Washington DC - President Donald Trump's administration is reportedly considering a new rule that would require parents to provide proof of their own US citizenship or immigration status when applying for passports for their US-born children.
According to Reuters, the policy – which has not been finalized – would require such applicants to submit additional documents such as passports, birth certificates, or immigration paperwork.
"The Department will require parental information and evidence of parental citizenship or immigration status as part of its determination whether the applicant is subject to EO 14418," a leaked draft guidance from the State Department states.
Currently, parents applying for passports for their children need to submit documentation proving their child's US citizenship and proof of their relationship to the child.
In a statement to Newsweek, State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said the department does not validate or chase leaked documents.
However, he did note that the administration "has been unequivocal that this Administration will protect the meaning and value of American citizenship, full stop, and that includes making sure our passport adjudication process fully reflects that standard."
News of the move falls in line with Trump's recent efforts to narrow access to birthright citizenship and what he and his allies have referred to as "birth tourism."
Last month, he signed an executive order that aims to restrict the practice to limited circumstances.
Trump has also made changes to the immigration and passport processes overall, even adding his face and signature to a limited-edition passport to commemorate the 250th anniversary of America's independence.