The US government is proposing raising fees for international adoptions by 66 percent. International adoptions are already far too expensive, with many entities along the way dipping their hands into the pot. While the US government is already taking a smaller percentage of fees than most foreign governments are taking, this is still a huge increase for American families looking to adopt.

Whether you ever intend to adopt or not, this is a chance to make a difference for the thousands of infertile couples who will pursue international adoptions this year as well as the many families who feel the calling to add to their families through international adoption.

Surely, with the vast amounts of money being poured into government coffers, they can find some other way to fund the increase they need. I know every group thinks their cause is the most worthy, but we are talking about making it more affordable for families to get kids out of orphanages. This is important.

Current fees and the proposed new fees are outlined below:

Form I-600/600A
Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative
$545 increasing to $670

Form N-565
Application for Replacement of Certificate of Citizenship (used for
name changes)
$220 increasing to $380

Form N-600
Application for Certificate of Citizenship
$255 increasing to $460

Biometric Services (fingerprints required)
$70 increasing to $80


There is still time to comment on the fee increase by April 2. Your comments will be published so be careful about personal details unless you want them published. Be sure to state your comments logically and make a good argument. Simply saying it isn't fair won't make a dent.

You can visit the US government web site to email your comments by clicking here.

Remember, comments must be in by April 2 so there is not much time. Please be responsible about sharing this on any lists you are on (spamming won't help our case much!) but it is a great idea to spread the word so as many people as possible can comment.