U.S. Embassy Using DNA Testing To Protect Children Adopted in Guatemala
Due to concerns about the Guatemalan adoption process the United States government is choosing to apply a high level of scrutiny to intercountry adoption cases between Guatemala and the United States. Currently, the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala requires one DNA match between the prospective adoptive child and the relinquishing parent. All adoption cases that are on or after August 6, 2007 are required to have a second DNA match. This DNA test will confirm that the child applying for the visa is in fact the same child that was originally matched with the birth parent who consented to the adoption. Once this is confirmed the child will receive their visa and the adoption may be finalized. This step is being taken to protect child and families within Guatemala, adoptive parents, and the adoption relationship between Guatemala and the United States.
