Domestic vs International Adoption: What You Need to Know
Adoption is a beautiful way to grow a family, but many people have questions when deciding between domestic vs international adoption. If you’re considering adopting a child, here’s what you should know—written in simple terms to help you better understand the differences, costs, and special rules around adopting a child from another country.
Is It Harder to Adopt Internationally Compared to Domestically?
Yes, international adoption is more complex than domestic adoption, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Many countries have strict requirements, and you’ll need to follow U.S. laws, the laws of the child’s birth country, as well as international agreements like the The Hague Adoption Convention. It’s a process with a lot of paperwork and steps.
This may be why International adoptions have declined over the past two decades. In 2020, there were 1,622 international adoptions to the U.S., a 93% decrease from 2004. In contrast, there were 54,240 public domestic adoptions through the child welfare system in fiscal year 2021.
But families do it every year—and the outcome can be incredibly rewarding. With the right preparation and a trusted, accredited agency, international adoption is absolutely possible. It’s just a journey that takes time, patience, and a big heart.
Changing Global Regulations
Some countries occasionally change their adoption rules or even pause adoptions, which can lead to delays. Countries may alter their policies, sometimes suspending international adoptions altogether. For instance, Russia banned U.S. adoptions in 2013, and Ethiopia followed suit in 2018. Such unpredictability can introduce delays and uncertainties not typically present in domestic adoptions.
How Much Does International Adoption Cost Compared to Domestic Adoption?
- Domestic Adoption Costs: Adopting through foster care averages around $2,900. Private agency adoptions can range from $30,000 to $60,000. Find out the cost of adoption in by state using our adoption calculator: https://fosterlove.com/adoption-calculator
- International Adoption: Costs typically range from $20,000 to $50,000, including agency fees, travel, and legal expenses.
Is International Adoption Ethical?
Ethical international adoption ensures that children are genuinely in need of homes and that birth parents have provided informed consent without coercion. However, there have been instances where adoption practices were questionable. For example, a South Korean commission found extensive human rights violations in the country’s foreign adoption program, including cases where birth mothers were misled, and adoption agencies fabricated documents.
To promote ethical adoptions:
- Research Agencies: Choose agencies accredited under The Hague Convention, which sets international standards for intercountry adoptions.
- Verify Child’s Status: Ensure the child is legally free for adoption and that all efforts to place the child domestically have been exhausted.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Spend time in the child’s country to understand their culture and background.
Are International Adoptions Open or Closed?
Most international adoptions are closed, meaning there is typically no ongoing contact between the adoptive family and the birth family. This contrasts with the growing trend of open adoptions domestically, where some level of communication is maintained.
Do Internationally Adopted Children Automatically Receive U.S. Citizenship?
Yes—if certain criteria are met. The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 grants automatic U.S. citizenship to internationally adopted children under age 18, if the following conditions are all true on or after February 27, 2001:
- The child has at least one U.S. citizen parent (by birth or naturalization).
- The child is under 18 years old.
- The child is residing in the United States in the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent.
- The child entered the U.S. on an immigrant visa (IR-3 or IR-4 category, most commonly).
How to Obtain a Birth Certificate for an Internationally Adopted Child
After finalizing an international adoption, parents should apply for a U.S. birth certificate for their child. This often involves a process called “re-adoption” in your home state to recognize the foreign adoption decree. Once re-adoption is complete, you can request a birth certificate from your state’s vital records office. Additionally, obtaining a Certificate of Citizenship from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is crucial to confirm the child’s citizenship status.
Upcoming 2025 Laws to Know About
International adoption isn’t impossible, but it can be tricky. The good news? New laws could help make things better:
- The Adoptee Citizenship Act would update the Child Citizenship Act of 2000 and give U.S. citizenship to adopted children who were left out in the past.
- The Adoption Information Act would require family planning clinics to share contact information for adoption agencies, helping people know that adoption is another option they can consider.
New changes to already existing laws would help protect children from unsafe private transfers by making adoption rules safer for everyone involved.
Looking for More Info?
You can find more Foster Love articles on international vs domestic adoption here or email us at [email protected]!
Whether you choose to adopt from across the globe or close to home, knowing the facts can help you make the best decision for your family and the child you welcome into your heart.
