Seven who were adopted from overseas get their citizenship papers tomorrow

On Nov. 18, the Seattle Field Office of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) will observe National Adoption Month by presenting citizenship certificates to seven people, including four children, all of whom entered the U.S. by being adopted by American parents.  The event looks like a naturalization ceremony, but all of those receiving certificates had already derived citizenship through their parents.  The purpose of the ceremony is to give them legal evidence of their U.S. citizenship.  Citizenship certificates take the place of a U.S. birth certificate in establishing immigration status.

The seven to be honored range in age from 16 to 36.  Three come from South Korea, and the others are from Ghana, the Philippines, Thailand and Uganda.  Those under 18 will be accompanied by at least one parent, who can consent for an interview with their child.

USCIS Seattle Field Office Director Linda Dougherty, adoptive mother of five-year-old twin girls from East Africa, will make the keynote address at this event, and will administer the oath of citizenship.