My wife's niece

[purduefanmike 0]

My wife's niece is now 6 years old and prior to June (when my wife came to the US on a K1 visa), my wife had raised her(from the time she was 3 months old). The niece's father (my wife's brother) and mother both live in Spain and will sign whatever papers are necessary including adoption papers. The child is Costa Rican by birth but both parents and my wife are Nicaraguan. My wife desparately wants to bring her here and I just do not know where to begin. ANY advise would be appreciated.

Edited August 23, 2010 by purduefanmike

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

Unless both parents are dead it is nearly impossible to do what you are wanting to do. Even adoption does not clear the way for her to immigrate.

[Penguin_ie 5,996]

Immigration by adoption is only allowed in the child is an orphan. If not, even if the adoption is legal in the country of origin, you cannot bring the child to the US this way.

[purduefanmike 0]

There is a definition of an orphan on the USCIS website that includes "abandonment". My wife has been caring for this little girl since she was 3 months old due to the parents basically not caring whether this child lived or died. Anyone know of a good attorney that can help? I'm not sure if I can tackle this one myself. And btw, at this time my wife's mother is caring for her grandchild but she is elderly and this is not a long term solution.

Edited August 24, 2010 by purduefanmike

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

Here is a guide that seems pretty good. Adoption guide