US will start revoking passports for parents who owe child support

7 hours ago

The U.S. State Department will start revoking passports for parents owing significant unpaid child support.
Initial focus is on those owing $100,000 or more (about 2,700 passport holders), starting Friday.
The program will soon expand to cover parents owing over $2,500, as per a 1996 law.
Previously, only passport renewals triggered revocation; now, all eligible passport holders will be targeted proactively.
HHS provides data to the State Department, and revocations aim to encourage debt resolution.
Since February news of the expansion, hundreds of parents resolved arrears, showing the policy's effectiveness.
The program, active since 1998, has helped states collect $657 million, including $156 million in lump sums over five years.
Revoked passport holders are notified and must apply for new passports after paying arrears.
Those abroad during revocation must visit U.S. embassies/consulates for emergency travel documents to return.

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