The current administration continues to crack down on illegal aliens living in the U.S. as well as make it more difficult for those trying to enter the country legally or illegally. Now there is news reports that U.S. citizens living on the border between Texas and Mexico have been denied passports by the State Department, which claims that it does not believe the applicants are citizens. In certain cases, those passport applicants with valid U.S. birth certificates are going to jail.
Claims of fraudulent documents
The State Department is citing false documentation that was reportedly commonplace in the area. According to media sources, the government alleges that the physicians and midwives delivering babies in the area between the 1950s and 1990s issued U.S. birth certificates even if the child was born in Mexico. Some attendants have admitted as such in court.
Landmark arrangement in 2009
This scrutiny initially increased under the George W. Bush administration and continued under Obama, but passport denials generally ceased for a while following an agreement with American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
Latino community is under attack
Critics are quick to point out that this latest development is just another example of the current administration’s poor treatment of Latinos. They add that many in the region live in rural areas and were delivered by midwives, which often meant scant record keeping.
Appeals can be successful
While it is getting harder to appeal even with the right documentation, there are still instances where the appeal can be successful, although often it takes significant time and effort. Some applicants denied have even sued the federal government.
Regardless of what the notification of denial says, it is wise to speak with an attorney knowledgeable in immigrant rights if your application is rejected. They can advise you on the smartest way to pursue the next step in getting a passport you have the legal right to receive.
