Speech #860085800

H.R. 7239. would eliminate and the present statute relating to such matters would be greatly strengthened. This proposed legislation would still make it possible for American couples to adopt children born abroad. It would still make it possible for such children to be issued visas outside the normal immigration quotas for the country of origin. The situation is best explained in the following remarks by Secretary Arthur S. Flemming of the Department of Health. Education. and Welfare on this subject and in regard to this legislation: The present law exempting such children from the immigration quotas expires on June The proposed bill has two major objectives: 1. It would establish authority for issuance of nonquota visas for these children on a permanent basis. 2. It would require assurances that any child adopted abroad or brought to this country for adoption here will be properly cared for. The effect of the bill is to extend to children adopted abroad. whether by the adoptive parents in person or by proxy. safeguards similar to those which now exist in the law for children adopted after they have been brought to the United States. This would mean that an American couple wishing to secure a nonquota visa for a child adopted abroad would have to give assurances satisfactory to the Department of Health. Education and Welfare that the child A5695 will be well and properly cared for in a suit9ble home. Legislation enacted In 1957 permits the entry into this country under special nonquota provisions of any orphan who has been lawfully adopted abroad by a U.S. citizen and spouse. This legislation also provides that nonquota visas may not be issued to admit children to this country for adoption unless assurances have been given that they will be properly cared for and preadoption requirements. if any. of the State in which the child is to live have been met. The existing law vests in the Department of Justice the \esponsibility for determining that such assurances are satisfactory. The proposed law vests in the Department of Health. Education. and Welfare the determination of satisfactory assurances not only for children brought to this country for adoption but also for children adopted abroad. Almost 1.200 children adopted abroad were issued visas under Public Law 85316 between September 11. 1957. and June 30. 1958. It is estimated that more than half of these children were adopted by proxy. Cases have been reported in which there have been tragic consequences for children thus adopted. While it would still be poSsible under the proposed bill for American couples to adopt children from abroad by proxy. a visa could not be granted until the prospective American parents gave assurances satisfactory to the Department of Health. Education. and Welfare that the child would have a suitable home. It is our belief that the working partnership which already exists between this Department and a network of recognized public and voluntary social agencies active in adoption placements at the local.