WASHINGTON — Families seeking to adopt children from other countries are facing new obstacles following travel bans imposed by President Donald Trump that do not exempt adoption-related visas, adoption advocates and agencies said.
The new restrictions affect multiple countries and differ from previous travel bans by excluding exceptions that had allowed some international adoptions to proceed. As a result, families already in the adoption process may be unable to travel to meet children, complete required court appearances, or finalize paperwork needed to bring adopted children to the United States.
Under earlier restrictions, certain adoption pathways remained available even when other travel was limited. The latest executive orders omit those provisions, leaving families to navigate immigration requirements amid uncertain timelines and suspended travel plans.
Families at various stages of adoption reported delays in required documents, including adoption approvals and travel authorizations. Many said they had already invested significant time and financial resources before the policy changes took effect.
Adoption agencies said the new rules have added complexity to an already lengthy process. Agencies that assist families with international adoptions said they are now tasked with explaining the effects of the travel bans and managing expectations. Some agencies have expanded virtual meetings and remote consultations, but said in-person travel remains necessary for critical stages, including meetings with biological families and court proceedings in the child’s home country.
The travel bans apply to several countries that are common sources of international adoptions, including nations with limited resources for children in institutional care. Advocates said the restrictions raise concerns about the welfare of children who remain in orphanages or foster systems while adoptions are delayed.
Families enrolled in international adoption programs said they are uncertain how long the delays may last. Officials and advocates noted that international agreements designed to facilitate cross-border adoptions now face additional challenges under the new travel rules.
Advocacy groups said international adoptions can offer permanent homes for vulnerable children, but acknowledged that the current restrictions have placed many pending adoptions on hold.