Passport Insanity

GrumpyDad · 12-16-2005

Well months ago we applied to renew my DW's passport and to get one for DD. DW's came in about 3 weeks, but nothing for DD. Two weeks ago I checked the bank, yes the checks cleared, then I checked with the goverement. They show no record of us ever applying for my daughter's passport, but we were told we cannot do anything about it till exactly two weeks before we are slated to leave.

Saturday is two weeks and we have now been told we have to take my DD out of school for the day, take her to downtown Chicago, and fill out all the paperwork again, plus prove that they cashed the check. Then they will issue a passport within three days. I am furious! So much for a newer more efficiant goverment. I guess this is how they solve the immigration problems, they just take the money and forget about ya!

Ok, I'm calm now, my question is, did they in fact change the rules as of 12/31/05 that all minor children leaving and re-entering the country must have a passport? Anyone know? ( I would call INS again but cannot spend another TWO hours on hold! ! ! ! ! )

Thanks, Harry

rlcarmichael · 12-16-2005

Yes. Before you could get back into the country from many areas with birth certificate. But 1/1/06 you've got to have a passport.

Don't you feel more safe & secure.

We grant rights to non citizens who would harm us, and yet law abiding citizens rights are taken away. Did you know that Homeland Security has the right to tell the FAA that to take away any pilot's license without giving them a reason - and there is no due process. Guilty until proven innocent - no it's worst than that - just guilty.

I wonder what my ancesters who fought in the revolutionary war would think of such a process?

I love my country but fear the government.

**Dana** · 12-16-2005

Oh harry! How frustrating!@!! You must be furious! I don't know a thing about immigration or passports, but wanted to take a minute to tell you I'm sending some of the magic dust to you in hopes that it works out. I am sorry that you have to deal with this mess...how annoying and totally frustrating.

GrumpyDad · 12-16-2005

Thanks all,

Ok, just got off the phone with the State Department. ( another 20 minutes on hold ! ! )

The law that was to go into effect 12/31/05 requiring minor children to have a passport to go to the Bahamas has been extended so as not to take effect until 12/31/06. I will call again on Monday to check again, just cause I don't believe a thing a federal employee tells me anymore, but it looks good so far.

Still no word on the passport we applied for, but I will fight that battle another day without the worry of having to cancel our trip.

Love the feds, just love them!

richaimg · 12-16-2005

Here is a link to the State Dept. web site's news release that says they have extended the deadline until 12/31/06:
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2005/52386.htm

Their site is actually pretty good - lots of info. We were able to get passports for us and our children through the post office a couple of years ago without any problems. I hope things get resolved for you!
Good luck!

GrumpyDad · 12-16-2005

Thanks Rich, The site confirms so I am breathing a lot easier.

richaimg · 12-16-2005

Glad to help! (My dad used to work for State Dept. so I knew about their site)
Have a great trip!!!

**BDavis932** · 12-17-2005

Not to hijack, but on the same subject, does anyone know if you are applying for a passport for a minor (or adult), do you have to have their trip itinerary? My boss was told this when he recently went to the post office to get his for his DD's. Took them 3 hours....

GrumpyDad · 12-17-2005

We were told that you needed it if you are leaving within the next 14 days. Then you can apply for an expidited passport ( with additional charges ). But in our case we would have to go to the downtown CHicago location as the local postoffice was not set up for expidited passports.

-harry

richaimg · 12-17-2005

Grumpy - that sounds right to me. You can get a passport any time just to have it, you don't need to have immediate travel plans. Which these days, is probably a pretty good idea!

The State Dept. web site has all the info you would need:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

**ddoll** · 12-17-2005

My understanding of the new rule is that they changed it for those entering and exiting from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. That's where you used to only need a birth certificate. The new change (the one they extended until 2007) applies for those areas. Traveling to other parts of the world always required a passport.

Is this correct? We're planning a family trip to the DR this summer and were relieved to learn that we did NOT need to obtain passports for everyone now.

