Congressional letter to Commissioner Ziglar (Sept. 2002)

Dear Commissioner Ziglar:

Thank you for your efforts on behalf of the prospective adoptive families from our states that are being considered under the expanded special humanitarian initiative on adoption. Your stewardship throughout this process is very much appreciated.

As you know, the joint U.S.-Cambodia Task Force began the final stage of processing cases under the special humanitarian initiative on Monday, August 19, 2002, with its visit to Kompong Thom. According to the most recent update, the Task Force and high·level Cambodian Ministry of Social Action officials met on Tuesday, August 20th, to review the results of the Task Force's _ work and discuss the 1NS’ proposed schedule for orphanage visits. The proposed schedule, as you are aware, would have provided for the initial, and possibly only, round of visits to be completed within three weeks of the first visit. It was reported in the last update that certain Cambodian officials were unable to agree to the schedule put forward by INS due to scheduling conflicts.

We were very disheartened by this news. As you can imagine, the emotional stress on prospective adoptive families is co pounded by the emergence of further delays. We are hopeful that talks regarding the schedule for visits will continue and would like to take this opportunity to encourage your personal involvement in this matter to ensure a timely resolution is reached that is consistent with due diligence.

Again, we appreciate your efforts and look forward to working with you to address international adoption issues.

Sincerely,

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