Washington, D.C. – In an effort to crack down on child trafficking and unauthorized international travel, the U.S. Department of State has introduced a new policy requiring minors under the age of 16 to obtain consent from both parents or legal guardians before being issued a passport.
The minor passport consent form, officially known as Form DS-3053, must be completed and signed by both parents or guardians in the presence of a notary public. This form will now be required in addition to the traditional requirements for obtaining a passport for minors, including proof of citizenship, a current photo, and the appropriate fees.
The decision to implement this new policy comes after several incidents of children being taken out of the country without the consent of one parent or guardian. The State Department hopes that by requiring both parents or guardians to provide consent, they can better protect children from being taken across international borders without proper authorization.
“We take the safety and well-being of children very seriously,” said Secretary of State Antony Blinken. “By requiring both parents or guardians to provide consent for a minor’s passport, we are taking an important step towards preventing child trafficking and unauthorized travel.”
The new policy has already been met with some criticism, with some parents expressing concern about the additional burden of obtaining consent from both parents or guardians. However, the State Department has emphasized that the safety and security of children is their top priority, and that the new policy is necessary to protect minors from potential harm.
In addition to the minor passport consent form, the State Department has also announced that they will be stepping up enforcement of existing laws and regulations related to child travel. This includes increased scrutiny of passport applications for minors, as well as closer monitoring of children traveling internationally without both parents or guardians present.
“We are committed to doing everything in our power to protect children from harm,” said Blinken. “By implementing these new measures, we are sending a clear message that we will not tolerate child trafficking or unauthorized travel involving minors.”
The minor passport consent form is now available on the State Department’s website, and parents and guardians are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new requirements before applying for a passport for a minor. Failure to comply with the new policy could result in delays or denial of a minor’s passport application.
Overall, the introduction of the minor passport consent form represents a significant step forward in the fight against child trafficking and unauthorized travel. By requiring both parents or guardians to provide consent for a minor’s passport, the State Department hopes to prevent future incidents of children being taken out of the country without proper authorization.
For more information on the new policy and the minor passport consent form, parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the State Department’s website or contact their local passport office.