**llama** · 12-18-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by ddoll

My understanding of the new rule is that they changed it for those entering and exiting from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. That's where you used to only need a birth certificate. The new change (the one they extended until 2007) applies for those areas. Traveling to other parts of the world always required a passport.

Is this correct? We're planning a family trip to the DR this summer and were relieved to learn that we did NOT need to obtain passports for everyone now.

There is no requirement with respect to entering or exiting Canada or the US to citizens of those countries, at the moment. (I don't know about Mexico and the Bahamas). I was surprised to learn how few Americans have passports, when I was talking to some people on our cruise. In Canada its almost routine to apply for a passport. I would never go anywhere without mine. You get asked a lot fewer questions when you have a passport.

E&B's Mom · 12-19-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by ddoll

My understanding of the new rule is that they changed it for those entering and exiting from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. That's where you used to only need a birth certificate. The new change (the one they extended until 2007) applies for those areas. Traveling to other parts of the world always required a passport.

Is this correct? We're planning a family trip to the DR this summer and were relieved to learn that we did NOT need to obtain passports for everyone now.

Deb:

Can you adopt me before you leave?

**ddoll** · 12-19-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by E&B's Mom

Deb:

Can you adopt me before you leave?

Maggie, right now I have one sister I would gladly switch with you.

E&B's Mom · 12-20-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by ddoll

Maggie, right now I have one sister I would gladly switch with you.

I have one too!

12-16-2005	#1 (permalink)
GrumpyDad Mouse Meister Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Oak Park, IL Posts: 1,182	Passport Insanity Well months ago we applied to renew my DW's passport and to get one for DD. DW's came in about 3 weeks, but nothing for DD. Two weeks ago I checked the bank, yes the checks cleared, then I checked with the goverement. They show no record of us ever applying for my daughter's passport, but we were told we cannot do anything about it till exactly two weeks before we are slated to leave. Saturday is two weeks and we have now been told we have to take my DD out of school for the day, take her to downtown Chicago, and fill out all the paperwork again, plus prove that they cashed the check. Then they will issue a passport within three days. I am furious! So much for a newer more efficiant goverment. I guess this is how they solve the immigration problems, they just take the money and forget about ya! Ok, I'm calm now, my question is, did they in fact change the rules as of 12/31/05 that all minor children leaving and re-entering the country must have a passport? Anyone know? ( I would call INS again but cannot spend another TWO hours on hold! ! ! ! ! ) Thanks, Harry __________________ . Jan 2008 Yacht Club ~* Jan 2007 Caribbean Beach Dec/Jan 2005/2006 Disney Poly / Disney Wonder New Years Trip Nov 2003 - Caribbean Beach ~* Nov 2002 – Coronado Springs ~ Feb 2001 – Boardwalk Feb 2000 – Swan ~~~~~ Feb 1999 – Yacht Club ~~~ Jan 1998 – Boardwalk Feb 1997 – Yacht Club ~~~ Jan 1996 – Beach Club ~~~ May 1995 - Swan Feb 1995 – Dixie Landings ~*~ May 1994 – Dolphin

12-16-2005	#2 (permalink)
rlcarmichael Too many DVC points? NST Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Chesapeake VA Posts: 1,997	Re: Passport Insanity Yes. Before you could get back into the country from many areas with birth certificate. But 1/1/06 you've got to have a passport. Don't you feel more safe & secure. We grant rights to non citizens who would harm us, and yet law abiding citizens rights are taken away. Did you know that Homeland Security has the right to tell the FAA that to take away any pilot's license without giving them a reason - and there is no due process. Guilty until proven innocent - no it's worst than that - just guilty. I wonder what my ancesters who fought in the revolutionary war would think of such a process? I love my country but fear the government. __________________ Richard Carmichael, Chesapeake VA DVC Member BLT, VGC & SSR 2009 SSR(x2), AKV, BWV, BLT(x2), VB, DCL Magic; 2008-SSR, WLV, OKW YC; 2007-YC, GF: DCL Wonder; 2006-SSR, SoG, Poly; 2005- Poly (x2), Orange Lake; 1999-Courtyard LB; Disney Inn (RIP - now SoG) '90, '88, '86 Make-A-Wish Volunteer www.wish.org My Wish - no Wish Kids to send to see THE* Mouse.* 2nd Fav Org - Give Kids The World Village www.gktw.org My Disney Countdown Counting down to: BLT Mk Christmas Trip 15 days 18 hours 50 minutes

