US may ask parents to prove citizenship or immigration status to get passports for their children

The US State Department is considering a major change to the passport application process for children. If the proposal is approved, parents applying for a passport for a minor may have to submit documents proving their own US citizenship or legal immigration status.

The proposed change is part of the Trump administration's efforts to put its new birthright citizenship policy into practice. It follows Executive Order 14418, issued on August 6, 2026, which seeks to limit certain birthright citizenship claims and address what the administration calls "birth tourism".

Parents currently applying for a US passport for a child born in the country have to establish their relationship with the child and provide valid identification. They also declare their citizenship status on the application, but they are not generally required to submit documents proving that status.