Passport Office passes State Department inspection

Passport Office manager Maggie Naputi and acceptance agents pose in front of their acceptance facility on Capital Hill. (Contributed Photo)

U.S. Passport Office manager Maggie Naputi was notified last week by the Honolulu Passport Office about the CNMI’s excellent performance on the Acceptance Facility Oversight Inspection Report performed by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs earlier this year.

Naputi stated that the U.S. Department of State inspects all states and territories for compliance and legitimate and confidential processing.

“We’ve maintained our performance for many years, and we are all certified and must undergo yearly training through the Honolulu Office to maintain these standards. We are very pleased with another successful inspection. As a team of five personnel, we make sure all forms and related documents are visible to customers while staying up to date with the latest U.S. Passport standards and fees,” Naputi said.

Since the implementation of federal immigration, the Saipan Passport office performs quarterly service and outreach to the island of Tinian and Rota to meet the needs of all U.S. citizens.

Finance Secretary Larrisa Larson said the CNMI branch continues to successfully maintain the standards set by the U.S. Department of State, noting that U.S. Passport fees become general revenue for the Commonwealth.

“I commend Maggie and her team for another job well done. Successfully passing facility inspecting and training ensures that we can continue to generate revenue for the CNMI and assist our fellow citizens with matters relating to consular services,” Larson said.

According to Gov. Ralph DLG. Torres, since the federal takeover of immigration services, the U.S. Passport Office has still maintained its compliance and efficiency.

“Although our passport office is a small operation, I am pleased that the U.S. Department of State has recognized our Passport Office team’s diligence and that everything is compliant. Immigration is a very complex issue, and we are grateful that consular services for U.S. citizens continue to go smoothly,” Torres said.

The public is encouraged to visit the Saipan U.S. Passport acceptance facility regarding any questions about first-time applicants or renewals at the Ascension Drive Building 1321 on Capital Hill or to call 664-4760.

The Department of State is responsible for issuing U.S. passports to traveling U.S. citizens, protecting the integrity of the U.S. passport as proof of U.S. citizenship at home and around the world. For more information, log on to travel.state.gov. (PR)