One of the questions that adoptive families often ask is if there is an income requirement to adopt from Ethiopia. Ethiopia does not require a specific income to adopt. However, the US immigration does. Additionally, some of the agencies that work in Ethiopa do have an income requirement, so that is one of the question you'd be wise to ask any agency that you may be considering.

The immigration department requires proof of income in the form of the I-864, the Affidavit of Support. Basically, unless you are a military family, you must have an income that is 125% of the poverty level for the number of people in your family, including the child to be adopted. If you are an active-duty military family, the requirement is only 100% of poverty guidelines. Here is what 125% of Poverty Guidelines looks for families according to the 2006 standards.

# in Family/Income

2- $16,500
3- $20,750
4- $25,000
5- $29,250
6- $33,500
7- $37,750
8- $42,000
9- $46,250
10- $50,500
11- $54,750
12- $59,000

For each additional family member beyond that, you'd need to add $4,250. However, I'm guessing the calculations shown here are adequate for most of my readers! :)

If your family does not meet the income requirement to bring a child into the US, there may still be hope, especially if you have money in savings or equity in your home. There is an asset-based calculation that can be done to make up for the gap. Assets can be savings, stocks, bonds and property. They must be easily converted to cash. Here is what the US Dept of State has to say about using assets to meet the income requirement.

May the petitioner/sponsor count assets to meet the 125 percent minimum income requirement?

Yes. The sponsor counts his/her income first. Next he/she counts the personal assets and/or the income and assets of household members who have signed an I-864A. If, using all of those sources, the minimum income requirement is met, the affidavit would be "sufficient."

For an adoptive family, the cash value of assets must equal the difference between the sponsor's income and 125 percent of the poverty line for the household size.

For example, a petitioner/sponsor with a household size of four and an income of $18,000 would need assets equal to the difference between his/her income and the income required for a family of four at the current federal poverty guidelines level. He/she would also need to show evidence of mortgages, liens, and liabilities against the assets.

For additional information, please visit the following sites:
General Information & Frequently Asked Questions Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)
Dept of Homeland Security 2006 Poverty Guidelines