You might remember that, about a month ago, I told you there were going to be some changes in the way the U.S. Embassy in Moscow processes visas for the children we adopt. Changes that add more time--at least 24 hours--to your wait in Moscow. Changes that add another night of hotel costs in what is the world's most expensive city for expatriate living.

Those changes went into effect last week, and I have finally gotten an explanation of why they had to go into effect. Well, sort of.

In case you missed the earlier post, here are the changes: The standard processing time for an immigrant visa has doubled to two business days--at least--instead of one. You'll submit your paperwork early in the morning of the first day, but now, instead of coming back that afternoon for your interview, you will have to wait until the next business day. At least. Might be more. The details are all in black and white (and red, white and blue) on the Embassy's Web site.

Why, I asked the State Department spokesman? Adoptions are way down in Russia, so it's not as if there's an avalanche of paperwork.

He told me that there have been many changes in visa security clearances since 9/11, and that many other U.S. embassies had long since lengthened their processing time to two days or more to accommodate them. Visa paperwork must be scanned, transmitted to Washington electronically and sent back. The spokesman said that it was best to be thorough in these matters, so as "to avoid inconveniencing families down the road." Say what? He explained that the visa had not been done properly, it would have to be redone. Does this happen often I ask? Is this why the processing time had to be lengthened? Well no, in a word, it never has.

I don't want to give the impression that I am against tighter security for visas to come to the U.S. I was working in New York City on Sept. 11, 2001 in sight of the World Trade Center towers, and I never want to see a day like that again. But a system that can't distinguish between toddler visas and adult visas is a system bound for trouble.

Because remember, it is only your child who is being checked for security clearance by the U.S. Embassy in Moscow. You, of course, can go home any time.

Many companies, large and small, U.S. and foreign, have long adopted software to help them deal with large volumes of paperwork. This software can be programmed with common sense rules to speedily handle easy documents and route the tough ones for more thorough review, by computers or humans. Without it, your basic healthcare claims would be in a backlog longer than Southern California's I-5 at rush hour.

But once again, as with fingerprints and USICIS paperwork fees, common sense seems to have eluded our government in matters of adoption. And so folks, prepare to spend another night or two in Moscow. I guess I better try to work up a list of the city's top playgrounds.