Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Judge Bypasses U.S. Policy in Controversial Afghan Adoption

2/6/2026

25 3

Summary

Story summary

Court documents reveal Marine Joshua Mast and his wife, Stephanie, adopted an Afghan war orphan against U.S. policy.
Virginia Judge Richard Moore granted the adoption, bypassing safeguards protecting children.
The federal government says it was unaware of the bid and would have contested it.
The U.S. military evacuated the Afghan family during the 2021 withdrawal.
A State Department employee was later ordered to hand the child to the Masts.

1 of 1

Story summary

Court documents reveal Marine Joshua Mast and his wife, Stephanie, adopted an Afghan war orphan against U.S. policy.
Virginia Judge Richard Moore granted the adoption, bypassing safeguards protecting children.
The federal government says it was unaware of the bid and would have contested it.
The U.S. military evacuated the Afghan family during the 2021 withdrawal.
A State Department employee was later ordered to hand the child to the Masts.