A happy ending for Mia, parents

Baby Mia is coming home.

An adopted child stranded in China because of her new father's drunken-driving charge will be issued a visa after all.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services approved the baby's right to enter the country after Minnesota Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Norm Coleman, and Rep. Jim Ramstad, acted on behalf of the adoptive parents.

Andrew and Michelle Ransavage of Hopkins adopted Mia, a special-needs child, through Children's Home Society & Family Services in St. Paul, and they were approved in the fall.

Andrew, 36, had been cited on a misdemeanor charge of drunken driving a year ago, but he passed chemical dependency and psychological exams, as well as a second home study.

He received approval of the Chinese government to adopt, but local immigration officials held up the baby's immigration papers when a fingerprint check showed the drunken-driving charge -- essentially overruling psychologists and social workers.

China gave custody of Mia to Michelle more than two months ago, but she was unable to return without the visa for Mia. Mother and daughter have been staying at a hotel in the southern city of Guangzhou.

"I just want to thank them, and all our friends and people across Minnesota, who gave us support," he said.

Andrew Ransavage acknowledged he made a "huge mistake" in driving while legally intoxicated. But he attended class, took a personality test and had a chemical abuse assessment.

Another couple in a similar situation, Josh and Jodi Campbell, of Hastings, have not heard about their case. They have a child waiting in a foster home in Guatemala. Josh was cited for drunken driving last January.

"I'm so happy for them," said Jodi Campbell. "I hope that means good news for us, too."

Said Klobuchar, who spoke with immigration officials about the issue: "I don't think there was bad intent, but just some red tape gone awry. We had a bipartisan effort to get this done."

"It just should not have gotten to this point," Klobuchar said. "It caused enormous emotional and financial hardship for this family."