Press Release: Urgent Update & Action Needed
White House Suspension of U.S. Immigrant Visas & I-600 Processing Delays
Effective January 1, 2026, the White House has issued a proclamation titled “Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States,” which suspends certain U.S. immigrant visas. This development has serious implications for many families pursuing intercountry adoption.
At Adoption Center of Illinois (ACI), we are committed to keeping families informed and empowered. Below is what we currently know, what remains unclear, and—most importantly—how you can take action.
Some Countries Affected by the Visa Suspension
While the White House proclamation applies to multiple countries, the following are some of the countries from which Adoption Center of Illinois families have adopted and may be directly impacted:
- Angola
- Chad
- Eritrea
- Gambia
- Nigeria
- Sierra Leone
This is not an exhaustive list of all affected countries. Families adopting from other nations should review the full proclamation and consult official U.S. government guidance to determine whether their case may be impacted.
We still strongly encourage you to advocate on behalf of families who are affected. Advocacy from the broader adoption community is essential.
What we do and do not know:
- At this time, we do not yet know how long immigrant entry will be suspended.
- The proclamation notes that every 180 days the federal government will review the suspension and determine whether it should continue, change, or end.
- We do not believe this policy impacts the I600 processing of ongoing adoption cases. If your case has been approved, it will impact the timeline for a child’s entry into the United States and the ability to finalize travel arrangements.
Urgent Advocacy Needed: Exempt Adoptees from the Travel Ban
Adopted children have previously been exempted from travel bans, and we are urging the federal government to do so again.
Take Action Today
The National Council for Adoption (NCFA) has created a simple way to contact your lawmakers:
👉 NCFA Action Center: Exempt Adoptees from Travel Ban
- Click the link ⬆️
- Enter your street address and ZIP code (no P.O. boxes)
- Send an automated message to your federal representatives
Please also share this link with friends, family members, and community supporters who are willing to advocate for waiting children and families.
Additional Concern: I-600 Processing Delays
In addition to the visa suspension, families continue to face extreme delays in I-600 processing.
- The current average processing time is approximately 28 months
- Families often receive no updates for years
- Immigration agencies typically do not respond to case inquiries during these extended periods
These delays leave families without guidance and children without permanency.
You Can Take Action on Processing Delays
We strongly encourage families to contact their congressional representatives to voice concerns and request oversight.
👉 Click here to find your representative’s direct contact information
Suggested Message to Send Your Representatives
You may copy, paste, and personalize the statement below:
Hello, my name is ________ and I am a prospective adoptive parent working through the U.S. immigration process. I am reaching out to ask for your support regarding the extremely long processing times for the adoption form I-600. The current average processing time is 28 months, and families are not receiving case updates for years. These delays prevent children from joining their permanent families. We are asking Congress to urge USCIS and the Department of State to prioritize intercountry adoption applications and improve communication with families who wait years with no response. Reducing these delays is in the best interest of the child. Every additional month lost affects bonding, emotional development, stability, and well-being. Thank you for your time and for any support you can offer to help bring waiting children home to their families as quickly and safely as possible.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[City/State]
We understand the stress and uncertainty all this may cause, especially as you wait for any word from USCIS on your case. Our agency will continue to advocate on your behalf and will provide updates as soon as we receive official clarification or direction from U.S. authorities.
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we navigate these new circumstances together.
From ACI’s Primary Provider Team