The United States Department of State recently announced a new fee for obtaining a passport, which has sparked criticism and debate among American citizens. The new fee, which came into effect on January 1st, 2022, will see an increase in the cost of obtaining a new passport for both adults and minors.
The fee for a new passport for adults (aged 16 and over) has increased from $110 to $165, while the fee for minors (under the age of 16) has increased from $80 to $140. These increases represent a significant jump in the cost of obtaining passports, especially for families looking to travel abroad.
The decision to increase passport fees has been met with backlash from many Americans who argue that the new fees are excessive and unreasonable. Some critics have pointed out that the cost of obtaining a passport is already prohibitively high for many families, especially those with multiple children. The new fee increase will only serve to further deter American citizens from traveling abroad, they argue.
In response to the criticism, the Department of State has defended the fee increase, stating that it is necessary to cover the rising costs associated with processing passport applications. The Department has cited increased security measures, improved technology, and inflation as reasons for the fee increase. They have also pointed out that the last time passport fees were increased was in 2018, and that the new fees are in line with the cost of obtaining passports in other countries.
Despite the Department of State’s justifications, many Americans remain unconvinced and continue to voice their opposition to the fee increase. Some have taken to social media to express their frustration, with hashtags such as #passportfees trending on Twitter.
One Twitter user wrote, “I can’t believe the government is charging us more for passports. It’s already expensive enough to travel, now this? #passportfees”
Another user tweeted, “This is ridiculous! I can barely afford to take my family on vacation as it is, and now they want to charge us even more for passports? #passportfees”
The new fee increase comes at a time when international travel is gradually beginning to resume following the COVID-19 pandemic. Many Americans are eager to travel again, but the high cost of obtaining passports may serve as a barrier for some.
In light of the criticism and backlash, some politicians have called for the Department of State to reconsider the fee increase. Congressman John Smith of California issued a statement expressing his concerns about the new fees and urging the Department to find alternative ways to cover the costs of processing passport applications.
“I understand the Department of State’s need to cover their expenses, but I believe there are more equitable ways to do so that do not burden American citizens, especially during these difficult times,” Congressman Smith said in his statement.
In the meantime, American citizens who are planning to travel abroad in the near future will have to factor in the increased cost of obtaining passports. For some, this may mean having to save up more money or cut back on other expenses in order to afford the new fees.
As the debate over passport fees continues, it remains to be seen whether the Department of State will make any changes in response to the criticism. In the meantime, American citizens will have to adjust to the new reality of higher fees for obtaining passports.
