Overview
Title
30-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Application for a U.S. Passport for Eligible Individuals: Correction, Name Change to Passport Issued 1 Year Ago or Less, and Limited Passport Replacement
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The State Department wants to know what people think about changes to a form used for fixing mistakes on passports, changing names, or swapping certain passports for free. They want to update how the form talks about things like "biological sex" to match legal rules, and people can share their thoughts until March 20, 2025.
Summary AI
The Department of State is seeking public comments on a proposed revision to the Application for a U.S. Passport for Eligible Individuals (form DS-5504). This form is used by people who need to correct their passport, change their name, or replace a limited passport at no cost. The changes include revising certain statements on the form to comply with legal standards and updating language regarding gender to specify biological sex, as required by executive order. Interested individuals have until March 20, 2025, to submit their feedback.
Abstract
The Department of State has submitted the information collection described below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we are requesting comments on these collections from all interested individuals and organizations. The purpose of this Notice is to allow 30 days for public comment.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document in question is a notice from the Department of State requesting public feedback on proposed changes to Form DS-5504, the application for a U.S. passport for eligible individuals. This form allows individuals to correct information, change their name, or replace a limited passport without cost. The public has until March 20, 2025, to submit comments.
General Summary
The update to Form DS-5504 includes changes in response to legal and executive orders. A significant change is the shift from using the term "gender" to "biological sex at birth," aligning with Executive Order 14168 and International Megan's Law requirements. The changes are intended to comply with existing laws and standardize passport information fields.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several issues arise from this document:
Lack of Cost Information: The document does not include details on the cost of managing the information collection process. A financial breakdown could provide insights into potential wasteful expenditures.
Sensitive Language: The term "biological sex at birth" may be seen as sensitive or controversial. Without clear justification or context, such language could be misunderstood or prompt public dissent.
Technical References: References to Executive Order 14168 and International Megan's Law might be unfamiliar to the general public. Additional explanations could enhance understanding.
Absence of Cost-Benefit Analysis: A detailed analysis regarding the financial impact of these changes could offer a clearer picture of the benefits and potential drawbacks to stakeholders.
Clarity on Reporting Burden: More explanation on how automated techniques could minimize the reporting burden would be beneficial. This could further facilitate public understanding of efficiency improvements.
Public Impact
Broadly, these changes aim to ensure that passport information aligns with legal and international standards. Individuals needing to update passport details may face more specific requisites regarding personal information. The complexity of adjusting public documents like passports introduces a need for clarity to avoid confusion or errors in application processes.
Impact on Stakeholders
For individuals or households, the main stakeholders, these changes mean an increased clarity and standardization in document requirements that may streamline the process in the future but introduce an immediate need for current applicants to adapt to new terms.
For advocacy groups, especially those focused on gender identity and civil rights, the revisions could be contentious or seen as regressive due to the shift in language regarding gender identity.
For government agencies, ensuring the form complies with legal requirements could improve the robustness of official documentation processes and align with broader national and international standards.
Overall, while the proposed changes strive for accuracy and compliance, they might also evoke concerns that require careful handling and clear communication to ensure public understanding and reduce any negative impacts on specific groups.
Issues
• The document does not provide an estimated cost for managing the information collection process, which could help identify potential wasteful spending.
• Language regarding the term 'biological sex at birth' might be sensitive or controversial; it could benefit from clearer justification or explanation to improve clarity.
• The use of technical references such as E.O. 14168 and International Megan's Law might be confusing to the general public without additional context or explanation.
• The document lacks a detailed cost-benefit analysis of the proposed changes to the DS-5504 form, which might help in assessing potential financial impact.
• The document could improve clarity by elaborating on how automated collection techniques could minimize the reporting burden for respondents.