Trump Admin Looks to Pull Passports from Parents Owing Child Support

Those owing more than $100,000 would see their passports revoked, but the policy could later expand to those owing less.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The U.S. State Department is planning to step up enforcement of a 30-year-old law that allows it to revoke the passports of American parents who owe a significant amount in child support. Officials say the Department of Health and Human Services will begin sharing data with the State Department, enabling the revocation of passports for those owing more than $100,000, with the potential to expand the policy to those owing less.

Why it matters

This proposal has raised concerns from legal experts who argue it could be "incredibly harmful to low-income parents and families." They note that child support obligations often begin with thousands of dollars in arrears, and the immediate suspension of driver's licenses can block parents' ability to work.

The details

Under the plan, the State Department would revoke the passports of parents owing more than $100,000 in child support. The policy could later be expanded to include those owing less. The move is enabled by a 30-year-old law that allows the government to revoke passports of parents delinquent on child support payments.

  • The Department of Health and Human Services is set to begin sharing data with the State Department in the near future.

The players

Department of State

The U.S. government agency responsible for international relations and diplomacy, including the issuance of passports.

Department of Health and Human Services

The U.S. government agency that oversees social service programs, including child support enforcement.

Daniel Hatcher

A professor at the University of Baltimore School of Law who has expressed concerns about the potential harm to low-income parents and families.

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What they’re saying

“The proposal to revoke passports due to child support arrearages could be incredibly harmful to low-income parents and families.”

— Daniel Hatcher, Professor, University of Baltimore School of Law (Newsweek)

What’s next

The Department of State and Department of Health and Human Services are expected to begin implementing the new passport revocation policy in the near future.

The takeaway

This policy change highlights the ongoing tensions between child support enforcement and the potential for unintended consequences that could further burden low-income parents and families already struggling to make ends meet.