Archive for July, 2010

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Passport Problems for Canadian Born NY Woman Who is a US Citizen

Saturday, July 31st, 2010
Nelson has two passports and uses both of her passports to cross the border several times each month. She uses her Canadian passport to leave the country and her US Passport to get back in.

Nelson has two passports and uses both of her passports to cross the border several times each month. She uses her Canadian passport to leave the country and her US Passport to get back in.

It’s safe to say that the chances of having the same name and the same birthday as someone else on this planet are pretty slim.  Now imagine that the other person is in trouble with the law… you can be sure to experience passport problems!

Sylvie Nelson of Upstate New York has dealt with such problems first hand.  Canadian born Nelson is married to American, where they live with their 2 children in Saranac Lake, NY.  Since becoming a U.S. citizen in 2008, her US Passport began setting off alarms due to the fact that a person with a similar name and the same exact birthday is wanted by the State Police in DeKalb County, Georgia.

Nelson has two passports and uses both of her passports to cross the border several times each month.  She uses her Canadian passport to leave the country and her US Passport to get back in.

She has been ordered from her car and handcuffed on several occasions.  She still can’t figure out why her passport causes alarm on some visits, but not others.

At this point, it may be a good idea to apply for a name change to avoid further passport issues.

Whether or not you are experiencing passport issues, if you are interested in getting a US Passport or US Passport Card, visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Agent.  (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency.

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Passports No Longer Offered at California Agency

Friday, July 30th, 2010
Passport services in Yolo County, California will no longer be offered through the County Clerks office.  As a result, the Yolo County office will not act as a Passport Agent for the United States Department of State.  Clerk-Recorder Freddie Oakley announced that her office will not be able to handle US Passport applications or issue US Passports due to financial distress.
California Passport

Yolo County Passport Services Discontinued.

In the past Yolo County provided passport information and issued passports, but since the federal government only reimburses them for only 50% of the cost of providing passport services, they lose about $25 for every passport processed.

Recorder, Freddie Oakley issued the following statement “In this time of financial crisis for the County, the Board of Supervisors and I agree that we can not continue to underwrite the federal government’s program. We really regret that this action is necessary, because we have always enjoyed working with our customers on passport applications.”

The Yolo County Clerk-Recorder’s Office was authorized to accept passport applications to people applying for US Passports for the first time, people who were minors when previous US Passports were issued, applicants who had their previous US Passports lost or stolen,  people who had their US Passports issued more than 15 years ago, minors aged 16 and 17 years old, as well as children 15 years of age or younger.

The remaining Passport Agents in Yolo County that are still processing passport applications are the Davis Post Office at 2020 5th St., Davis, and the West Sacramento Post Office at 3773 Industrial Blvd., West Sacramento.

Whether or not you live in Yolo County, California, if you are interested in getting a US Passport or US Passport Card, visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Agent.  (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Agency.

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Passport Initiative at Popular University Encourages Students to Get a Passport

Thursday, July 29th, 2010
Ohio State officials estimate that just 20% of the university’s 62,000 students have a US Passport. To help facilitate the passport process, officials from the National Passport Outreach Center in New Hampshire will process students' passport applications at a Study Abroad Expo at the Ohio Student Union on Oct. 7th, 2010.

In an effort to better prepare students to become citizens of the world, OSU plans to double the number of students with passports.

In an earlier, Rush Passport™ blog entry, it was reported that U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk in his commencement speech at SMU this past spring urged students to “Get a passport!” 

Now it seems that Ohio State University is following suit.  In an effort to better prepare students to become citizens of the world, OSU plans to double the number of students with passports.  The campaign starts this summer, and the initial focus is to encourage the more than 6,000 incoming freshmen to get passports.

Dolan Evanovich, Ohio State’s vice president made the following analogy: “The passport is really the driver’s license to the world.”

The passport initiative was first announced in March 2009 and among the steps towards encouraging every student to have a passport, is doubling the number of international undergraduates at Ohio State. 

Ohio State officials estimate that just 20% of the university’s 62,000 students have a US Passport.  To help facilitate the passport process, officials from the National Passport Outreach Center in New Hampshire will process students’ passport applications at a Study Abroad Expo at the Ohio Student Union on Oct. 7th, 2010.

While the State Department received over 14 million passport applications in 2009, only about 30% of Americans have passports.

When asked why they did not have passports, some students blamed not getting passports on their cost.  Now, the cost will present even more of an issue as the passport application fee increased from $75 to $110 on July 13th, 2010.

