More people getting passports for medical reasons, studies

More local residents are now applying for passports for the first time because of medical reasons and scholarship programs, factors that were cited as the main reasons for an increase in the number of passports issued in the CNMI.

Jenny Castro-Norita, supervisor of the U.S. passport acceptance agent, said that in 2009, they processed about 3,200 applications compared to 2010 with about 3,000 applicants.

For calendar year 2011, Castro-Norita said the office has so far processed about 1,900 and the figure is expected to increase before the year ends.

“Aside from people just renewing their passports, we’ve seen an increase with our local residents applying for passports for the first time especially due to medical reasons, and with young adults enrolled at a college who are required to show proof of U.S. citizenship to qualify for federal assistance,” she told Saipan Tribune yesterday.

She last year they saw an increase in naturalized citizens applying for U.S. passports.

Castro-Norita also noted an increase in applicants for passport cards. Passport cards can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or seaports of entry.

Although the passport card cannot be used for international travel, it is less expensive than a passport book and some applicants find it more convenient.

“Some of our passport card applicants are retired individuals and only need it for Social Security benefit, some just for additional identification rather than carrying their passports every time, and travels between Guam,” she said.

Meantime, Castro-Norita announced that although the original date for Passport Day in the U.S. was postponed at the last minute due to the potential shutdown of the federal government, the Saipan office continued its plan to open the office to assist customers.

The U.S. Department of State has announced that Sept. 17, 2011 is “Passport Day in the USA,” a national annual event that began in March 2009.

“Although Sept. 17 is a Saturday, the Saipan U.S. Passport Office will be open from 10am until 3pm to handle passport applications and inquiries. Working parents, this is your chance not to miss work, as your kids with school so save the date and visit us! Pass it on, and we hope to see you,” Castro-Norita added.

For more information, call the U.S. Passport Office at 664-4760/61/62 or visit www.travel.state.gov.