Embassy now asking for Paternity/DNA testing

[Gigli2008 70]

Hi VJers

A friend petitioned for his wife and kids (kids are his) and when the petition reached the Embassy, they were told that NOW DNA testing is required for proof that kids belong to either parent. Apparently there are cases out there of children being smuggled to the US especially from Africa and some Asian countries.

I think at the very least the Consulates/USCIS/NVC/Department of State should notify prior to interview (make it part of the checklist) or just make it known period in their websites or rules and regulations that this may be required so that parents don't show up at the final interview thinking this is it only to be told that the process is extended for another six weeks (to whenever).

Anyone seen this happening from their region?

Edited December 31, 2008 by Gigli2008

[taj'samericanwife 0]

yup happens in the philippines

[happywifeymom 4]

Hi VJers

A friend petitioned for his wife and kids (kids are his) and when the petition reached the Embassy, they were told that NOW DNA testing is required for proof that kids belong to either parent. Apparently there are cases out there of children being smuggled to the US especially from Africa and some Asian countries.

I think at the very least the Consulates/USCIS/NVC/Department of State should notify prior to interview (make it part of the checklist) or just make it known period in their websites or rules and regulations that this may be required so that parents don't show up at the final interview thinking this is it only to be told that the process is extended for another six weeks (to whenever).

Anyone seen this happening from their region?

Yes they do require DNA test to make sure that the baby is the parent's child. I filed a CRBA in the Philippines last Augt 2008 since my son was born there(got preggy here in the US) and they did not asked me the DNA test I guess they are satisfied with all the documents i submitted.

If they are satisfied with the documents you submit to the embassy they won't require you a DNA test but as far as I know..most of the applicants there when i was at the embassy was asked the test..i was just lucky.

Edited December 31, 2008 by happywifeymom

[Y's_habibitk 2]

It makes logical sense to me.

[Jasman0717 9]

Isn't that kind of expensive?

[pushbrk 13,124]

Hi VJers

A friend petitioned for his wife and kids (kids are his) and when the petition reached the Embassy, they were told that NOW DNA testing is required for proof that kids belong to either parent. Apparently there are cases out there of children being smuggled to the US especially from Africa and some Asian countries.

I think at the very least the Consulates/USCIS/NVC/Department of State should notify prior to interview (make it part of the checklist) or just make it known period in their websites or rules and regulations that this may be required so that parents don't show up at the final interview thinking this is it only to be told that the process is extended for another six weeks (to whenever).

Anyone seen this happening from their region?

This is not routinely required everywhere but yes, there have been many instances of child smuggling. A recent one was well publicized in the news. Google "child maids".

[Gigli2008 70]

Isn't that kind of expensive?

It is especially when there is no advance warning/notice. I understand the purpose behind requiring paternity/dna testing. What I don't understand is why its sprung out of the blue on the day of the interview. Every other requirement is known well in advance.

In this case, since Nairobi does not have proper DNA testing facilities, some government office in the USA has to send a sample collecting kit to Nairobi. Then the beneficiary has to take the Kit to an approved Doctor's office for collection of the samples. Then the Doctor has to send the kit back to the USA for testing. Then the results are sent back from the US to the Embassy. This takes more than six weeks and it costs $1000 (US Dollars).

I think people have a right to know that this maybe required so that they can brace themselves for an extended process and plan for extra money.

Edited December 31, 2008 by Gigli2008

[Mononoke28 135]

I've also seen this happen in the US embassy in Bogotá, Colombia. It's not routinely done but every CO has the right to ask for one since it's so easy down there to pay any notary office to change birth record information just to get a child out of the country. It's expensive and a hassle but totally understandable in my opinion.

Diana

[Sylvia_n_Joseph 3]

I remember a case in Africa where the DNA testing showed that the childern did not belong to the African father that had truely believed they were his. If I remember the biological mother was dead. A very sad situation both for the VJ process and the father / childern involved.

[pushbrk 13,124]

Isn't that kind of expensive?

