I just spotted this... Representative Heather Wilson of New Mexico (by the way she is an adoptive parent) introduced H.R. 5888 on July 25, 2006.

To read the bill search Thomas. The bill cannot be found by number yet, so search by Representative's name (Wilson, Heather).

Click here to see Rep Wilson's press release.

To direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to ensure that an individual may file an orphan petition for at least 2 years after approval of an advanced processing application.

From: Thomas HR 5888

The 171H will be good for 2 years if this passes. And this can save adoptive parents money. Immigration wants over $500 to process this preapproval visa which currently expires after 18 months.

I am willing to bet there are hundreds of American families who had to reapply for the 171H because of the delays in Ukrainian adoption. Russian and Chinese adoption has also experienced these delays.

HR 5888 was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

I suggest that you write your representative.

The members of the Judiciary Committee represent the following states. We really need people living in these states to call/email their Rep.

• Alabama


• Arizona


• California


• Florida


• Iowa


• Illinois


• Indiana


• Massachusetts


• Maryland


• Michigan


• North Carolina


• New York


• Ohio


• South Carolina


• Tennessee


• Texas


• Utah


• Virginia


• Wisconsin

Another thing that you can do... Call the Committee on the Judiciary (cool they have their own web site) at (202) 225-3951 and tell them you support HR 5888. This is one way to try and move the bill out of committee.