US to revoke passports of parents with overdue child support payments
No passport until the debt is paid. The US State Department announced on Thursday, May 7 that it will begin revoking passports of parents who have accumulated child support debts. In a statement, the ministry declared it is implementing “common sense” measures to prevent “individuals who owe significant amounts in child support from failing to meet their legal and moral obligations to their children.”
This measure will affect parents indebted with over $2,500 in child support payments, which is approximately 1,844 euros, according to the statement. It is reported by the Associated Press that the policy is set to come into effect as of Friday, May 8, with the initial focus on parents who owe over $100,000 in child support – roughly about 2,700 Americans.
Law previously rarely enforced
If an American’s passport is revoked, they will not be able to travel or renew their passport until the debt is settled, the State Department stated. This measure is based on a federal law dating back to 1996, which has been rarely enforced until now, AP reports.
In its statement, the State Department announced it will collaborate with the Department of Health and Human Services to implement this policy. The Department will provide profiles of individuals with outstanding child support debts to have their passports revoked and will confirm when debts are settled for those who make payments.
Individuals affected by this measure will be informed of their passport revocation and its consequences. They will need to apply for a new passport once the debt is repaid. If an American has their passport revoked while abroad, they must go to the US embassy or consulate to obtain a document allowing reentry to the United States.
Original article published on BFMTV.com
