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NewsPBS NewsHourMay 7, 2026United States

U.S. State Department to Revoke Passports for Unpaid Child Support

The U.S. State Department is expanding a program to revoke the passports of individuals with significant unpaid child support debt. The policy will initially target those owing $100,000 or more, with plans to eventually include anyone owing over $2,500.

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Read the full story at PBS NewsHour

Why It Matters

Approximately 2,700 Americans currently owing $100,000 or more in child support face immediate passport , which will prevent international travel until their debts are resolved.

Key Facts

  • The State Department is beginning to revoke passports of individuals owing $100,000 or more in child support.
  • Approximately 2,700 passport holders are currently affected by the $100,000 threshold.
  • The program will expand to include individuals owing more than $2,500 in unpaid child support.
  • Previously, passport revocation for child support debt only applied to those applying for passport renewals.
  • The new policy applies to all passport holders with qualifying debt, regardless of whether they are currently applying for a renewal.
  • Individuals whose passports are revoked will be notified and unable to use the documents for travel.
  • Passport holders abroad at the time of revocation must visit a U.S. embassy or consulate to obtain emergency travel documents to return home.
  • To regain passport privileges, individuals must resolve their child support arrears.
  • Since 1998, the program has collected $657 million in child support arrears.
  • Over the past five years, the program has collected $156 million through more than 24,000 individual lump-sum payments.

Who's Mentioned

organizationDepartment of Health and Human Services“Provides data on child support arrears to the State Department.”organizationU.S. State Department“The agency responsible for revoking passports.”organizationAssociated Press“The news organization that reported the policy expansion.”personMora Namdar“Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs.”