US to Revoke Passports of Citizens With Major Child Support Debt

The United States Department of State has announced that it will begin revoking passports of American citizens who owe significant amounts in unpaid child support.

Under US law, parents with child support arrears exceeding $2,500 could face passport-related restrictions. However, the State Department said enforcement efforts will primarily focus on individuals with “substantial” unpaid obligations.

According to US regulations, a court may order one parent — usually the non-custodial parent — to provide financial support to the parent caring for the child. The payments are intended to cover essential needs such as food, clothing, housing, education, and healthcare.

The move is part of broader efforts by the US government to strengthen compliance with federal law and support American families, the department said.

In a statement, the State Department said it is using “practical measures” to enforce parents’ “legal and moral responsibilities” toward their children.

Officials advised affected individuals to contact the relevant state agencies and arrange payment plans in order to avoid passport cancellation.

Once a passport is revoked, it can no longer be used for international travel. Individuals whose passports are canceled will not be eligible for a new passport until their outstanding child support obligations are resolved, according to the department.

The department added that the measure would help protect the welfare of American children by ensuring “meaningful consequences” for those who fail to meet child support obligations under existing federal law.