An Iranian-born woman adopted by a U.S. Air Force veteran in the late 1970s has been ordered to appear in removal proceedings, reviving a long-standing loophole that left thousands of “older adoptees” without automatic U.S. citizenship. Her parents assumed her naturalization was automatic, but until 2000 adoptive parents had to file separate paperwork; many never did. Now in her fifties, the California resident—who has no criminal record—faces deportation to Iran, where conversion from Islam to Christianity can be punishable by death.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) notice arrived amid heightened U.S.–Iran tensions. Lawyers say at least 49 similar cases have surfaced since January, when DHS launched “Operation True Parent,” a review of adoption files looking for paperwork irregularities. Because most affected individuals are long-term residents, they have deep employment and family ties in the United States. Employers confronted with suddenly unauthorized workers could face I-9 penalties if they allow continued employment.
For employers or individuals suddenly grappling with documentation questions, VisaHQ offers a practical lifeline. Through its U.S. platform (https://www.visahq.com/united-states/), the service provides clear, up-to-date guidance on passports, visas, and related immigration paperwork, and can facilitate expedited filings—helpful when proof of status or replacement travel documents are urgently needed.
![U.S. Moves to Deport Iranian-Born Adoptee, Exposing Citizenship Gap for Older International Adoptions]()
Legislation to amend the Child Citizenship Act to cover people adopted before their 18th birthday stalled in the last Congress despite bipartisan backing. Advocacy groups are calling on businesses to lobby lawmakers, arguing that loss of skilled workers and community disruption undermine economic competitiveness.
From a mobility standpoint, companies should identify employees who were internationally adopted before 2000 and verify their citizenship status. Those lacking proof of naturalization may need immediate legal assistance and, if eligible, to file for nunc pro tunc certificates of citizenship. HR teams should also prepare for sudden travel restrictions: once placed in removal proceedings, individuals’ passports are seized, halting all international assignments.
The case underscores the intersection of adoption law, immigration policy and religious-freedom concerns. Unless Congress acts, thousands who grew up as Americans could face life-altering deportations—placing new compliance burdens on employers and further straining U.S.–Iran relations.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) notice arrived amid heightened U.S.–Iran tensions. Lawyers say at least 49 similar cases have surfaced since January, when DHS launched “Operation True Parent,” a review of adoption files looking for paperwork irregularities. Because most affected individuals are long-term residents, they have deep employment and family ties in the United States. Employers confronted with suddenly unauthorized workers could face I-9 penalties if they allow continued employment.
For employers or individuals suddenly grappling with documentation questions, VisaHQ offers a practical lifeline. Through its U.S. platform (https://www.visahq.com/united-states/), the service provides clear, up-to-date guidance on passports, visas, and related immigration paperwork, and can facilitate expedited filings—helpful when proof of status or replacement travel documents are urgently needed.
Legislation to amend the Child Citizenship Act to cover people adopted before their 18th birthday stalled in the last Congress despite bipartisan backing. Advocacy groups are calling on businesses to lobby lawmakers, arguing that loss of skilled workers and community disruption undermine economic competitiveness.
From a mobility standpoint, companies should identify employees who were internationally adopted before 2000 and verify their citizenship status. Those lacking proof of naturalization may need immediate legal assistance and, if eligible, to file for nunc pro tunc certificates of citizenship. HR teams should also prepare for sudden travel restrictions: once placed in removal proceedings, individuals’ passports are seized, halting all international assignments.
The case underscores the intersection of adoption law, immigration policy and religious-freedom concerns. Unless Congress acts, thousands who grew up as Americans could face life-altering deportations—placing new compliance burdens on employers and further straining U.S.–Iran relations.
