The interest from Americans has been strong. Last year, the number hit a record 3,552, and the trend shows every sign of increasing, according to the U.S. consulate in the southern city of Guangzhou, which processes visas for adopted children. Offenders could be fined for life, demoted or fired. But recent prosperity has enabled more and more Chinese families to skirt the one-child policy by paying the fines. Many people now work for themselves or private companies.
Migrant laborers can evade the authorities as they move from place to place in search of work.
Guangyong seemed more pragmatic than tormented about the decision ahead. One reason is that peasant families need a male heir to care for them when they are older. China doesn't have anything like the Social Security system, and a son is the next best thing to a pension. We won't have any roots, and that is the most disgraceful thing for people in the countryside. As he spoke, his wife silently went about her chores and only commented on their dilemma when asked.