Adoptees Granted Visa Exemption from Travel Ban

Update on Travel Ban

Message from Lisa Clark, Executive Director, 1/28/26:

I am excited to share that we just heard there is a path forward for adoption visa exemptions.  Below is the announcement. From the bottom of our hearts we want to thank you for your advocacy, calls, letter writing, social media sharing and encouraging emails and calls to our office. I was feeling very discouraged and disheartened and seeing all of your energy helped us feel less alone and gave us the energy to keep fighting.

We also have a positive update to share from the California open records bill. SB381 passed the Senate vote and will now move to the Assembly. The momentum is building and we are so proud that you have been a part of it. 

In these days that are hard to parent through, our staff is finding hope and strength in being in community and continuing to stand up for what is right. Witnessing families be separated on so many different levels is incomprehensible. I hope you are finding strength in your own way and speaking up. We are here for you and and thank you for being here for us. Much love! 

Lisa Clark, LCSW, Executive Director, Adopt International

U.S. State Department Guidance on Intercountry Adoption Visas

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

The Department of State is issuing formal guidance to consular offices overseas. Adoption service providers, agencies, and prospective adoptive parents should be advised to continue engaging with U.S. consulates as they normally would throughout the visa process. Consular posts have been instructed that intercountry adoptions are eligible for National Interest Exceptions under the current presidential proclamation and should be processed on a priority, case-by-case basis.

To support coordination and address questions, Joe Rittenhouse has been designated as the point of contact for adoption matters within the Bureau of Consular Affairs at the Department of State. Stakeholders are encouraged to reach out to him directly with any questions or concerns at rittenhouseJD@state.gov.

Intercountry adoption remains a high priority for the Administration, and adoption-related visas will continue to be processed as expeditiously as possible. Additionally, because overall visa volumes have decreased following the proclamation, many consular offices now have increased capacity to assist with adoption cases.

Topline:

• President Trump and his Administration support families and intercountry adoption.

• In countries where the issuance of immigrant visas is currently limited or paused, children being adopted by U.S. citizens may qualify for an exception under the National Interest Exception.

• Prospective adoptive families should continue the normal adoption process, including submitting visa applications and attending consular interviews.

• No additional steps are required to request consideration under the National Interest Exception; adoption cases will be reviewed and prioritized on a case-by-case basis by the Department of State.

Welcome to Adopt International

If you found this article useful, you might also find this useful: Advocating for Adoptee Exception for Travel Ban and Original Birth Certificate , Adoptees now included in Travel Ban

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