Read these Passport Laws Before Traveling

Passport laws are meant to prevent individuals from gaining illegal entry into the United States. The laws are also meant to prevent individuals from falsifying passports or from using them for illegal purposes. Passport laws have become more strict then they were in the past, because of an increased need for effective National security and the frequency of passports being used for illegal activity. The terrorists attacks on 9-11 prompted increased vigilance and stricter laws, which are meant to prevent individuals from gaining unauthorized entry into the country. There are also passport laws that protect minors from being taken out of the country by a non custodial parent, or by those involved in child trafficking and related crimes. According to the applicable passport law, minors can only be issued a passport if the applicable form is signed by each individual that has any custodial rights to the minor. Requirements for Travel In order to receive valid United States passport, Americans must be citizens and must also be able to prove that fact. Proof required includes, original birth certificates, Social Security cards and drivers licenses. Individuals may also utilize old passports as long as they are not damaged. There may also be cases in which court orders prevent the issuance of United States passports to certain individuals. For example, a citizen may be under court order not to leave the country because they are suspected in a crime. In addition, some minor children may not be legally allowed to have passports, due to court restrictions on travel with that child. Border Entry Laws Border entry laws have become more strict than they were prior to 9-11. Previously, Americans were able to cross into the United States with minimal proof of identity, but only when they were returning from Mexico, Canada and several other locals. The laws have become more prohibitive in order to increase national security. Pre 9-11, border entry laws were lax and both citizens and non citizens could often cross United States borders at will. However, it has become increasingly necessary for United States border entry to be continuously monitored.