CHICAGO, IL – The Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights welcomes the recent court decision by the Court of Appeals of Virginia to void the adoption of an Afghan child taken from her family by a U.S. Marine in 2021. The Young Center submitted an amicus brief to the court in favor of the reunification of this baby with her biological family based on the best interest of the child.  

This ruling is a significant step toward justice for her and her family. The Afghan child's relatives have long argued that she was wrongfully taken and adopted under false pretenses. 

Kelly Albinak Kribs, Co-Director of the Technical Assistance Program at the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights, said: 

"We welcome the Virginia Appellate Court decision voiding the adoption of Baby Doe. Baby Doe has a biological family that lovingly cared for her and stands ready to do so once more. A child’s connection to their family of origin and to their culture is critical to their long-term mental health and well-being.  

We urge the circuit court to move quickly to reunify Baby Doe with her rightful family and to mitigate further harm caused by their prolonged separation.  A child who grows up removed from family members who loved them and wanted to care for them, and without a connection to their ethnic heritage, will inevitably experience a profound sense of loss. Connection to family and a strong cultural identity are protective factors that build resiliency in children, imbue a sense of belonging, and lead to better outcomes in mental health and development. The sooner Baby Doe can be reunified with her family, the sooner they can begin to heal.” 

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The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights is a non-profit organization that protects and advances the rights and best interests of immigrant children and advocates for an immigration system that treats children as children first.