The benefits and limitations of green cards through adoption

On Behalf of | Apr 19, 2023 | US Immigration Law

Is your family planning to adopt an immigrant child and give them a green card? You can use these two adoption methods: the Hague Process and the Orphan Process.

To adopt through the Hague Process, you have to be a U.S. citizen who habitually lives in the United States and seeks to adopt a child dwelling in a Hague Adoption Convention country. The Orphan Process involves adopting a child who does not live in a Hague Adoption Convention country. 

When a child gets a green card through adoption, they receive many privileges. However, it also comes with some limitations. Read about them below.

Benefits of green cards through adoption

An adoptee with a green card has a few advantages

-A green card allows them to travel abroad to certain nations without a visa: When someone possesses a green card, they’re free to travel to countries that don’t require a visa. This is most convenient if they want to vacation in a country like Mexico or Canada.

-Holding a green card makes it easier for them to gain employment in the U.S.: If an adoptee wants an after-school or summer job, having a green card could aid them in obtaining work.

Limitations of green cards through adoption

Adoptees with green cards have certain restrictions placed on them:

-They may lose their green card if they engage in criminal activity: An adoptee may have to relinquish their green card if they commit a crime or participate in other forbidden activities.

-They can’t share immigration benefits with their biological parents: If an adoptee runs into their biological parent(s), they can’t request them to be U.S. citizens, too.

An international adoptee receives many rights when they obtain a green card, but there are limits to be aware of. If you have questions about international adoption, seek legal guidance for assistance.