It is especially when there is no advance warning/notice. I understand the purpose behind requiring paternity/dna testing. What I don't understand is why its sprung out of the blue on the day of the interview. Every other requirement is known well in advance.

In this case, since Nairobi does not have proper DNA testing facilities, some government office in the USA has to send a sample collecting kit to Nairobi. Then the beneficiary has to take the Kit to an approved Doctor's office for collection of the samples. Then the Doctor has to send the kit back to the USA for testing. Then the results are sent back from the US to the Embassy. This takes more than six weeks and it costs $1000 (US Dollars).

I think people have a right to know that this maybe required so that they can brace themselves for an extended process and plan for extra money.

They are not requiring this of everybody. If it came up at interview, then it's because of some issue with the case, prompting it. Better the DNA test than an outright denial for fraud.

[Gigli2008 70]

Isn't that kind of expensive?

It is especially when there is no advance warning/notice. I understand the purpose behind requiring paternity/dna testing. What I don't understand is why its sprung out of the blue on the day of the interview. Every other requirement is known well in advance.

In this case, since Nairobi does not have proper DNA testing facilities, some government office in the USA has to send a sample collecting kit to Nairobi. Then the beneficiary has to take the Kit to an approved Doctor's office for collection of the samples. Then the Doctor has to send the kit back to the USA for testing. Then the results are sent back from the US to the Embassy. This takes more than six weeks and it costs $1000 (US Dollars).

I think people have a right to know that this maybe required so that they can brace themselves for an extended process and plan for extra money.

They are not requiring this of everybody. If it came up at interview, then it's because of some issue with the case, prompting it. Better the DNA test than an outright denial for fraud.

Ok. I actually understand your point now. I thought it would definitely be required for my husband and step-sons as they'll be interviewed shortly.

[happywifeymom 4]

Isn't that kind of expensive?

Yes it is expensive.

[Chikikiki 0]

Isn't that kind of expensive?

Yes it is expensive.

DNA testing is expensive and not 100% accurate.

See New England Journal of Medicine article:

http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/346/20/1545

Since it is expensive, not everyone is tested and its possible that many folks may have different DNA profiles depending on what part of the body the sample was taken from.

[Jasman0717 9]

Isn't that kind of expensive?

It is especially when there is no advance warning/notice. I understand the purpose behind requiring paternity/dna testing. What I don't understand is why its sprung out of the blue on the day of the interview. Every other requirement is known well in advance.

In this case, since Nairobi does not have proper DNA testing facilities, some government office in the USA has to send a sample collecting kit to Nairobi. Then the beneficiary has to take the Kit to an approved Doctor's office for collection of the samples. Then the Doctor has to send the kit back to the USA for testing. Then the results are sent back from the US to the Embassy. This takes more than six weeks and it costs $1000 (US Dollars).

I think people have a right to know that this maybe required so that they can brace themselves for an extended process and plan for extra money.

Ihad never seen it as a requirement until this post

[geezer 1]

Hi VJers

A friend petitioned for his wife and kids (kids are his) and when the petition reached the Embassy, they were told that NOW DNA testing is required for proof that kids belong to either parent. Apparently there are cases out there of children being smuggled to the US especially from Africa and some Asian countries.

I think at the very least the Consulates/USCIS/NVC/Department of State should notify prior to interview (make it part of the checklist) or just make it known period in their websites or rules and regulations that this may be required so that parents don't show up at the final interview thinking this is it only to be told that the process is extended for another six weeks (to whenever).

Anyone seen this happening from their region?

Personally this is something that I would refuse. The INA does not require DNA testing and until it was the law I would not participate. My reason is privacy concerns. It is an invasion of my privacy, my wifes privacy and our child(s) privacy to participate.

I'm one of those folks that dosen't trust the governmant and I would not allow them access to my families DNA.

The government treats those marrying and married to aliens as de facto second class citizens but this would be one indignity I simply would not subject myself or family to. I realize that on a practical matter many will be intimidated into submitting rather than spending years on AP but I am not one of those folks.