Posts Tagged ‘US Department of State’

Passport Day in the USA: Will Government Shut Down Rain on the Passport Parade?

Friday, April 8th, 2011

Passport Day in the USA

It seems that the US Department of State didn’t see the possible federal government shut down coming when they announced that Saturday, April 9th would be National Passport Day in the USA.  Now, if the federal government shut down takes place on April 8th, then the US Department of State has announced that National Passport Day in the USA will not be held.

passportThe passport event that spans across the US was put into effect as an opportunity for passport applicants to apply for passports during extra Saturday hours at passport acceptance facilities.  Rush Passport™ is always open on Saturdays, so we actually celebrate Passport Day in the USA every week!

If the government does stay open and is able to avoid the shut down, then passport hopefuls will be able to apply for passports all day Saturday.  If not, it is hard to tell when new passports will be made available.

In the event of a government shutdown, American passport holders who are already traveling abroad can still do so.  Also, they will still be able to receive emergency passport assistance from US Embassies and consulates.  The cut backs, however, will have an effect on some of the other work that the consulates do, such as processing US visas.

Hopefully the government shut down will not take place and Passport Day in the USA will be a day in which several American citizens are able to get their passports.

If you need an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book, US Passport Card, passport photos or other passport services, be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can 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. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Miami, Florida.

Passport Day in the USA Scheduled for April 9th. Rush Passport Will Be Celebrating! Get Your Passport Today!

Tuesday, March 29th, 2011

Passport Day in the USAThe US Department of State is trying to increase US passport awareness, so they are celebrating!  April 9th will officially be known as Passport Day in the USA.  Passport Day in the USA is a passport acceptance and outreach event.  Nowadays, passports are required for travel to more countries than ever.  Along with the demand for passports, come more questions about how to get a passport.  Passport requirements are not as tricky as they seem as long as you follow the passport application process.

April 9th is a day to find out more information about how to get a passport as well as exploring the benefits of getting a US passport.  Passport Day in the USA is all about passport awareness.

More and more passport applications are processed every day, but still there are many US citizens without valid US passports.  Many people do not own US passports because they are confused about the passport requirements.  Others think that the passport process is too complicated.  Passport Day in the USA is all about dispelling the rumors about passports and making passports more accessible.

Rush Passport™ will be celebrating Passport Day in the USA by helping US citizens get US passports.  As always, our passport agents will be answering questions about the passport process and they will also be processing passport applications.

It is important to know that US citizens must present a valid US passport book when entering or re-entering the United States by air.  US citizens entering the US from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land borders and sea ports of entry must present their US passport books or US passport cards.

If you need an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book, US Passport Card, first time passport, passport photos or other passport services, be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can 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. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Miami, Florida.

US Passport Holders in Japan Receive Assistance from the US State Department

Sunday, March 27th, 2011

US passport holders in Japan are getting some help from the US State Department.  The US State Department began distributing potassium iodide at Tokyo’s New Sanno Hotel from 10:00am t0 5:00pm to all US citizens with valid US passports.  US passport holders could obtain seven 130 mg pills.  Passport holders who obtained the potassium iodide were required to sign a release holding the U.S. government “harmless for the provision of this medication.”  The form US passport holders were asked to fill out also stated: “While no indication exists that it is currently advisable to take potassium iodide, the U.S. Government is making this medication available upon your request to use as advised if circumstances change.”

Get a US passport todayIn the event of a nuclear radiation emergency, potassium iodide is given because it is a thyroid-blocking agent.  US passport holders taking this medication are doing so at their own risk.

The US State Department is doing all that they can to help evacuate US passport holders from Japan.  Those US citizens holding US passports who refuse to leave Japan are being offered the potassium iodide in an effort to minimize the effects of nuclear radiation.

This is just one example of the many benefits of being a valid US passport holder.

If you need an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book, US Passport Card, first time passport, passport photos or other passport services, be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can 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. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Miami, Florida.

