For families hoping to be reunited in the United States, there are certain requirements for proving a biological relationship. Mothers may merely submit a birth certificate showing the child is their natural offspring. If no birth certificate is available or if for some reason it is not acceptable to the U.S. immigration authorities (for instance, if the certificate was issued long after the baby was born), a DNA test from a laboratory accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) may be needed to prove the child’s parenthood. This type of DNA verification is considered definitive proof of a blood relationship.
For a paternal relationship, the birth certificate is often not sufficient to show a father-child connection.
In this case, a DNA test by an AABB-accredited laboratory is the only sure-fire way to show parenthood.
Not all laboratories are accredited by AABB. All About Truth contracts with an AABB lab to produce DNA results that qualify for immigration purposes. The AABB accreditation means that the donors of DNA samples were properly identified, that the DNA testing and blood work followed so-called chain-of-custody procedures, and that each step of the process adhered to procedures dictated by immigration law.
AABB test results are accepted by U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) and all U.S. embassies around the world. Our contract arrangement enables us to provide legal DNA test results to residents of Broward, Dade and Palm Beach counties.
While DNA test results are always considered definitive proof, the methods of documentation, sampling, handling and reporting differ according to the person or agency requesting the test.
When Only AABB Evidence Will Do
When the offspring is an adult, the situation becomes more complicated. U.S. immigration authorities may ask to see evidence that there was a filial relationship while the child was growing up— such as copies of checks sent to the child. If this is not sufficient, a DNA test must be submitted by the parent.
Immigration requires that DNA test results be sent directly from an AABB-accredited lab to the government agency. For USCIS or U.S. Embassy, our partner lab sends two notarized copies of test results, government-approved I.D., original photographs and documents to the agency in question. Fees are paid by the parent requesting the proof.
DNA testing is used for many purposes— to establish paternity for child custody or child support; for inheritance or social security benefits; and for immigration. The level of documentation and verification depends on how test results will be used. For simple ‘peace of mind’ purposes— in other words, when a father wishes to know for himself if he is indeed the biological father— we have a test that is 99% accurate.
For more stringent applications, such as immigration, a certified professional needs to draw the sample and submit it to an AABB-certified lab.
To learn more about which type of DNA testing would suit your needs, call one of our offices in Dade County, Broward County or Palm Beach County.
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