The US State Department announced on May 7 the immediate implementation of a policy to revoke passports from citizens with substantial outstanding child support debts. Initially targeting individuals owing 100,000 USD or more, this measure affects approximately 2,700 US passport holders, based on data provided by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Child support in the US is a mandatory legal obligation, requiring non-custodial parents to contribute financially to their children's living expenses, education, and care following a divorce or separation. Previously, long-term defaulters faced enforcement measures such as wage garnishment and tax refund freezes. This marks the first time the US has employed passport revocation as a consequence for non-payment.

The policy is slated for significant expansion, soon encompassing individuals with child support debts of 2,500 USD or more. This lower threshold, established in a 1996 law, has historically seen limited enforcement. The US government is actively compiling state-level data to facilitate this broader implementation, which could substantially increase the number of affected Americans.

US passport cover. Photo: AP

Individuals whose passports are revoked will receive notification that their travel document is invalid for international travel. To regain travel privileges, they must apply for a new passport only after confirming full payment of their child support debt.

For those abroad at the time of revocation, they must visit a US embassy or consulate to obtain emergency travel documents, enabling their return to the US.

Since the Associated Press first reported on the planned expansion of this policy in February, hundreds of individuals have proactively settled their debts with state authorities. A State Department statement affirmed, "We are taking this measure to encourage parents to do the right thing for their children and for US law."

Based on reports from AP, USA Today, and Washington Post.