Celebrity Passport Applications Are Irresistible to a Handful of Passport Employees

Tuesday, March 15th, 2011

Celebrity passports are a big deal to some people.  Would you be able to work for the US Department of State without taking a peek at some celebrity passports?  It seems that a few ‘bad apples’ have given the US Dept of State a bad name.  Of the thousands of employees that have access to the celebrity passport files, over the years 12 current or former employees have pled guilty to accessing celebrity passports.

passport celebrity

Albert Einstein's Passport

It seems that the passport office employees who were caught snooping at the passport applications and passport photos did so out of boredom or plain curiosity.

Mark Carter, 51, of Brooklyn, NY is the latest passport employee to plead guilty to looking at the confidential passport files of 60 celebrities including athletes, politicians, musicians, actors and others.

The Passport Information Electronic Records System (PIERS) contains all imaged passport applications dating back to 1994.

Included in the PIERS database are passport photos, and personal information including applicant full name, birthdate, place of birth, address, telephone numbers and more.

The Privacy Act of 1974 protects this information as it is strictly limited to official government duties.

In March 2008, Dept of State passport employees were part of a scandal in which Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton’s passports were viewed for unauthorized purposes.

At Rush Passport™, all of your passport information is kept 100% confidential.

If you need a passport immediately, contact Rush Passport™.   If you are a US citizen and interested in getting a US passport to travel anywhere in the world, contact Rush Passport™. If you need an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book, US Passport Card, passport photos or other passport services, be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can 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. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Miami, Florida.

Looking to Get a US Passport? Read Why Some US Citizens are Looking to Get Rid of Their US Passports.

Sunday, March 13th, 2011

U.S. Passports are considered a liability more than a privilege to some people.  Each year, more and more U.S. citizens rid themselves of U.S. passports in an effort to hide their assets from the IRS.  By no means is it a large number of U.S. citizens who are renouncing their citizenship, but the number doubled from 2009 to 2010.  In 2009, 742 U.S. passport holders renounced their citizenship compared to 1,534 citizens who dumped their passports.

US passportThe move by these citizens who rid themselves of their U.S. passports was a response to the U.S. government’s growing efforts to locate and tax their assets from around the world.

If you are thinking of giving up your passport and moving abroad, keep in mind that according to the U.S. Dept. of State you must appear in person before a U.S. consular or diplomatic officer in another country and sign an oath of renunciation.

Many of the 1,534 people who have given up their U.S. passports are individuals who have accumulated fairly significant amounts of wealth and spend much of their time in other countries around the world.

If you are considering giving up your U.S. passport, then you may not stand to benefit from Rush Passport’s™ passport expediting services.  However, if you are trying to get a U.S. passport, we can help.

If you need a passport immediately, contact Rush Passport™.   If you are a US citizen and interested in getting a US passport to travel anywhere in the world, contact Rush Passport™. If you need an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book, US Passport Card, passport photos or other passport services, be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can 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. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Miami, Florida.

Want to Get a Valid US Passport? Visit Rush Passport: Official Passport Expeditors

Wednesday, February 9th, 2011

Fake US PassportUS passports are not hard to come by if you are a US citizen.  However people who attempt to obtain fake US passports better think twice.  The US Department of State has made it a top priority to catch people attempting to use fraudulent US passport.  During a two-day passport sting operation at the Calexico port of entry, twelve people were arrested for using fraudulently obtained or altered U.S. passports or visas during a two-day operation at the Calexico port of entry recently.

A US passport does a lot more than allow you to cross the border.  A US passport enables people to live in America, enables individuals to have access to certain benefits and it allows people to cross the border at will.

The passport sting operation known as “Operation Linebacker,” took place February 1st and 2nd with the cooperation of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California. The passport operation landed five valid U.S. passports and seven fraudulent passports.  The passport imposters could face up to ten years in prison.

Customs and Border Protection officers deal with passport fraud on a daily basis.  Thousands of fraudulent US passports are confiscated each year. 

Most fraudulent US passports are lost or stolen and then sold on the black market.  US passports or visas that has been reported stolen or lost should send a red flag to passport officials.  Confiscating passports at the border prevents the passport imposter from using the valid US passport to obtain other vital documents such as birth certificates and drivers licenses.

If you are a US citizen and interested in getting a US passport, contact Rush Passport™. If you need an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book, US Passport Card, passport photos or other passport services, be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can 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. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Miami, Florida.

