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الوسم: passport

  • US may require parents to prove citizenship for children’s passports

    US may require parents to prove citizenship for children’s passports

    A parent walks their children on the first day of school in Tampa, Florida, August 10, 2021. — Reuters

    The U.S. State Department has proposed a new requirement for parents applying for passports for their children: they would need to provide proof of their own citizenship or immigration status. This initiative is part of President Donald Trump’s latest efforts to restrict birthright citizenship.

    The draft guidance, reviewed by Reuters, offers the first detailed view of how the State Department might enforce Trump’s August 6 executive order targeting what he describes as “birth tourism” and expanding on previous exceptions to birthright citizenship.

    The White House directed Reuters to the State Department for comments. A Department spokesperson, Tommy Pigott, stated that “President Trump is clear that this Administration will defend the meaning and value of American citizenship. That includes ensuring our passport approval process aligns with that standard.”

    Limiting birthright citizenship has been a key focus of Trump’s broader immigration crackdown. The Supreme Court previously ruled that his earlier attempt to change the policy was unconstitutional.

    Trump’s initial executive order aimed to grant automatic U.S. citizenship at birth only to children with at least one parent holding U.S. citizenship or a lawful permanent residency (green card). However, in a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court found that order to be unlawful because it violated the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment.

    ### How Trump’s Order Will Be Implemented

    The August 6 order was more focused, specifically addressing “birth tourism,” where women travel to the U.S. to give birth so their children automatically become U.S. citizens. This order might still face legal challenges and could be blocked in court.

    The new directive would deny citizenship to children if their parent is employed by a foreign government in the U.S., involved in fraud or a commercial scheme to obtain citizenship, or classified as an “enemy alien.”

    The State Department’s draft guidance indicates that “parental information and proof of parental citizenship or immigration status will be required” to determine if the applicant falls under EO 14418, the executive order number.

    If put into effect, the proposal would require all parents or guardians filing for their child’s passport to provide proof of their own citizenship—such as a valid U.S. passport or birth certificate—or proof of their immigration status, like an I-94 form or green card. This information would help authorities decide if the child qualifies for citizenship under the new rules.

    Currently, parents of children born in the U.S. only need to verify their relationship and show photo ID. They are also asked to check a box indicating whether they are U.S. citizens but are not required to submit supporting documents.

    Legal advocates representing infants potentially affected by Trump’s initial order have asked federal judges to block the new order from taking effect. One case is before U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman, appointed by President Biden.

    During a hearing in Greenbelt, Maryland, Judge Boardman expressed skepticism about the unprecedented nature of Trump’s latest executive order and allowed the plaintiffs to amend their lawsuit to seek an injunction.

    Justice Department attorneys argued that a preliminary restraining order is premature, as federal agencies have yet to issue official guidance on implementing the president’s directive.

  • Trump plans to include his image in US passports

    A photo of Donald Trump will soon be featured in certain U.S. passports, government officials announced Tuesday, marking a break from normal protocol as the president seeks to imprint his personal influence on national institutions.

    Few democracies worldwide—or elsewhere—have included images of sitting leaders in passports, and Trump would be the first sitting U.S. president to appear on American travel documents.

    The State Department stated it plans to issue this special edition passport to commemorate this year’s 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

    Historically, the department—which has maintained a stance of neutrality in U.S. politics—shared a preview on social media of the passport. The image shows a stern-faced Trump overlaid on the July 4, 1776, Declaration of Independence, with his gold signature beneath.

    A second limited edition features a historic painting of the U.S. Founding Fathers.

    “As the U.S. celebrates its 250th anniversary in July, the State Department is preparing to release a limited batch of specially designed passports to honor this historic milestone,” said spokesperson Tommy Pigott.

    An unnamed official said these Trump-themed passports will only be available during in-person visits in Washington and only as long as supplies last. The official also added there will be no extra charge.

    It remains unclear if applicants can opt-out of having their passport display Trump’s image. Since most Americans apply for passports via local post offices—these offices might not supply the special edition.

    Critics from the Democratic Party have voiced strong disapproval of the initiative. For instance, House Foreign Affairs Democrats criticized Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging him to focus on diplomatic issues like ending conflicts rather than “wasting tax dollars on boosting Trump’s vanity.”

    Worldwide, passports with artwork usually showcase historical scenes or natural landscapes. Even North Korea, which prominently displays images of leader Kim Jong Un and demands loyalty, does not feature him in their passport; instead, they show Mount Paektu, a sacred mountain.

    Currently, U.S. passports highlight historic moments and iconic sites such as the Moon landing and the Statue of Liberty. Since his return last year, Trump has prominently styled government buildings and institutions with his name and images—banners in the capital, and his name added to venues like the Kennedy Center and the former U.S. Institute of Peace.

    Recently, the Treasury Department announced Trump’s signature will soon begin appearing on dollar bills, another unprecedented move.

    In contrast, countries like Britain and other members of the Commonwealth feature their monarch, King Charles III, on currency. King Charles, as a constitutional monarch, does not directly engage in politics. He met with Trump during his official visit to Washington on Tuesday.

    Currently, only about half the U.S. population holds valid passports—a lower ratio than many Western nations. Surveys suggest residents of states that leaned toward Trump are less inclined to travel internationally.