12-16-2005	#3 (permalink)
Dana Super Mod/Packen' Kracken Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Joisey Posts: 23,782	Re: Passport Insanity Oh harry! How frustrating!@!! You must be furious! I don't know a thing about immigration or passports, but wanted to take a minute to tell you I'm sending some of the magic dust to you in hopes that it works out. I am sorry that you have to deal with this mess...how annoying and totally frustrating. __________________ ~82 off-site~91 off-site~97 ASMusic~ ~00 ASMovies~02 Wilderness Lodge~04 Animal Kingdom Lodge~ ~05 Animal Kingdom Lodge & Polynesian~ ~05 Port Orleans French Quarter~06 Old Key West~ ~07 Port Orleans French Quarter~08 Old Key West~ ~09 Saratoga Springs~10 Port Orleans Fench Quarter~ My Disney Countdown Counting down to: 10 day do all or die trying trip. 270 days 0 hours 5 minutes

12-16-2005	#4 (permalink)
GrumpyDad Mouse Meister Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Oak Park, IL Posts: 1,182	Re: Passport Insanity Thanks all, Ok, just got off the phone with the State Department. ( another 20 minutes on hold ! ! ) The law that was to go into effect 12/31/05 requiring minor children to have a passport to go to the Bahamas has been extended so as not to take effect until 12/31/06. I will call again on Monday to check again, just cause I don't believe a thing a federal employee tells me anymore, but it looks good so far. Still no word on the passport we applied for, but I will fight that battle another day without the worry of having to cancel our trip. Love the feds, just love them! __________________ . Jan 2008 Yacht Club ~* Jan 2007 Caribbean Beach Dec/Jan 2005/2006 Disney Poly / Disney Wonder New Years Trip Nov 2003 - Caribbean Beach ~* Nov 2002 – Coronado Springs ~ Feb 2001 – Boardwalk Feb 2000 – Swan ~~~~~ Feb 1999 – Yacht Club ~~~ Jan 1998 – Boardwalk Feb 1997 – Yacht Club ~~~ Jan 1996 – Beach Club ~~~ May 1995 - Swan Feb 1995 – Dixie Landings ~*~ May 1994 – Dolphin

12-16-2005	#5 (permalink)
richaimg Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 325	Re: Passport Insanity Here is a link to the State Dept. web site's news release that says they have extended the deadline until 12/31/06: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2005/52386.htm Their site is actually pretty good - lots of info. We were able to get passports for us and our children through the post office a couple of years ago without any problems. I hope things get resolved for you! Good luck! __________________ Jan. 2007 Pop Century Jan/Feb 2006 Pop Century Feb. 2005 Port Orleans French Quarter Oct. 2003 Coronado Springs Dec. 1996 Old Key West

		MouseBuzz.com > Disney Cruise Line > Take a cruise
Passport Insanity

12-16-2005	#6 (permalink)
GrumpyDad Mouse Meister Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Oak Park, IL Posts: 1,182	Re: Passport Insanity Thanks Rich, The site confirms so I am breathing a lot easier.

