Norcross, Smith Resolution Urging Government of Ukraine to Resume International Adoptions Passes the House of Representatives

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, a resolution led by Representatives Donald Norcross (D-NJ) and Chris Smith (R-NJ) urging the government of Ukraine to resume adoptions of Ukrainian children by U.S. citizens passed the House of Representatives.

After Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the government of Ukraine suspended all foreign adoptions to protect the safety of their children and cope with the turmoil of the war. The result of this policy, however, has prevented those who were already in the middle of the adoption process before the war broke out from moving forward. This has left about 300 children and 200 families - including two families from New Jersey - who were going through the adoption process in a state of limbo.

"Russia's unprovoked war in Ukraine has caused chaos in the region and been detrimental to the safety of Ukrainian children. It's understandable why the government of Ukraine suspended these adoptions, but for the American families who were already going through the adoption process, met with these children, and formed strong bonds with them, it's devastating," said Congressman Donald Norcross. "Folks across the U.S. stand ready with open arms to provide a healthy, safe, and stable environment for these children who deserve a home. By passing this resolution, we are urging the government of Ukraine to allow these adoptions to proceed so that these folks can start their new families."

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