Having a passport creates international opportunities for students.  Studying abroad widens students’ world views and provides an appreciation for other cultures, languages and perspectives.

You don’t have to be a student to get a passport.  Well, what are you waiting for?  If you are interested in getting a US Passport or US Passport Card, visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent.  (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Passport Agency.

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Passport Needed for Free Cruise

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

How hard do you work at your job?  Do you think you work hard enough to win “Employee of the Year” honors?  Well, a Texas man recently received that distinction and was

Cruise Passport

Texas Woman Denied Passport

rewarded with a free cruise for him and a guest.  When he told his wife that they were going on a free cruise she was ecstatic!  However, her joy quickly turned to sorrow after she applied for and was denied a US Passport.

June Cloud is an American.  She was born and raised in Texas.  Why would she have trouble getting a passport?  She’s been issued a social security number and a Texas driver’s license – but her passport application was denied.

Even though Cloud has been issued a social security number and a Texas driver’s license, apparently that’s not enough to prove that she is a US citizen.  She received a letter from the US Department of State that denied her passport application due to the fact that she is not a U.S. citizen and that her birth certificate is invalid.

When she was born, her doctor did not file the necessary form to receive a birth certificate. Cloud has since applied for, and received a delayed birth certificate from the state of Texas.  However, this document was not sufficient for the State Department, which issues passports.

The passport division requires: hospital birth records, baptismal certificate, medical records, early census reports, elementary school transcripts, insurance records, family Bible records or news and articles announcing the person’s birth.

A copy of the first census her parents filled out was denied because the proof has to be prior to the child turning 5 years old and she was seven-years-old.  Unless she is able to come up with proof of her first five years, Cloud will remain without a passport and she will miss the trip of her dreams!

If you find yourself in a passport emergency contact Rush Passport™ (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 / New York Agency 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and speak with a Live Agent or visit us online at http://www.rushpassport.com

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US Passport Card Security Tip

Tuesday, July 27th, 2010

In a previous Rush Passport™ passport blog, security loopholes in the new passports, e-passports, enhanced driver’s licenses and US Passport Cards were exposed.  The technology that is being compromised is included in the RFID (radio frequency identification tags).

To maximize security, US Passport Card holders are advised to keep the passport card in the sleeve when the card is not in use.

To maximize security, US Passport Card holders are advised to keep the passport card in the sleeve when the card is not in use.

Every new US Passport issued since 2007 has been designed with a computer chip embedded on its back cover.  The technology employed in these passports include wireless radio frequency identification (RFID).  Professor Avishai Wool at Tel Aviv University’s School of Electrical Engineering in Israel and his students demonstrated how simple it is to disrupt the radio frequency using simple devices constructed from disposable cameras and copper pipes.

Now, piggy-backing off of Professor Wool’s research, Chris Paget has constructed a device which operates out of his vehicle. The device is able to find and then reproduce the ‘unique’ RFID from US Passport Cards. 

Paget recently drove around in downtown San Francisco for 20 minutes looking to pick up RFID signals.  In his drive, the device successfully duplicated the tags of two US Passport Cards unbeknownst to the owners.

Due to the fact that the technology does not employ encryption and can be read from distances of over a mile, the tags are susceptible to cloning and tracking.

While the RFID chips in the US Passport are not as easy to clone as the ones in the US Passport Cards or the enhanced driver’s licenses, they are still not 100% secure.

To combat this problem, US Passport Cards are issued with a protective sleeve.  US Passport Card holders are advised to keep the passport card in the sleeve when the card is not in use.

If you are interested in getting a US Passport, a US Passport Card or any other passport services before the rate increase, visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Agent.  (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Agency.

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Get a US Passport Card Today: Cross the Ambassador Bridge

Monday, July 26th, 2010
Now, there’s another great reason to get a US Passport Card – to cross the Ambassador Bridge. US Passport holders and Canadian Passport holders have been using the Ambassador Bridge for years.

US Passport holders can find great deals on designer perfumes fragrances from around the world, Canadian handcrafted art, fine china, crystal, porcelain, glassware, jewelry, watches, cigars and liquor - including the world-famous Canadian ice wine.

As reported in a previous Rush Passport™ blog entry, there are several reasons to get a US Passport Card.  