12-16-2005	#7 (permalink)
richaimg Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 325	Re: Passport Insanity Glad to help! (My dad used to work for State Dept. so I knew about their site) Have a great trip!!! __________________ Jan. 2007 Pop Century Jan/Feb 2006 Pop Century Feb. 2005 Port Orleans French Quarter Oct. 2003 Coronado Springs Dec. 1996 Old Key West

12-17-2005	#8 (permalink)
BDavis932 A dream is a wish.... Join Date: May 2002 Location: Central Texas Posts: 3,609	Re: Passport Insanity Not to hijack, but on the same subject, does anyone know if you are applying for a passport for a minor (or adult), do you have to have their trip itinerary? My boss was told this when he recently went to the post office to get his for his DD's. Took them 3 hours.... __________________ DVC/BUDGET TIPS MODERATOR ºoº DVC MEMBER at OKW since 2000 ºoº Love my Mom "Trailblazer" & My Dear Sister "A Goofy Family" 77 DL85 (offsite)94 AS Sports97 ASMusic99 AS Movies00 ASMovies02 OKW03 WLV 04 OKW05 SSR05 ASM06 AKL/OKW/CSR07 DHHIR6/08 AKLV12/08 SSR3/09 AKLV Next Trips: 6/2011 AKLV, 12/2011 BLT, 3/2012 AKLV Buzzers I've met: Gingita, DisneyTeacher, RCharmicheal My Disney Countdown Counting down to:* Quick trip the the Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine, TX 25 days 8 hours 5 minutes

12-17-2005	#9 (permalink)
GrumpyDad Mouse Meister Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Oak Park, IL Posts: 1,182	Re: Passport Insanity We were told that you needed it if you are leaving within the next 14 days. Then you can apply for an expidited passport ( with additional charges ). But in our case we would have to go to the downtown CHicago location as the local postoffice was not set up for expidited passports. -harry __________________ . Jan 2008 Yacht Club ~* Jan 2007 Caribbean Beach Dec/Jan 2005/2006 Disney Poly / Disney Wonder New Years Trip Nov 2003 - Caribbean Beach ~* Nov 2002 – Coronado Springs ~ Feb 2001 – Boardwalk Feb 2000 – Swan ~~~~~ Feb 1999 – Yacht Club ~~~ Jan 1998 – Boardwalk Feb 1997 – Yacht Club ~~~ Jan 1996 – Beach Club ~~~ May 1995 - Swan Feb 1995 – Dixie Landings ~*~ May 1994 – Dolphin

12-17-2005	#10 (permalink)
richaimg Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 325	Re: Passport Insanity Grumpy - that sounds right to me. You can get a passport any time just to have it, you don't need to have immediate travel plans. Which these days, is probably a pretty good idea! The State Dept. web site has all the info you would need: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html __________________ Jan. 2007 Pop Century Jan/Feb 2006 Pop Century Feb. 2005 Port Orleans French Quarter Oct. 2003 Coronado Springs Dec. 1996 Old Key West

12-17-2005	#11 (permalink)
ddoll Singing In My Head Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: RI Posts: 5,257	Re: Passport Insanity My understanding of the new rule is that they changed it for those entering and exiting from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. That's where you used to only need a birth certificate. The new change (the one they extended until 2007) applies for those areas. Traveling to other parts of the world always required a passport. Is this correct? We're planning a family trip to the DR this summer and were relieved to learn that we did NOT need to obtain passports for everyone now. __________________ Moderator of DVC, Disney Company • 3/96 Offsite • 9/98 Villa • 10/98 Dixie Landings • 8/00 Villa • 6/01 Disneyland, CA • 5/02 Villa • 6/03 Villa • 11/03 Wilderness Lodge • 8/04 PopCentury, Swan & Royal Pacific • 12/04 Swan • 8/05 Swan & Hard Rock Hotel • 11/05 Swan • 1/06 Swan • 9/06 Disneyland, CA• 12/06 Swan & HRH • 1/07 Swan • 10/07 Hard Rock Hotel • 12/07 Hard Rock & Swan • 1/08 Boardwalk• 10/08 Villa• 1/09 Swan • 8/09 Condo • 1/10 Swan & PBR My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Viva Las Vegas! 15 days 7 hours 5 minutes

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