The U.S. government is poised to broaden its passport revocation program for parents who have fallen behind on child support payments. According to sources, the State Department will soon start revoking passports proactively, rather than only when individuals apply for new travel documents or consular services. This expansion aims to enforce a law in place since 1996.

Initially, the program will target those owing more than $100,000 in past-due child support. Fewer than 500 people currently meet this threshold. These individuals could potentially avoid passport revocation by establishing a payment plan with the Health and Human Services Department. The State Department is reviewing options to enforce the law and ensure parents meet their financial obligations.

The current initiative has already recovered nearly $621 million in overdue child support payments. While the exact number of people who could be affected by the expanded enforcement is unclear, it's expected to be in the thousands. The government will implement the changes in phases, potentially lowering the past-due amount threshold later. This move signals a stronger stance on parental financial responsibility.