Article 116 update - adoptee
hey all, wanted to give a progress update on my Article 116 application. it might be helpful for other applicants like me who are adopted:
Note that my grandma already successfully went through the 116 process a decade ago. I applied in November 2024 and received a file number in a December 2024. In December of 2025, I received a request for additional documentation related to my adoption.
The request was for several specifics, including the original birth certificate with my birth parents names, as well as any other records I have such as home studies, contracts, etc. Note that I included the original court adoption decree in my initial application, but seemingly the BVA would like some more information.
Unfortunately, after several months and applications, I found out I essentially cannot obtain my original birth parent birth certificate because I was born in Texas & the state has strict laws about maintaining the privacy of birth parents. Although I actually know both my birth parents names/identities, I seemingly do not know my father’s middle name & therefore have not been able to access the birth certificate. The alternative other option would be to petition the Texas courts to unseal my full adoption records, which is very hard to do because the state keeps them sealed except for proven, serious health causes or urgent (serious) legal matters.
After explaining this to my German Embassy rep here in DC, they asked that I bring in all the records I DO have and they will explain in writing to the BVA the legal limitations in Texas.
I Brought in all the records my adoptive parents kept, including original home studies, intake forms, contracts etc. The BVA had actually asked that I also translate it all but the embassy has agreed with me that it would be a somewhat ridiculously costly endeavor. (if I have to get it done, I of course will!)
I did this last week and I have to say the embassy staff was extremely nice & understanding of the situation. The embassy staff is going to internally evaluate the need to translate the record and will email me within the week to say if I should still translate some stuff.
thats all for now!