to undertake the Hague process. The Hague process will also apply to any petitioner who has not completed their adoption by 2014.

Woo Hoo!! This means I can stay with the I-600a. I don't have to switch to the I-800a!!! Unless my adoption isn't completed by 2014. Let's just say... I can't even imagine that! You have no idea how happy this makes me. I feel like a weight's been lifted off my shoulders. I can breathe a little easier now. This ruling will save me money, time, effort and an unlimited amount of stress and worry. I'm so grateful.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who supported this fight not just for me but for all waiting families.

PS. I can't think of any better way to celebrate my 28 month log in date anniversary than with great news like this!

35 comments:

Lindsay said...

That's just fantastic news. I'm so happy for you and for all the other waiting families - and all the waiting children who will not have their adoptions delayed even further.

Congratulations!

Kim said...

Happy 28th.. I was just going to send this tooo you..
YEAH..
We are good..
Have a Wonderful Day..
I am now..
Hugs..

Johnny said...

Congrats on the good news!

Suzie said...

WOO-HOO!!! I just got the same email!!! Happy Happy 28th!!!

Noemi said...

This is just AWESOME!!!! I am so glad for you and for all other PAPs still waiting to bring their child home!

Wippeeeeee~!!!!!!

EJ said...

Happy happy 28th Anniversary!!!! I have goose bumps and am so excited for you!! What a weight to be lifted off your shoulders!! Yea the government finally did something Right and Just for a change!!! Congratulations!!!
Ellen

Cindy said...

Mia wasn't going to let them keep her from her mommy!

Congrats!

a Tonggu Momma said...

I feel so relieved for you! Happy 28 -- we are now absolutely in this together for the long haul!

Marla said...

Wahoo!! Congrats on 28 down!

Rhonda said...

Awesome news! I'm so happy for you, really!

HAPPY 28!

JoAnn in NJ said...

Congratulations to You Special K!
I clicked on that link just like you asked me to...and lo and behold 24 hours later, we changed the course of many lives!

The power of the Internet pen cannot be underestimated!

Have a great day and happy 28!

4D said...

Wonderful news!

28 done!

Keep smilin!

t~ said...

Fantastic!

28 done and over with!

Michelle said...

I also got this e-mail. This is so wonderful! Now if only I could stop worrying about refiling my paperwork after letting ours expire. I know it does no good to have regrets, but I really, really regret letting our paperwork expire.

Really.

Briana's Mom said...

I got the e-mail too! I am jumping for JOY for you!!!

Diana said...

Congratulations..I am HAPPY for you:)

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

I got my letter this afternoon too....I am doing the happy dance over here!!

Happy 28!!

Lisa

dawn said...

As soon as I got the email I thought of you. So happy for you. I was worrying right along with you and thinking this had to be corrected.
Happy 28 down.

Ava's family said...

I'm soooooo happy for you and all those this will help!!! WHOO-HOO!!!!

Daniella said...

Great news! I was just about to email you when I heard from my agency. Happy 28.

Chani's Bow Making Mama said...

Yay! Such wonderful news!!

Joannah said...

That is awesome!!!

redmaryjanes said...

Woo Hoo!!! Yeah baby!!! That is awesome news.

Congrats on 28!

Shannon said...

A wonderful 28th LID gift!! I am so thrilled for all of you! This is gonna happen! =)

shelley said...

When I saw the news I instantly thought of you and your work to get this changed. Job well done.

Kayce said...

So exciting!!!
Happy 28! Keep the faith.

Catherine said...

Oh K!!! SOOO happy for you!! Just read the news in one of my yahoo groups and immediately thought of you! Praising God for answered prayers! Come on Mia....mommy's waiting!!!

C's Mom said...

Whew...good to have that settled.

Now back to the waiting. Happy 28 down.

my3 kids said...

Yippeeee we are so happy for you and all others waiting along with you. Happy 28th month. Can't wait to finally see baby Mia:)

Scrappy Bug said...

Oooo YES! What a fantabulous way to celebrate no. 28!

So So happy for you!!!

Kristy said...

Happy 28thLIDversary!!!! Yes this is a great new day!!!

Love, Kristy

Donna said...

Fantastic news!

kitchu said...

yeah baby!!!! and happy 28!

Paulette said...

This is such great new for you and for everyone still waiting. Way to go. I look forward to meeting you soon we are going to have our last meal on Sun the 26th do you know a good Chinese resterant near the Vernon Manar? Might you be free to join us?

Anonymous said...

Woo hoo!

I am so so happy for you and for the other waiting folks.