Summary
The Trump administration has changed U.S. passport rules to waive fees for American first responders deployed overseas for disaster relief and search-and-rescue missions. This change allows eligible responders to get passports without paying fees if they're working under official U.S. agreements. The policy is part of the First Responders Passport Act in the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act.
Key Facts
- The change affects U.S. passport rules and waives fees for certain first responders.
- It applies to responders traveling abroad under federal disaster agreements.
- The waiver only covers official deployments, not personal travel.
- Eligible responders must be under a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement with the federal government.
- Eligibility is determined by the U.S. Secretary of State.
- The policy was implemented as part of the First Responders Passport Act.
- The State Department manages these exemptions through its Special Issuance Agency.
- Currently, two U.S. urban search and rescue teams are covered by the exemption.
