The agency, which regulates U.S. passports, began issuing cease and desist orders to not-for-profit libraries in late fall, informing them they were no longer authorized to participate in the Passport Acceptance Facility program as of Friday.

The U.S. State Department has ordered certain public libraries nationwide to cease processing passport applications, disrupting a long-standing service that librarians say their communities have come to rely on and that has run smoothly for years.

Democratic and Republican members of Congress from Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Maryland are pushing back, sending a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio this month asking him to extend the existing program until Congress finds a permanent solution.

The lawmakers’ letter said people will have to travel long distances, take unpaid time off from work or forgo getting a passport when demand is surging due to Real ID requirements. If Republicans in Congress impose strict new voting rules, citizens could need their passport or birth certificate to register. People fearing immigration agents are also increasingly carrying passports to confirm their citizenship.

  • flandish@lemmy.world
    83·
    1 day ago

    why stop? they can be submitted by individuals right? ie: we can diy it? then the lib can help someone diy it.

    • Arcanepotato@crazypeople.onlineEnglish
      19·
      24 hours ago

      They don’t just help people fill out the apps, they accept the applications

      Acceptance facilities include post offices, clerks of court, public libraries, and other local government offices which accept passport applications on behalf of the U.S. Department of State.

      You must submit your passport application, documents, and fees at an authorized passport acceptance facility. The passport agent will verify your ID, give you an oath, and have you sign the application.

      • flandish@lemmy.world
        2·
        19 hours ago

        gotcha. been a while for mine and need to renew, I had forgotten that there were sorts of checks like that, it just seemed like the guy was like “ok looks fine will send in.”

    • dhork@lemmy.worldEnglish
      6·
      22 hours ago

      Your very first passport is subject to additional scrutiny. You generally have to go to a local facility that accepts applications, present your original documents, and attest that they are genuine. Then, all the documentation is sent to the State Department where they validate it all. When the passport is issued, your supporting documents are returned to you by mail. (I hope you didn’t have to move in between!)