(All quotes in this blog entry are from the article: New Immigration Strategy: Koreans Send Children to America for Adoption, New America Media, News Report, Aruna Lee, Jan 25, 2006)

“A growing number of South Korean parents are paying retired couples in the United States to adopt their children.”

“Putting a child up for adoption in the United States allows Korean parents to skirt around normal immigration procedures, a drawn-out process with no guarantee of approval. Parents generally seek retired American couples, whose own children often have left and have room to spare. The American couples receive an agreed-upon sum of money in exchange for adopting the child and providing food and housing. Couples receive upwards of $30,000, with additional payments as necessary to cover room and board for each child they adopt. In return, the child gains legal status in the United States, as well as the privilege of attending American schools.”

This article was sent to me recently and I had a hard time believing what I was reading. Truthfully, I found it very disturbing on many levels. First and foremost, I found it troubling as a parent. I have sympathized with parents in countries that face the prospects of their children dying because famine, war, ethnic persecution…and I understand why they would do anything to try to carve out a better life for their children. However, according to this article “one out of three parents are willing to send their children abroad for the sake of a better education….”

In addition, I really think that this puts a black mark on Korean adoption. Korean adoption has been one of the oldest and most respected forms of international adoption. It has gained and maintained a good reputation. Many children have been placed in loving homes. This reduces Korean adoption to a business deal.

“Despite the benefits, some young Koreans adopted in this manner have shown signs of emotional distress, reflected in their schoolwork and behavior at home.”

Are the parents really thinking about their children? I can’t imagine the stress of going to a new country, with a new language and having to accept complete strangers as your parents. It’s one of the reasons most children over a certain age are not eligible for foreign adoption.

“Korean parents must also be prepared for rampant adoption fraud, says Kristi Kim, an immigration lawyer in an interview in the Korea Times in Los Angeles. She points out that brokers, or those responsible for introducing Korean parents to prospective American adopters, have been guilty of unscrupulous practices.”

As with all things, there are people waiting to take advantage of every situation. The potential for a child being harmed seems to be high. I have a hard time thinking about all of the possible things that could wrong.

Please click on this link for the full article. I encourage everyone to read it. article link