Hundreds of United States families are in the process of adopting children from Russia. Many have traveled to Russia and met the children they wish to adopt. They have bonded with these children and told them they will be back to bring them home. Many of these children do realize who the families are, referring to them as "mama" and "papa".



Now they are being told this will not happen.

Other families, at various stages of the Russian adoption process, dream about receiving their invitation to meet the child who will become a part of their family. They, too, will be denied that opportunity due to the ban.

The United States law designed to punish those who have committed Human Rights violations has, ironically, created a situation where hundreds of thousands of children's Human Rights have been violated. Every child has a right to be nurtured and provided a loving, permanent home.

Mr. President, we ask you to directly reach out to President Putin in an effort to diplomatically resolve this situation and allow ALL in process families to complete their adoptions.