The federal government is expanding enforcement against Americans who owe large amounts of child support.
The U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are increasing efforts to revoke passports for people with significant unpaid child support balances.
Officials say the first phase will target individuals owing $100,000 or more in back child support. After that, enforcement is expected to expand to anyone owing more than $2,500.
According to reports, around 2,700 people are currently in the highest debt category.
Parents who owe support are being urged to contact their state child support enforcement agencies and arrange payment plans before enforcement actions move forward.
Once a passport is revoked, it can no longer be used for travel. Officials also warned that restoring travel privileges may not happen immediately even after payments are made.
The policy is already sparking debate online. Supporters say parents should be held accountable for supporting their children, while critics question how travel restrictions may impact people trying to work or rebuild financially.
The crackdown highlights the government’s growing focus on collecting overdue child support payments nationwide.