US to Revoke Passports for Large Child-Support Debtors
The State Department will begin revoking U.S. passports from thousands of parents with unpaid child support, starting with those who owe $100,000 or more and soon expanding to those with $2,500+ in arrears. About 2,700 passport holders would fall under the higher threshold, with many more potentially affected by the broader rule. Affected individuals will be notified and must settle arrears to regain travel eligibility; those abroad can seek an emergency travel document. The program, in place since 1998, has recovered hundreds of millions in arrears and has prompted some payments since the expansion was announced.
