US Parents May Need Citizenship Proof for Child Passports

The US State Department has proposed new guidance that mandates parents applying for passports for their children to provide evidence of their own citizenship or immigration status. This move aligns with President Donald Trump's executive order issued on August 6, which targets "birth tourism," where foreign nationals give birth in the US to secure citizenship for their children.

Under the proposed rules, parents or legal guardians must submit proof of their legal standing, such as a valid US passport, birth certificate, I-94 form, or lawful permanent residency card. The guidance also stipulates that children of foreign government employees in the US, those who obtained citizenship through fraud, or individuals classified as "alien enemies" would be denied citizenship.

Trump's earlier executive order on this issue was struck down by the US Supreme Court, which ruled it violated the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott stated that the administration is committed to protecting the value of American citizenship.