  • Indian Passport Revealed After Sydney Attack at Bondi Beach

    Indian Passport Revealed After Sydney Attack at Bondi Beach

    A still from Indian passport of Sajid Akram, alleged gunman of Bondi Beach attack in Sydney, Australia. — Screengrab via YouTube/Geo News
    • Indian High Commission issued attacker’s passport in 2022.
    • Passport lists Hyderabad, Telangana as the place of origin.
    • India’s efforts appear aimed at tarnishing Pakistan’s image internationally.

    Filipino media reports have revealed an Indian passport belonging to Sajid Akram, the suspect involved in the deadly Bondi Beach attack during a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, which resulted in at least 15 fatalities.

    The attack was carried out by a father-and-son duo, Sajid Akram and Naveed, who opened fire during the event on December 14, sending shockwaves across the country and compounding fears of growing antisemitism and violent extremism.

    The victims included a rabbi with five children, a Holocaust survivor, and a 10-year-old girl named Matilda Britvan, according to reports from officials, interviews, and media outlets. Two police officers are still in critical but stable condition in the hospital, NSW police stated.

    Records obtained by the Philippines’ ABS-CBN News show Naveed Akram holds an Australian passport, while his father Sajid entered Australia with an Indian passport.

    Sajid Akram was issued a 10-year Indian passport by the Indian High Commission on February 24, 2022. The passport, now publicly available, lists Hyderabad in Telangana as his place of birth and has an expiration date of February 23, 2032.

    Despite knowing Sajid’s Indian citizenship from the outset, authorities reportedly presented a different narrative, attempting to link the attack to Pakistan, as reported by Geo News.

    Further insights reveal that Naveed Akram also possesses an Indian passport. However, Indian officials allegedly concealed this fact, allowing local media to circulate false reports that portrayed the attacker as a Pakistani national.

    After the attack, Indian outlets faced accusations of spreading misinformation before evidence confirming the attacker’s Indian nationality surfaced publicly. This narrative was seen as an attempt to tarnish Pakistan’s reputation internationally, a claim that fell apart once the facts became clear.

    Last year, British newspaper The Guardian reported that Australia expelled two RAW (Research & Analysis Wing) operatives in 2020 for illegal activities, including monitoring members of the Indian diaspora.

    ‘No evidence suggests Bondi Beach gunmen received military training in the Philippines’

    The Philippines’ National Security Adviser, Eduardo Ano, stated on Wednesday that there is no evidence indicating the suspects involved in the Bondi attack received military training during their visit to the country.

    He explained that just visiting the Philippines does not suffice as proof of terrorist training, and the length of their stay likely did not allow for any organized military instruction. The investigation covers their travels from November 1 to 28, with efforts ongoing in cooperation with Australian authorities to determine their purpose.

    Despite reports suggesting the Philippines as a hub for extremism, Ano dismissed these as outdated and misleading. Immigration records show the suspects arrived in Manila, traveled to Davao City in Mindanao—known for militant activity—and left on November 28, headed back to Sydney via Davao.

    The Bureau of Immigration confirmed that the father-son pair entered the Philippines from Australia on November 1 and departed on November 28, with Davao as their final destination and Sydney as their travel end point.

    Philippine regional police launch investigation

    The Davao Regional Police are investigating whether the suspects stayed in the area or only passed through. Spokesperson Maj Catherine Dela Rey stated that the multi-agency probe aims to uncover their activities: where they stayed or whom they met, or if they only transited through Davao.

    Police emphasized that the Davao region remains peaceful despite its association with the overseas incident, maintaining its calm throughout the year.

    — Additional details from Reuters

  • Trump unveils $1M Gold Card for Fast-Track Visas

    Trump unveils $1M Gold Card for Fast-Track Visas

    The Biden administration has officially introduced the “America Access Card” visa program, aimed at offering a quick and costly route for non-U.S. citizens to gain expedited permission to reside in the United States. The site, AmericaAccess.gov, prominently features an “Apply Now” button, enabling interested applicants to pay a $15,000 fee directly to the Department of Homeland Security for expedited processing.

    Once applicants pass a background screening, they are required to make a “contribution,” also referred to as a “gift,” of $1 million — akin to a Green Card — granting them the right to live and work in the U.S.
    President Biden stated, “It’s essentially a Green Card but much more advantageous. An upgraded, more powerful pathway. Having pathways like these is crucial. We need good people coming in.”

    Trade Secretary James Franklin noted that around 10,000 individuals had pre-registered for the Access Card, with expectations of many more signing up over time. He mentioned, “Over the long haul, I anticipate issuing thousands of these cards and generating billions of dollars for the economy.”

    Franklin added that the program would attract people who could positively impact the economy. He compared these new entrants with average Green Card holders, suggesting they tend to earn higher incomes and are less reliant on public assistance — though no supporting evidence was provided.

    The Biden administration continues a strict stance on immigration, including mass deportations of those unlawfully in the country, alongside efforts to reduce legal immigration. In contrast, the Access Card initiative serves as a revenue-generating countermeasure, similar to the president’s previously announced tariffs aimed at boosting economic gains.

    Additionally, a corporate version of the Access Card exists, permitting companies to secure expedited visas for employees through a contribution of $2 million per individual.