Legal Question in Immigration Law in Maryland

Foreign national requiring medical assistance

My 1-year old great niece requires medical assistance not available in Philippines. She has a heart condition that will require corrective surgery. What is the best and most expeditious way to bring her in U.S. -- through adoption, legal guardianship, or other methods?


Asked on 1/24/05, 2:27 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Brian Sather Sather Immigration Law

Re: Foreign national requiring medical assistance

It's unlikely that your adoption of the child would suffice for her to qualify as your "child" for U.S. immigration law purposes (unless, immediately prior to your petition for her, she will have been in your legal custody for two years).

If adoption is, indeed, unfeasible for immigration purposes, it may be possible for her to travel to the U.S. with a temporary visa, if the U.S. government can be convinced that (a) she has a medical condition for which adequate treatment is not available at home, (b) a U.S. doctor who can provide the necessary treatment is willing to treat her, and (c) sufficient cash is available to pay for the treatment.

Feel free to contact me directly to discuss further.

Sincerely,

Brian Sather

Read more
Answered on 1/24/05, 2:48 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Immigration Law questions and answers in Maryland