New Russian adoption policy unfair to innocent children

This December, Russian President Vladimir V. Putin signed legislation banning the adoption of Russian orphans by American families. The bill not only ensures the future discontinuation of adoption in the U.S. but also nullifies any current adoptions being processed. That means hundreds of Russian orphans promised a new life are being stripped of their contracts guaranteeing them adoption.

Given the historically spotty relationship between the U.S. and Russia, political tensions have been currently on the rise due to disagreements over the conflict in Syria and the recent Maginsky Act, a bill blocking Russians accused of violating certain human rights from traveling to the U.S. Putin is using the adoption legislation as a means of punishment to the American government. However, he seems to be forgetting whom the bill directly harms: innocent Russian children.

Putin’s blatant disregard for the welfare of his own citizens is has not only outraged Americans but also Russian political activists who began protesting the legislation almost immediately. Putin cites multiple examples of Russian orphans being mistreated in the U.S. as evidence supporting his decision, however, he fails to realize the small sample he refers to is not reflective of the greater population.

Let’s not forget the greater issue here, which is how international political tension is negatively affecting the innocent people of Russia. Why put children in the middle? Foreign policy should be designed around fostering a safer environment for one’s constituents, not blockading them from finding a better life. This particular piece of Russian legislation is directly harming orphans who have committed no crime and it does not take a genius to realize it. Putin’s actions are irresponsible, naive and immature and need to be reexamined.