We are putting the final touches on the final paperwork to make Niranjana an official U.S. citizen.
She's legal and all, but just doesn't have a "Certificate of Citizenship." For those who haven't dealt with international immigration stuff, let's just say that I understand why someone would want to cross the border to give birth to a child in the U.S. It sounds easier than the paperwork.
Niranjana was considered adopted when we picked her up in India.
Then we re-adopted her in Benton County.
She has a Washington state birth certificate.
She has a Social Security number, after first obtaining an taxpayer ID number for the IRS so we could get the adoption credit and claim her as a dependent.
But these things do not make her a U.S. citizen.
So next week, we'll be going to the Yakima office of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to file her N-600 application. The form itself isn't that hard, but you have to make an appointment online, it costs $420, get passport-like photos taken, and it will take up to five months to process.
We were telling Niranjana about this upcoming road trip and how this would make her a citizen of the United States of America.
"I'm going to have to think about that," said our little diplomat. She paused. "OK, I'm in. I'm joining in."
Glad to know that she really does want to be on Team USA!
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Congratulations
I wanted to write and say congratulations on Niranjana's upcoming Citizenship and previous arrival!.
I had originally bookmarked your blog a looong while back; when my wife and I were just beginning to pursue Intl adoption; specifically from India (as my wife's father is from Pune) and, only came across it again tonight (inadvertantly?)
It was then, shortly after finding your blog for the first time, that an extended (blessing) of a responsibility impeded our adoption plans. We took on emerg custody of a friend's young daughter (4 1/2 at the time) during her extended hospitalization and eventual passing. We cared for and loved, Kennedye, 10 months until her biological father was able to take her back. - A traumatic and unhappy moment at the time; but one that has since developed into a more comfortable relationship and situation. We now get to see her again regularly!!
That was our first blessing; and one we dearly (feel blessed to have experienced)
Then, after a long year of mourning and dread, perhaps - at the thought of getting back to work on our adoption path, my wife went to the doctor (Jan this year) for bronchitis (sp?) to find out she was 8 wks pregant! Of course, we were shocked and overjoyed.
But, that's not why I am writing. I am writing because I find your news to be another blessing! And I am again overjoyed to hear of it, and to have been able to have shared in it thru your writings - and the fortuitous fact that I stumbled upon your story again at this perfect time is also quite humourous to me as well! ;0)
Congratulations to your whole family for making it through this long journey!
And, to Niranjana; welcome aboard!
Our little blessing; Arden Vyara Anderson is *expected* to arrive Sept 14th!
Best Wishes,
Joe & Angela Anderson
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