September 2017

September 28, 2017. Alarming DHS Surveillance Plan Affects International Adoptees. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently published a new rule in the Federal Register which would allow searches of "all "social media handles and aliases, associated identifiable information and search results" in the department's immigrant files." We understand that this rule, as currently written, would apply, not only to visa holders and new immigrants but to all naturalized American citizens, which includes all international adoptees. We deplore any categorical distinction between American born and naturalized citizens, especially when it results in disparate treatment of members of the same family. More Information.

September 26, 2017. Former IAG Employees Sentenced for Adoption Fraud. Executives of the now defunct IAG adoptions were sentenced last week for committing Accreditation Fraud and for conspiring to defraud the United States in connection with adoption fraud. "United States District Judge David C. Norton of Charleston sentenced Mary Mooney to 18 months incarceration, 3 years of supervised release, and $223,946.04 of restitution to victims who adopted children from Kazakhstan. James Harding was sentenced to 12 months incarceration, 3 years supervised release, and $301,224.25 of restitution. Alisa Bivens, was sentenced to one year probation, and $31,800 restitution to two victims listed in the Indictment with whom she had direct contact." Christian J. Schurman, Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Programs at the State Department's Diplomatic Security Service said, "This sentencing makes a strong statement to those who would attempt to exploit the most vulnerable among us. The Diplomatic Security Service is dedicated to ensuring those who commit these crimes are brought to justice." More Information.