US Passport Holders Should Be Aware of the Latest Travel Warnings

Monday, February 7th, 2011

US passport holders should always check the US Department of State website to find out about the latest Travel Alerts and Travel Warnings.

US passport to EgyptTravel Alerts are issued as a precaution to US passport holders for short-term events that they think you should know about when planning travel to a particular country.  Some examples of travel alerts that have been issued to US passport holders in the past include a contested election, times that may feature demonstrations or disturbances, health alerts / outbreaks or elevated risk of terrorist attacks.   Travel alerts are cancelled when these short term events are over and US passport holders may resume normal travel.

Travel warnings are issues to US passport holders as a strong message to avoid traveling to a particular country at all.  Reasons why US passport holders should be very concerned include an unstable government, war, serious ongoing crime or violence, or terrorist attacks.   Some travel warnings may be in effect for years.

There is currently a travel warning in place for Egypt.  US passport holders are advised not to travel to Egypt at this time.  The U.S. Department of State also ordered the departure of all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members from Egypt. 

US passport holders in Egypt are urged to remain indoors during curfew hours.  U.S. passport holders are also urged to avoid all demonstrations in Egypt.  US passport holders are advised that even peaceful demonstrations can become violent quickly.

For the latest security information, US passport holders are advised to visit the US Department of State’s website.

If you are a US citizen and interested in getting a US passport, contact Rush Passport™. If you need an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book, US Passport Card, passport photos or other passport services, be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can 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. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Miami, Florida.

New Passport Laws Starting May 2011: Rush Passport™

Saturday, December 25th, 2010

NEW US PASSPORT LAWS STARTING MAY 2011: Rush Passport™

Get a Passport Quick in NYCThe US Passport is considered one of the most secure passports on the planet.  In an effort to make the US passport even more secure, the US Department of State periodically conducts investigations to ensure that passport operations are living up to rigorous standards.

A 2009 passport investigation found a practice that posed a potential threat to passport security.  With regard to passport applications, some town clerk’s offices allowed the same clerk to process both birth certificates and passports.  This could pose a potential breakdown in passport security.  As with anything else, passport protocol should include checks and balances in an effort to minimize corruption.

In response to the passport investigation, the US Department of State has helped to institute a new federal passport law that changes the way town clerk’s offices will process passports.

The new passport law, which will be effective May 1, 2011, will not allow the same clerk from processing both birth certificates and passports in offices throughout the country.  In addition, the new passport law requires a separate office area for the sole purpose of processing passport applications.

According to John E. Echart, U.S. State Department spokesman, the change should help to address concerns that passport investigators had regarding “the potential vulnerability posed by dual-function facilities.”

If you are a US citizen and interested in getting a US passport, contact Rush Passport™. If you need an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book, US Passport Card, passport photos or other passport services, be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can 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. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Miami, Florida.

How to Get a US Passport

Saturday, December 11th, 2010

US Adult PassportWhat are the requirements to receive a US passport?  Passport applicants seeking to obtain a passport for the first time must appear in person. In order to obtain a passport, passport applicants must fulfill all of the passport requirements.  First time passport applicants must produce an original or certified copy of their birth certificate with a raised seal complete with the filing date from the city or state of birth, an original naturalization certificate or a previous US passport.  As for children 15 years of age or younger who wish to obtain a US passport, they must submit an original or certified birth certificate that indicates the full names of both parents.

What are the requirements for US passport renewal?  Passport renewal is easier as passport renewal applicants must submit the expired passport.  Passport applicants ages 16 to 18 years of age may appear with only one parent.  If the passport applicant has a valid, permanent driver’s license, parental consent is not necessary.  Children ages 15 and under must have both parents present in order for a passport application to be filled.  However, in the event that only one parent is available, proof must be submitted indicating that the applying parent has consent to obtain the passport.

What forms of identification are acceptable when applying for a US passport?  Examples of proper identification to obtain a valid US passport include driver’s license, government employee identification card or previous U.S. passport that is not more than 15 years old.  All passport applicants must have a social security number.  In the event that the passport applicant does not have valid identification, then an identifying witness who has known the passport applicant for at least two years must accompany the applicant.  The witness must be a US citizen or resident alien and the witness must be able to establish their own identify using one of the above mentioned forms of identification.

