Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ) this week introduced a resolution (HRes 915) urging the Government of Ukraine to resume adoptions of Ukrainian children by US citizens, which were suspended in March 2021 following Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. The resolution is co-sponsored by Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ).

            “International adoption can be a profoundly beneficial way to unite children in need of parents with families that are eager and able to open their hearts and homes to children, providing the benefit of a permanent family to children who are orphaned or whose biological parents are otherwise unable to care for them,” said Rep. Smith. 

            “Ukraine had every reason to suspend adoptions in March 2022, under the horror of an unprovoked invasion,” Smith continued. “Last May, Ukraine recognized that it was able to maintain safeguards against abduction, sale, or trafficking of children and decided to resume domestic adoptions. I urge them to resume international adoptions as well.”

            “The uncertainty of Russia’s unprovoked invasion in 2022 led Ukraine to suspend adoptions by foreign nationals out of concern for the safety of their children,” said Rep. Norcross. “As the war continues, it is in the best interest of Ukrainian children to resume adoptions with American citizens.  That’s why I am joining together with colleagues on both sides of the aisle in urging Ukraine to resume adoptions by American citizens who stand ready with open arms to provide a healthy, safe, and stable environments for these children who deserve better.”

            “There are many urgent cases in which Ukrainian children and US adoptive families have already established close bonds,” Smith said. “Many of these children and families were in the final stages of their adoption when adoptions were suspended more than two years ago. These adoptions should go forward.”

            Smith also thanked both former New Jersey State Senator Ray Lesniak and New Jersey international family law attorney Patricia Apy for their tremendous input in crafting this legislation.

            Smith is the prime author of landmark laws on child protection issues, including the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 and its 2003, 2005, and 2018 reauthorizations; International Megan’s Law; and the Sean and David Goldman International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act. Smith also authored the National Adoption Week law of 1989.

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