The Real Deal on Passport Records

By Eric on March 21, 2008

What do Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and John McCain have in common, other than that they’re all running for president? All three have had unauthorized breaches by State Department contractors in their personal passport files.

What’s in a “passport record,” you ask? It’s just a record of where that person traveled, right? Apparently not.

What exactly is a passport record? A passport record typically consists of applications made by a person for a U.S. passport, together with supporting evidence of U.S. citizenship. The records include details such as date and place of birth, naturalization details, family status, occupation and physical characteristics. Passport records do not include evidence of travel, such as exit and entrance stamps, visas or residence permits. Passport records are protected by the Privacy Act of 1974.
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In addition to passport applications and the related material, the system stores investigative reports that might have been compiled in connection with granting or denying a passport, or in connection with any violation of passport criminal statutes. It also stores court documents and administrative determinations related to passports and citizenship, as well as copies of birth and baptismal certificates, medical, personal and financial reports and details on arrest warrants of the person applying for, extending or renewing a passport and a person’s Social Security number.
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Apart from helping to determine citizenship and eligibility for a passport, the information can be used for employment applications and estate settlements, and to determine Social Security benefits. It can also be used for federal and state law enforcement investigations. Records are retrieved using an individual’s name or passport number.

This is more than just “imprudent curiosity.” This is a serious breach of all three candidates’ personal privacy. Secretary Rice has already apologized to Sen. Obama (and I’m sure apologies to Clinton and McCain are forthcoming), but that isn’t enough. This is hardly the first time that the Bush Administration has lost private personal data. All three candidates should be calling for full-scale investigations.

Tags: 2008, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, John McCain, passports, privacy, State Department

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