What are the rules about passport photos Passport applicants must also bring two identical photographs measuring 2” by 2”.  The background must be light, with a full face shot and non-gloss finish.

How much does it cost to get a passport?  Passport fees for adults are currently $110 for adults (expedited fees not included) and $80 for children age 15 and younger (expedited fees not included).  Checks or US postal money orders are acceptable form of payment to the US Department of State.

If you are a US citizen and interested in getting a US passport, contact Rush Passport™. If you need an expedited passport, emergency passport, same day passport, US Passport book, US Passport Card, passport photos or other passport services, be sure to contact Rush Passport™. You can 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. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Miami, Florida.

Child Passport Renewal: 10 Easy Steps

Monday, November 29th, 2010

10 Easy Steps to Getting a Child Passport Renewal

Child Passport RenewalChild Passport renewal can be confusing.  Rush Passport™, Official US Passport Expeditors Registered with the US Department of State and Foreign Consulates has put forth this guide to getting a child passport renewed.

When it comes to the US Department of State, a minor child is defined as a person who is less than 16 years of age.  Eighteen year olds are treated as adults and are issued adult passports.  (Minors aged 16 or 17 years old adhere to slightly different rules.) 

The rules can get very complicated, so if at anytime you are too confused, just stop reading and immediately call Rush Passport™ (877) 937-7277 (All 50 States) or (212) 643-9305 New York. 

The goal of this article is to make the process of child passport renewal as simple as possible.  To start, the major difference between renewing a child’s passport and renewing an adult’s passport is that the child must appear in front of a passport agent while an adult can renew a passport without being present.  The child applying for the child passport must not only appear in person, but must also appear with both parents.  Both parents must have evidence of parental custody or the child passport application will not be accepted.

Follow these easy steps and your child should receive a passport without a problem.  Make and error and you can kiss your child’s passport goodbye.

Step 1: Get a large envelope or folder ready to collect all of the information that you will need to apply for your child’s passport. 

Step 2: Fill out Form DS-11.  This is the US passport application.  You can either print a blank version or enter the information online and print out the completed child passport application.  You will be required to fill in the child’s name, Social Security number, date of birth, address and parent information.  Do not sign the child passport application!

Step 3: Do not sign the child passport application!  I know that I said that already, but I just want to make sure that you don’t forget…

Step 4: Insert the completed application, proof that you are the child’s parent and the child’s previous US passport that is to be replaced.  The following documents are acceptable as proof as long as they contain both parents’ names: US birth certificate, foreign certified birth certificate, a report of birth abroad, or an adoption decree. If none of these documents are available, then you must produce a court order that states you have custody of your child.

Step 5: Photocopy each parent’s primary identification, such as a valid US driver’s license, U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, current government employee ID or a current military ID.   These documents should be placed inside the passport envelope/folder.  Bring the originals along to show to the passport agent.

Step 6: Get two passport photos of your child. The photos must be less than six months old.  Place the passport photos into the passport envelope/folder.

Step 7: Bring appropriate forms of payment for the passport fees. Acceptable forms of payment vary depending on the passport office, so it is a good idea to confirm the method with a human being before you make the visit.  Write that person’s name on a piece of paper and put that paper inside the passport envelope/folder.  (Remember, don’t sign the child passport application yet.)

Step 9: Together, both parents must bring the child and the passport envelope/folder with all the enclosed documents to Rush Passport™.  In the event that the other parent cannot appear, then that parent must fill out a notarized Form DS-3033, Statement of Consent.  That form must be brought with you..

Step 10: Now it is time to sign Form DS-11 in front of the Passport Agent when instructed, and submit all passport documentation and payments.  As long as you are traveling within 2 weeks, the new child passport will be ready in less than 48 hours.  Depending on the circumstances, passports may be available within 6 hours. 

If you would like to know how to get an first time adult or child US Passport or US Passport Card or if you would like to know about how to renew your 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. Rush Passport™ Official US Passport Expeditors, serving Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan, Westchester County, Nassau County & Suffolk County, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Miami, Florida.