I have received recent information that suggests that the DOS is working hard to resolve the current difficulties surrounding Guatemalan adoptions. Among other things, it appears that the DOS is considering pursuing the third party status line of reasoning which could result in U.S. cases being processed under pre-March 5th procedures until the Guatemalan Congress enacts new adoption laws or the US becomes full party to the Hague. It also appears that the DOS is simultaneously working to clarify the many important questions raised by the PGN's recent announcements. However, on their web page and in recent responses to letters, the DOS is still referring adoptive parents to the Central Authority web site for information.
I am pleased that the DOS appears to be responding to our concerns and believe this effort has reached a critical point. Our letters to the DOS have been having some effect, and I strongly encourage that we continue them. It has also reached a point where our representatives may be able to have a strong influence. Therefore, I believe it would be very helpful if we could persuade our representatives contact the DOS directly to exercise their influence to encourage the DOS to continue its efforts on our behalf.
So, please, write your senators and congressional representatives. New letters, reflecting the concern that the DOS continues to refer US adoptive parents to the Central Authority for information and providing information on the recent success of amparos in Guatemala have been provided below. They are designed as a follow-up to the letter-writing campaign of the past two weeks. So, even if you have already sent letters out, please consider sending this new set.
The DOS letter should go to Michelle Bernier-Toth, Steve Vann (both at the same address as provided, fax 202-312-9743) and Senator Mary Landrieu of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption (fax number 202-224-9735) and should be attached to your congress/senate letters.
As with the other letters, please email me directly at mauramc@netcarrier.com to let me know who you sent the letters to, when, and what response you have received.
These letters were written by Allison McSweeney, Julie Nicholson, Theresa Lacy, Ellen Daley, Tara Kunkel, and Maura Meade-Callahan. I'd like to thank everyone for their hard work writing and editing recently!
Sample DOS follow-up letter (MS word)
Sample Congress follow-up letter (MS word)
Sample DOS follow-up letter (html)
Sample Congress follow-up letter (html)
Susana posted today that the appeals made by the PGN re: the amparos were denied by the Court, on the basis that they are not in accordance with the law. Should we amend the letters to touch on this? To me, this means that at least some of the Courts/judges in Guatemala don't agree with the new processes for adoptions. I'd think that's important to point out to our DOS.
Posted by: Tina at July 22, 2003 06:31 PMI was just wondering if anyone has heard of any cases coming out of PGN within the last couple weeks or within the last month. We entered on or about 5/8 and are still waiting. Are there many more people out there? Are cases coming out?
Thank you!