US may revoke passports over unpaid child support debts above $2,500
The U.S. State Department says it may revoke passports of Americans with unpaid child support debt, with those owing more than $2,500 potentially affected, a Qazinform News Agency correspondent reports.
The measure is based on a 1996 federal law that has rarely been enforced. Until now, passport denials for unpaid child support were mainly applied when individuals requested new documents or sought renewals.
Under the new approach, authorities may cancel valid passports without waiting for a renewal request. The State Department said it will work with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to identify people with qualifying debt.
While the $2,500 threshold sets the minimum, officials indicated the focus would be on cases involving larger outstanding amounts.
Americans whose passports are revoked will not be eligible for a replacement until their child support debt is paid. The department advised those with such debt to contact the relevant state agencies and arrange payment to avoid revocation.
Americans who are abroad when their passport is revoked will need to visit a U.S. embassy or consulate to obtain an emergency travel document to return to the United States.
The State Department said the policy is intended to enforce parents’ legal and financial responsibilities to their children and support compliance with existing federal law.
No specific start date for the new enforcement policy was announced by the department.
Earlier, Qazinform News Agency reported that Donald Trump said a deal with Iran remained possible as negotiations between Washington and Tehran continued.