Russian adoption ban halts Johns Creek couple's plans

On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a bill banning Americans from adopting Russian children, making the measure official less than 24 hours after it passed Parliament.  The bill blocks dozens of adoptions that were already in progress, including a Johns Creek couple.  

Kurt and Ann Suhs had already completed the paperwork and begun the process of adopting their second child from Russia when the bill passed.  They say they were planning a trip to meet the child.  

The Suhs' son, 7-year-old Ben, was adopted from Russia six years ago.  They told FOX 5 they're still holding out hope that the adoption will proceed, but their only hope lies in the bilateral adoption agreement Putin signed back in November, which includes a one-year grace period.

The family says they're also concerned about the fate of a one-time adoption tax credit that is meant to assist American families with the expense of adoption.  That credit of nearly $13,000 is set to expire on December 31.

The law is in retaliation for American sanctions against some Russians considered to be human rights violators.  It's not immediately clear when the law will take effect.