Now, there’s another great reason to get a US Passport Card – to cross the Ambassador Bridge.  US Passport holders and Canadian Passport holders have been using the Ambassador Bridge for years.  A little more than 30 years ago, Manuel “Matty” Moroun bought the Ambassador Bridge that connects Detroit and Windsor, Ontario.  Moroun, now 83 years old, holds the honor of being the only person to privately own a border crossing in the United States and he has a monopoly over one of the nation’s busiest international trade routes.

The bridge is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Each day over 40,000 commuters, tourists and truck drivers cross the Windsor-Detroit border.  In addition, over $323 million worth of goods is transported daily.

There is plenty of Duty Free Shopping on both sides of the border in both Detroit and Canada which means no GST, no federal tax, no manufacturing tax, no excise tax and no provincial tax.  This all means huge savings.

US Passport holders can find great deals on designer perfumes fragrances from around the world, Canadian handcrafted art, fine china, crystal, porcelain, glassware, jewelry,  watches, cigars and liquor – including the world-famous Canadian ice wine.

As of June 1, 2009, when crossing US-Canada Border, a US Passport Card can be used to cross over into Canada.  Travelers must also have appropriate identification for all children making the trip.

Frequent travelers can also take advantage of the NEXUS program.  This will enable them to use dedicated lanes to cross the border between Canada and the US more quickly.

For international travelers wishing to enter Canada, from countries other than the U.S, a valid passport is required.

If you are interested in getting a US Passport , US Passport Card , or for any passport visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Passport Agent.  (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Agency.

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Passport Reminder: Check Entry/Exit Requirements Before You Travel

Sunday, July 25th, 2010
Galapagos Islands Passport

Don't let anything come between you and your passport to the Galapagos Islands!

As reported in yesterday’s Rush Passport™ blog entry, a Texas woman was denied a passport and the right to travel with her husband on an international cruise.

Today’s Rush Passport™ passport blog deals with another Texas couple with passport problems.  A couple complete with snorkel gear and travel guide to the Galápagos Islands in hand were turned away at the airport on the day of their trip.

At the airline’s check-in counter, the husband was told he could not board the first end of a connecting flight to Ecuador en route to the Galápagos Islands.  The reason that he was not permitted to board the flight is because Ecuador requires that travelers have a passport valid for an additional six months from the date of their visit. Even though he was only going to be in the airport in Ecuador on his way to the Galápagos Islands, because his passport was only valid for another four months, it did not satisfy Ecuador’s passport requirements.

They planned the trip for months and were shocked to find out about this rule.  They had even called the Ecuadorian consulate office in Houston to check whether or not they needed a visa, but neglected to find out about the passport requirements.

Now, Friday afternoon, unable to board, they anxiously waited all weekend until the passport office opened on Monday where they went to renew the husband’s passport..

Finally, on Monday night, they got the passport renewed and were bound for Ecuador’s airport where they boarded a flight for the Galápagos Islands.

The passport dilemma quickly forgotten, the couple was able to enjoy their vacation.  You can be sure that they will always be aware to check each country’s passport requirements before planning future vacations.

Don’t let this happen to you.  Plan ahead.  Be sure to check with foreign consulates to determine entry/exit requirements.  However, if you do find yourself in a passport emergency, do yourself a favor – contact Rush Passport™ (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 / New York Agency 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and speak with a Live Agent or visit us online at http://www.rushpassport.com

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Rush Passport Blog Update: Texas Woman Receives Passport

Saturday, July 24th, 2010

Passport Update: A Texas woman, June Cloud will be joining her husband on an international cruise in August.

Passport Cruise

A passport to shuffleboard, bingo and unlimited buffets...

As reported in an earlier Rush Passport™ blog entry, June was unable to obtain her US Passport because she wasn’t able to provide a valid birth certificate.

June Cloud is an American – born and raised.  However, when she was born, her doctor did not file the necessary form to receive a birth certificate. Cloud received a delayed birth certificate from the state of Texas, but this document was not enough for the State Department, which issues passports upon proof of the first 5 years of birth.

Cloud’s husband had won the cruise after being named “Employee of the Year” and the pair planned to go on the cruise together – but first she needed to get a passport.

Because she was unable to provide enough proof of her first five years of life, the passport office in Houston declined her passport application.

With the assistance of Congressman Louie Gohmert’s office together with the Gregg County Clerk’s Office, June Cloud was issued a passport.

This means the 61-year-old Texan known as “the woman without a country” has her US Passport, is officially an American and can join her husband the cruise.  Lookout shuffleboard court, bingo hall and unlimited buffet – here comes June Cloud!

