The Passport Denial Program is a U.S. government initiative that can impact travel plans. It aims to stop certain people from getting passports. This program affects those who owe large sums in taxes or child support.
The program blocks passport applications and renewals for individuals with significant debts to the government. It started in 2015 and has since grown. The IRS and state agencies work together on this effort.
People with over $55,000 in unpaid taxes may face passport denial. The same applies to those behind on child support payments. This program pushes people to settle their debts. It has helped collect millions in owed money since it began.
Overview of the Passport Denial Program
The Passport Denial Program aims to prevent certain individuals from obtaining or using U.S. passports. It targets those with specific legal or financial obligations.
Eligibility Criteria
The program applies to people who owe large amounts of child support. Those who owe $2,500 or more can’t get a passport. It also covers some tax debts. People who owe $54,000 or more to the IRS may be denied passports.
Some criminal cases trigger passport denial too. This includes drug trafficking across borders. People with federal arrest warrants can’t get passports either.
The program blocks passport renewals as well as new applications. It can even revoke existing passports in some cases.
Legal Framework and Enforcing Agencies
The U.S. Department of State runs the Passport Denial Program. They work with other government agencies to enforce it. The main law behind this is the 1996 Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act.
The Office of Child Support Enforcement plays a big role. They tell the State Department about people who owe child support. The IRS reports tax debts that qualify for passport denial.
State courts and federal agencies can flag individuals too. They send info to the State Department about legal issues that block passports.
The program has faced some legal challenges. Courts have mostly upheld it as constitutional so far.
Application and Enforcement Process
The Passport Denial Program has a structured process for application submission, review, and enforcement. It aims to prevent certain individuals from obtaining passports due to legal or financial reasons.
Application Submission and Review
When someone applies for a passport, they must fill out Form DS-11 or DS-82. The form asks about child support debt, federal loans, and taxes. Applicants must sign the form under penalty of perjury.
The State Department checks the information against government databases. This includes child support records, tax data, and loan defaults. If a match is found, the application gets flagged for review.
A passport specialist then looks at the flagged application. They check if the person owes over $2,500 in child support. For federal loans or taxes, they look for large unpaid amounts.
Non-Compliance and Consequences
If an applicant owes money, their passport application will be denied. The State Department sends a letter explaining why. It tells the person how to fix the issue.
To get a passport, the applicant must:
- Pay the full amount owed
- Set up a payment plan
- Get a release from the agency they owe
People who lie on their application can face fines or jail time. It’s a crime to give false info on passport forms.
The program also affects current passport holders. Their passports can be revoked if they fall into debt after getting one. They’ll get a letter asking them to turn in their passport.
Challenging a Passport Denial
If your passport application is denied, you have options to appeal the decision. The process involves legal steps and meeting specific requirements to regain passport privileges.
Legal Recourse and Appeals
You can appeal a passport denial within 60 days of receiving the rejection notice. To start, submit a written request to the Passport Services office that denied your application. Include any new information or evidence that supports your case.
The appeal process may involve:
- Providing additional documents
- Attending an in-person hearing
- Hiring a lawyer to represent you
If your appeal is denied, you can file a lawsuit in federal court. This step is complex and may require legal help.
Reinstatement of Passport Privileges
To get your passport privileges back, you must address the reason for the denial. Common issues include:
- Unpaid taxes
- Child support debt
- Legal troubles
Steps to reinstate your privileges:
- Pay off any debts or fines
- Complete required legal obligations
- Provide proof of compliance to Passport Services
Once you’ve met all requirements, submit a new passport application. Include a letter explaining the steps you’ve taken to resolve the issues. The process can take several weeks or months, depending on your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Passport denial due to child support arrears raises many common questions. The process involves specific steps, agencies, and policies that applicants should understand.
What steps should I take to determine if I am subject to passport denial due to child support arrears?
Contact your local child support office. Ask about your current balance and if you’re on the passport denial list. Check if you owe more than $2,500 in child support. Review any notices you’ve received about passport denial.
Who can I contact to inquire about my status on the passport denial list?
Call the Office of Child Support Enforcement at 1-800-233-7796. Contact your state’s child support agency. Reach out to the U.S. Department of State’s National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.
Is it possible to receive a temporary passport if I have outstanding child support debt?
Temporary passports are rarely granted for child support debt. Exceptions may be made for life-or-death emergencies. Contact the passport agency directly to discuss your situation. You’ll need to provide proof of the emergency.
For what reasons might an application for a passport be denied?
Child support debt over $2,500. Unpaid federal taxes. Certain criminal convictions. Owing money for federal loans. Fraud or false statements on passport applications. Being subject to a court order not to leave the U.S.
What recourse is available if I receive a passport denial letter?
Pay the full child support debt. Set up a payment plan with your state agency. Request a review of your case if you believe there’s an error. Seek legal advice to understand your options. Appeal the decision if you have grounds to do so.
Are there any refund policies for passport application fees after denial?
Passport application fees are non-refundable, even if denied. The fees cover the cost of processing the application. You’ll need to pay the fee again if you reapply after resolving the issue that caused the denial.
