U.S. Embassy Uses DNA Testing to Protect Children Adopted in Guatemala

Effective August 6, 2007, the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala will require a second DNA test, to verify that the adopted child for whom an immigrant visa is being requested is the same child matched at the beginning of the adoption process with the birth parent. The Embassy is taking this step in response to concerns about the unregulated adoption process in that country. The Embassy already requires one DNA match between a relinquishing parent and prospective adoptive child as part of the immigrant visa process for Guatemalan children adopted by American citizens.

Rumors of child stealing in rural areas periodically come to a boil, and when tensions are high even the most innocent interaction with local children can place a visitor in danger. On July 1 two foreigners (including one American) and a Guatemalan kayaking on a river near Chicaman, Quiche were seized by a mob because they joked and talked with a boy on the riverbank. They were taken to local police but released unharmed. In Sayaxche, Peten, a mob killed a Guatemalan man and held a woman who were accused of child stealing, then later ransacked the town and took 11 police officers hostage after police arrested four men for the killing. Eight Guatemalans have been lynched by such mobs this year. Thousands of babies are adopted by foreigners annually in a for-profit adoption system where mothers are paid for their children, contributing to the perception of child trafficking. The U.S. and Guatemala intend to ratify a treaty this year that will tighten adoption regulations.