US state department to start revoking passports of parents who owe child support
The Guardian • • nation
Key Points:
- The US State Department will start revoking passports of parents who owe $100,000 or more in unpaid child support, affecting about 2,700 individuals initially.
- The program will soon expand to include parents owing more than $2,500, based on a 1996 law, potentially impacting thousands more once data collection is complete.
- Previously, only passport renewal applicants faced revocation, but now all parents with debts over $2,500 will have passports revoked proactively.
- The policy aims to encourage parents to pay child support, with the State Department reporting significant arrears collection and some parents resolving debts following the announcement.
- Revoked passport holders will be notified and must settle debts to regain travel privileges; those abroad will need emergency travel documents from US embassies or consulates.
