Russian adoption ban halts Johns Creek couple's plans
Posted:
Updated:
By Trey Thomas, All News 106.7
The Suhs' son Ben, 7, was adopted from Russia six years ago.
On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a bill banning Americans from adopting Russian children, making the measure official less than 24 hours after it passed Parliament. The bill blocks dozens of adoptions that were already in progress, including a Johns Creek couple.
Kurt and Ann Suhs had already completed the paperwork and begun the process of adopting their second child from Russia when the bill passed. They say they were planning a trip to meet the child.
The Suhs' son, 7-year-old Ben, was adopted from Russia six years ago. They told FOX 5 they're still holding out hope that the adoption will proceed, but their only hope lies in the bilateral adoption agreement Putin signed back in November, which includes a one-year grace period.
The family says they're also concerned about the fate of a one-time adoption tax credit that is meant to assist American families with the expense of adoption. That credit of nearly $13,000 is set to expire on December 31.
The law is in retaliation for American sanctions against some Russians considered to be human rights violators. It's not immediately clear when the law will take effect.
Gov. Nathan Deal says he believes in the right of atheist groups to donate literature for use in cabins and lodges in Georgia's state parks just as Bibles are allowed.
Gov. Nathan Deal says he believes in the right of atheist groups to donate literature for use in cabins and lodges in Georgia's state parks just as Bibles are allowed.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:44 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:44:17 GMT
A Jasper County teen was reunited with an EMT who helped save her life 13 years ago.
A Jasper County teen was reunited with an EMT who helped save her life 13 years ago. FOX 5 viewers provided information that led Alyssa Haskew to the moment she's waited more than a decade for: to say thank you to Scott Thomas.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:34 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:34:58 GMT
Parents are asking about the safety of the schools in the event of a tornado after the devastation suffered in Moore, Okla.
Parents are asking about the safety of the schools in the event of a tornado after the devastation suffered in Moore, Okla. School and emergency officials insist having kids sheltered in school buildings rather than being picked up is the best solution.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:22 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:22:14 GMT
Tea party groups and Georgia Republican leaders are gathered at the state Capitol on Tuesday to protest the targeting of conservative groups by the Internal Revenue Service.
Tea party groups and Georgia Republican leaders are gathered at the state Capitol on Tuesday to protest the targeting of conservative groups by the Internal Revenue Service.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:17 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:17:01 GMT
The wives of Atlanta police and firefighters have put up billboards telling Mayor Kasim Reed and the Atlanta City Council to give their spouses a pay raise.
The wives of Atlanta police and firefighters have put up billboards telling Mayor Kasim Reed and the Atlanta City Council to give their spouses a pay raise.
The Suhs' son Ben, 7, was adopted from Russia six years ago.
