Passport Restrictions at Libraries: A Growing Concern for Travelers

A recent decision by the U.S. State Department is causing disruption and concern for travelers across the nation. Certain public libraries, long-standing and trusted passport acceptance facilities, are being ordered to cease processing passport applications. This change impacts communities that have relied on these services for years, particularly working families and residents in rural areas.

Why the Change?

The State Department cites federal law and regulations prohibiting non-governmental organizations from collecting and retaining fees for passport applications. While government-run libraries are unaffected, the order primarily targets non-profit libraries. A State Department spokesperson stated that the affected libraries represent less than one percent of the nationwide network of over 7,500 acceptance facilities. However, the American Library Association estimates that approximately 1,400 libraries, or 15% of all public libraries, could be affected.

Impact on Communities

For communities like Norwich, Connecticut, where the Otis Library offered passport services for 18 years, the change is significant. “Our community was so used to us offering this,” said Cathleen Special, the library’s executive director. The loss of this service means residents may have to travel longer distances, take unpaid time off work, or even forgo obtaining a passport, especially with increasing demand due to Real ID requirements and heightened concerns about citizenship verification.

Congressional Response

Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle are pushing back against the decision. A bipartisan letter sent to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urges an extension of the existing program while Congress seeks a permanent solution. Lawmakers highlight the potential for libraries to face staff layoffs, program cuts, or even closures due to the loss of passport processing fees. The situation is particularly acute in states like Pennsylvania, Maine, Rhode Island, New York, and Connecticut, where a significant percentage of public libraries are structured as non-profit entities.

Legislative Efforts

Representatives Madeleine Dean (D-PA) and John Joyce (R-PA) have proposed bipartisan legislation to amend the Passport Act of 1920, allowing 501(c)(3) non-profit public libraries to continue serving as passport acceptance facilities. A similar bill is also pending in the Senate. Representative Dean called the State Department’s interpretation of the law “nonsense,” emphasizing the vital role libraries play in providing accessible passport services.

State Department’s Response

The State Department maintains that 99% of the U.S. population lives within 20 miles of a designated passport processing location. They also state they will work to identify new eligible program partners in impacted areas. However, local libraries argue that post offices and courthouses are often overwhelmed and lack the flexibility to accommodate applicants’ needs, such as providing assistance with language barriers or offering services outside regular hours.

This situation underscores the importance of accessible passport services and the valuable role public libraries play in communities nationwide. The ongoing debate highlights the need for a legislative solution that ensures continued access to this essential service for all Americans.