A new regulatory proposal under consideration in the United States would change the application process for children's passports. If enacted, the policy would require all parents or legal guardians to submit official documentation verifying their own citizenship or legal immigration status as part of their child's passport application.

Currently, the process for obtaining a passport for a minor involves proving the child's citizenship and the relationship between the child and the parent or guardian. The proposed change would add an additional layer of verification by requiring the adults themselves to provide evidence of their status.

While the proposal is framed as a procedural update to passport security and verification standards, it has drawn attention due to the potential impact on families with varying immigration statuses. The policy is currently in the proposal phase, meaning it has not yet been implemented as a final rule. As of now, there is limited information regarding the specific types of documents that would be accepted or the potential exceptions for parents who may lack traditional documentation. The proposal is expected to undergo a period of review and public comment before any final decision is made regarding its implementation.