If you find yourself in a passport emergency contact Rush Passport™ (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 / New York Agency 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and speak with a Live Agent or visit us online at http://www.rushpassport.com.

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Passport Fees and Cost of Travel on the Rise

Friday, July 23rd, 2010
Passport? Check.  Airline tickets? Check.  Hotel Reservations?  Check.  Sketchy hotel fees?  Check them out! 
Hotel Passport

Watch out for hidden fees at hotels

Travel is getting more and more expensive… Passport fees have already increased as of July 13th, airlines are now charging for checked bags and blankets, so it is not surprising that hotels are also using add-on fees to hike their rates up.  Late checkout and valet parking are just some of the extra charges that you should expect to start seeing more of.

Below is a list of the Top 10 Most Sketchy Hotel Fees:

1. Internet Usage Fee
In 2010, most travelers bring computers with them on vacation – even if they aren’t on a business trip.  Expect to be charged in-room Internet access fees ranging anywhere from $10 – $30 per day per device.

2. Resort Fees
Pool, fitness center, towels all used to be included in the hotel rates.  Don’t take anything for granted – be sure to ask if there are any resort fees before booking.

3. Porterage Fee
Whether or not you used the bellman’s services, some sneaky hotels add a porterage fee to your bill even if you’ve carried your own bags.

4. Valet Parking Fee
Self-parking used to be an option.  Now, in many cities luxury hotels offer valet-only parking that costs anywhere from $20-$50 per day.

5. Energy Surcharges
Among the most annoying of all is the “energy surcharge”.  Some hotels charge as much as 10% of the bill to cover air conditioning and other electrical features.

6. Luggage Storage Fee
In the past, you could hang around town until your flight while the hotel would hold your bags free of charge.  Now you should expect to pay a surcharge for storing your luggage.

7. In-Room Safe Fees
Some hotels charge from $1 – $3 per room just for having a safe in the room even if you don’t use it.

8. Fitness Center Fees
Some hotels charge guests for gym access and it can get very pricy as some upscale hotels charge up to $40 per day.

9. Mini-Bar Restocking Fee
Mini-bar snacks have always been a rip-off, but now it’s even worse!  Some hotels have hooked up sensors that detect if the door has been opened and automatically tack on a restocking fee. There may also be a restocking fee of up to $6.

10. Early Check-In Fees
Sometimes trying to get an early start on your trip by booking a morning flight may end up costing you between $20 and $50 more due to early check-in if you get to your room earlier than the 3 or 4 p.m. standard check-in time.

If you need a US Passport or US Passport Card, visit us at http://www.rushpassport.com or call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a Live Agent.  (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York Agency.

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Passport and Visa Fraud Sting Nets 107 Violators in Just 1 Week!

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

Passport fraud is more prevalent than expected as evidenced by the results of “Operation Goalkeeper”; a recent passport initiative launched at US – Mexico borders.  During the weeklong passport sting, customs officers seized 107 fraudulently obtained / counterfeit passports and visas at the following five ports of entry: San Ysidro, Otay Mesa, Tecate, Calexico and the Andrade border crossings.

Passport US Border

People are trying more and more creative ways to cross the US - Mexico Border.

Between June 7th and June 13th, “Operation Goalkeeper” targeted individuals attempting to present stolen, lost, counterfeit or altered passports to illegally enter the United States.

The passport security team consisted of officers from various agencies including the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service, Customs and Border Protection and the United States Attorney’s Office.

In all, Customs and Border Protection officers stopped 47 violators with counterfeit or altered passports and visas.  There were an additional 60 impostors who were carrying genuine passports that belonged to different people.

As a result of the passport sting operation, the United States Attorney’s Office is prosecuting a total of 39 cases of passport and visa fraud. Another 60 individuals were instead deported to Mexico and will never be eligible for lawful entry into the United States.  (That won’t prevent them from trying again when the security is not as tight.)

To me, it seems mind blowing that on a weekly basis they were able to catch over 100 perpetrators of passport fraud.  It makes one wonder how many violators were not caught, just how many individuals are here illegally and how many more will be crossing our borders without valid passports in the near future.  More importantly, what is the effect that this has on our society?

If you are interested in obtaining a valid US Passport or US Passport Card, contact Rush Passport™ (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 / New York Agency 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and speak with a Live Agent or visit us online at http://www.rushpassport.com

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