US May Demand Parents’ Citizenship Proof for Children’s Passports

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The US State Department looks into new guidelines that would require parents applying for passports for their children to present proof of their own US citizenship or immigration status.

The proposed measure is linked to President Donald Trump's August 6 executive order, which seeks to limit birthright citizenship in certain cases, such as children born to foreign-government employees, people involved in citizenship fraud or commercial transactions, and those designated as ‘alien enemies.’

When applying for a child's passport, parents or legal guardians may be required to produce documents such as a US passport, birth certificate, I-94 immigration record, or permanent-resident card, according to the draft guidance. The information would be used to establish whether the child is eligible for US citizenship under the new directive.

The proposal is not yet finalised. It comes as government attempts to restrict birthright citizenship are being challenged in court.

When a child under 16 applies for a passport, the State Department currently demands proof of the child's U.S. citizenship and documentation proving the parent-child relationship.