Citizenship FAQs: Can My Passport Be Revoked?

Godoy Law Immigration Attorney Mario Godoy recently argued at the U.S. Department of State (DOS) in Washington D.C. on behalf of a client who is a citizen whose passport was revoked. Mario is challenging the basis for the passport revocation. If your passport is revoked, you will receive written notification from DOS. You only have a short time to appeal the revocation, so it’s important that you consult an experienced immigration and citizenship lawyer as quickly as possible.

Grounds For Passport To Be Revoked

Your passport can be revoked by the DOS under certain circumstances. These circumstances include:

• Your naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship is canceled. 
• You are under a criminal court order to not depart from the United States.
• You are a fugitive from justice and have an arrest warrant.
• You have seriously delinquent tax debt.
• You have been issued a passport under false pretenses.
• You have used your passport for fraudulent purposes. 

How To Appeal If Your Passport Is Revoked

Here are the steps on how to appeal a passport revocation:

1. You have 60 days after getting notice of the revocation to ask the DOS for an administrative hearing.
2. The hearing is held within 60 days of the DOS receiving the written request.
3. The Department of State chooses the person who will run the hearing.
4. The person whose passport has been revoked can go and be represented by an attorney.

You can appeal a passport revocation. A person has sixty days after getting notice of the revocation to ask the DOS for an administrative hearing. The hearing is held within 60 days of the DOS receiving the written request. The Department of State chooses the person who will run the hearing, and the person whose passport has been revoked can go and be represented by an attorney.

If your passport is revoked, you will not be able to travel internationally. You will need to apply for a new passport if you need to travel outside the United States.

Learn More: Citizenship FAQs: After I Become A US Citizen, Can My Citizenship Be Revoked?

Immigrants Have Rights

As a U.S. citizen, having a U.S. passport opens many opportunities and is a significant benefit of citizenship. As a U.S. citizen, you have the right to know why the government revoked your passport and is denying your rights as a citizen. DOS will issue a decision in writing, and that decision will determine our next actions. All immigrants should be aware of their legal rights and protections.

Learn More: Immigrants Have Legal Rights: Do You Know Your Rights?

Immigrants Have Rights:  Talk To An Immigration Lawyer

The immigration attorneys at Godoy Law Office work with you to evaluate your immigration status and guide you in your journey to becoming a U.S. citizen. If you need help with an immigration issue, please contact our office at 630-345-4164.

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