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Federal Benefits Services Abroad
Federal agency monthly benefits checks are generally sent from
the Department of the Treasury to the U.S. embassies or consulates
in the countries where the beneficiaries are residing. When you
move overseas, report your change of residence to the nearest
U.S. embassy or consulate. The usual procedure is for the embassy
or consulate to then forward the check through the local mail
system to you. It may be possible to make arrangements to have
your check deposited directly into a bank account located in the
United States or in the country where you reside. Check with the
benefits paying agency or the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate
for further information.
If your check does not arrive or you have other questions about
your benefits, contact a consular officer at the nearest U.S.
embassy or consulate. If the consular officer cannot answer your
inquiry, he or she will contact the appropriate paying agency,
such as the Social Security Administration, and make inquiries
on your behalf. If you move, notify the nearest U.S. embassy or
consulate at least 60 days before the move. This will enable the
Federal agency to update its records so your checks are sent to
the correct address.
Assistance In Voting in U.S. Elections
Americans who reside abroad are usually eligible to vote by
absentee ballot in all Federal elections and may also be eligible
to vote in many state and local U.S. elections. Eligibility depends
upon the laws and regulations of your state of residence in the
United States. To vote absentee, you must meet state voter registration
requirements and apply for the ballot as early as possible from
the state of your last domicile. Should your state ballot not
arrive in sufficient time, you may be eligible to use a Federal
write-in ballot known as a F.W.A.B. You should consult the nearest
U.S. embassy or consulate for additional information.
Selective Service Registration
Section I-202 of the Presidential Proclamation of July 2, 1980,
reinstituting registration under the Military Selective Service
Act, states:
Citizens of the United States who are to be registered and who
are not in the United States on any of the days set aside for
their registration, shall present themselves at a U.S. embassy
or consulate for registration before a diplomatic or consular
officer of the United States or before a registrar duly appointed
by a diplomatic or consular officer of the United States.
Check with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if you need
to comply.
FAMILY MATTERS
Adopting A Child Overseas
If you plan to adopt a child overseas, you should be aware that
the U.S. Government considers foreign adoptions to be a private
legal matter within the judicial sovereignty of the nation where
the child is residing. U.S. authorities have no right to intervene
on behalf of American citizens in the courts in the country where
the adoption takes place. However, there are a number of ways
that U.S. embassies and consulates can assist prospective parents.
The U.S. embassy or consulate can provide you with information
on the adoption process in the country where you reside. Consular
officers can make inquiries on your behalf regarding the status
of your case in the foreign court and will assist in clarifying
documentary requirements if necessary. Embassies and consulates
will also ensure that as an American you are not being discriminated
against by foreign courts and will provide you with information
on the visa application process for your adopted child.
Because children in foreign adoptions are considered to be nationals
of the country of origin, prospective parents must comply with
local laws. One way to achieve this is by dealing only with a
reputable international adoption agency experienced in handling
adoptions in the country where you are living. In the case of
a private adoption, you should hire a local attorney with expertise
in adoptions. Because of the potential for fraud in international
adoptions, you need to be aware of the pitfalls. The U.S. embassy
or consulate can offer you advice on what problems you might encounter.
Foreign children adopted overseas by U.S. citizens can gain
U.S. citizenship if the adoptive parents apply for the child's
naturalization after they return to the United States. In most
cases, the adoptive parents would merely apply for a Certificate
of Citizenship from the Immigration and Naturalization Service
(INS) after the adoption. However, until they return to the United
States, the adopted child remains a national of their country
of origin. Before returning to the United States with your adopted
child, you will need to petition the INS for your childs immigrant
visa. For further information on adoption procedures, obtain INS
Form M-249 entitled, The Immigration of Adopted and Prospective
Adoptive Children. You can also contact the Department of State,
Overseas Citizens Services Office of Children's Issues, Room 4818,
Washington, D.C. 20520, telephone (202) 736-7000 to learn more
about foreign adoption procedures and to order the booklet International
Adoptions. This booklet is also available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov
and contains useful information for U.S. citizens who plan to
adopt a foreign child.
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