Thousands of Americans could soon lose their passports as the United States government launches a major crackdown on unpaid child support. Officials warn that even overseas travellers may be affected under the expanded policy.

CBI News understands that the United States Department of State has announced plans to begin revoking the passports of thousands of parents who owe significant amounts in unpaid child support. This marks a major expansion of enforcement measures under federal law.

According to the department, the revocations will begin Friday and initially target Americans owing $100,000 or more in unpaid child support.

Officials revealed that approximately 2,700 US passport holders currently fall into that category, based on figures provided by the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

However, authorities confirmed that the crackdown will soon expand dramatically to include parents owing more than $2,500 — the minimum threshold established under a little-enforced 1996 federal law.

The government said it is still gathering nationwide data from state agencies tracking unpaid child support, meaning the number of affected passport holders could eventually rise into the tens of thousands.

Previously, only individuals applying to renew their passports faced penalties tied to unpaid child support obligations.

Under the new policy, HHS will proactively notify the State Department of all delinquent parents exceeding the $2,500 threshold, allowing authorities to revoke valid passports even before renewal applications are submitted.

Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, Mora Namdar, described the move as a “commonsense practice” designed to pressure parents into fulfilling their legal responsibilities.

“Once these parents resolve their debts, they can once again enjoy the privilege of a U.S. passport,” Namdar stated.

Officials also disclosed that since reports first emerged earlier this year about the planned expansion, hundreds of parents had already taken steps to settle their outstanding child support debts.

According to the State Department, the enforcement strategy has proven highly effective over the years.

Since the initiative began in 1998, US states have reportedly recovered about $657 million in child support arrears, including over $156 million through more than 24,000 lump-sum payments within the last five years alone.

Authorities explained that individuals whose passports are revoked will receive official notification and will no longer be able to use the documents for international travel until their debts are fully resolved.

For Americans already abroad at the time of revocation, the government said they would need to visit a US embassy or consulate to obtain emergency travel documents permitting their return to the United States.

The latest policy expansion is expected to spark nationwide debate over parental responsibility, enforcement powers, and the growing use of travel restrictions to compel debt repayment.

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