Russian Adoption Ban Devastates N.J. Family Trying To Bring Orphan To U.S.
FREEHOLD, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- It's official.
Russia is telling American families "hands off" when it comes to adopting its children and, as CBS 2's Sean Hennessey reported Friday night, that decision is causing heartbreak here at home.
For two years, Robert and Kim Summers have been trying to bring a Russian child to their Freehold home and recently were matched with a little boy whom they have already named.
"Preston Mackey Summers. He's a wonderful, young boy who needs love and attention," Robert Summers said.
But the child may never leave his orphanage, thanks to a new law banning the adoption of Russian children by American citizens.
"I cannot put into words how my wife and I feel right now...and we ask President [Vladimir] Putin, please, consider alternate means, but don't let these children suffer. Please. That's all we ask," Robert Summers said.
The signing of the law is seen as retaliation for a new American law, banning Russians accused of human rights violations from entering the United States.
In the past few months, the Summers have traveled to Russia twice to bond with the child and their home is now filled with clothes, a crib and a stroller.
"I knew that this was the child I was meant to parent," Kim Summers said.
But now, politics may get in the way of parenting for the Summers and 1,500 other American families who've made promises they may not be able to keep.
"I said to him 'Mommy and daddy will see you in four weeks, and you're gonna come home with us and we're gonna be a forever family,'" Kim Summers said.
The State Department is urging the Russian government not to entangle orphaned children in politics and asking that children who have already met and bonded with their future parents be allowed to join their American families.
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