Do you have a passport?

[Cyrano]

If not, it would be prudent to get one.

No one really knows what will happen after January 20th, 2017. However, by observing the cabinet appointments to date, one can only assume that we are about to enter a period in which decent people will not take pride in their country.

I’m not, necessarily, suggesting that people should use their passports to run or “escape.” What I am suggesting is that, as history has often proven to be the case, it's often more efficient and effective to oppose oppression from the outside.

[Hortensis]

1. Good heads-up, thanks. Mine about to expire.

[justhanginon]

42. I believe the renewal fee is $110.00 if you haven't checked yet.

I need to check the date on mine which means a trip to the safe deposit box. Not sure I could afford a move of that magnitude at this point but nice to know it's there.

[Dark n Stormy Knight]

49. Wow, that seems high! I got my first passport in 1999 and have been meaning to renew it

over the years, but never followed through. But, it seems to me I paid far less than $110 to get it in the first place, and that the renewal fee last time I checked was much lower, too. When did the prices shoot up, or am I just remembering it wrong?

[MustBeTheBooz]

63. Yes...it is that much. For a new one, anyway.

I just purchased my daughter's passport for her school trip to Europe in the spring. The cost was $110.00 plus an additional $25 for I forget why (service fee of some sort..paid separately). Sorry, I don't know what a renewal runs.

[Hortensis]

68. Yes. You can also apply through UPS and the USPS

if that's more convenient.

[Angry Dragon]

2. yes

[liberal N proud]

3. Mine is good until 2019

[guillaumeb]

4. I am trying to envision hordes of US citizens establishing colonies in neighboring countries.

And how such expatriates would influence affairs in the US.

[sinkingfeeling]

46. Already over 8 million, non-military, American expats.

Almost a million live in Mexico and Canada has about 350,000.

[guillaumeb]

52. And how do such expatriates influence affairs in the US?

My family and I are Canadian, but living in the US means I cannot access healthcare nor can I vote because of residency requirements. So even though I am a dual citizen, I cannot vote in both places. And 1,350,000 is not enough votes to influence anything assuming that all of these expatriates can vote in their native states.

[sinkingfeeling]

62. Most of the 8 million have retained their American citizenship and can vote

in US elections. If 10,000 votes or less can determine where electoral votes go in a state, 1,350,000 can swing an election.

[SoCalNative]

90. And many of us

living and working abroad did vote in the primary and general election.

[SoCalNative]

91. US doesn't have residency requirements in order to vote

As long as you are a US citizen you are still eligible to vote when you are living abroad, unless you have also obtained citizenship or permanent residency where you are living and have voted in elections there.

[Buzz Clik]

5. Holy shit. The level of hysteria in this place has reached pure comedy.

Get a grip.

it's often more efficient and effective to oppose oppression from the outside.

So... emigrate and then invade?

[Cyrano]

12. "Those who cannot remember the past are

condemned to repeat it.”

Said by either George Santayana, or Winston Churchill. Google it. Learn.

[Buzz Clik]

29. I'm game: what historical lesson is telling you that your reactions in the OP are somehow rational?

What have I forgotten that would tell me that resistance from outside the borders is THE answer?

[elehhhhna]

55. Passport doesn't equal immigration status.

Geez.

[Buzz Clik]

59. Yeah, but his OP said to leave the country.

What I am suggesting is that, as history has often proven to be the case, it's often more efficient and effective to oppose oppression from the outside.

[elehhhhna]

60. And what? Hide as an illegal alien? Where? Is he only talking to billionaires here?

[Buzz Clik]

61. I'm trying to find out. It's one of the most bizarre OPs I've ever seen.

[elehhhhna]

65. How long does he think I can hide out and live in Cancn

[Hortensis]

70. BuzzClick, just GETTING a passport may become more

time-consuming and difficult in future. Not impossible for the vast majority, but who needs more hoops to jump through, higher fees, more delays because of questions that were never raised before?

We're not planning on fleeing the country anytime soon. But authoritarian conservative governments have a long, rich history of complicating such things as entering and leaving countries and of creating previously unnecessary bureaucratic delays at the expense of the citizenry. That's why I at least thanked Cyrano for the reminder.

Btw, generally speaking, conservatives have a much darker view of human nature than liberals. Where governance is conservative, citizens will be regarded with more suspicion than respect. The more conservative, the more suspicion and the more need to limit the citizen's ability to cause what they are sure would tend to be trouble. If you've ever had a conservative office manager, you'll remember the tight control on office supplies--to make sure you didn't steal them.

This dark view of humanity sets up a reliable cause-and-effect that can be used to predict changes in all kinds of government-related services. Budget reallocated away from actually processing passports to supervising the people waiting in line.

[Cyrano]

80. Thanks, Hortensis

You tuned into my thought. Today, it's fairly easy to get a passport. Once the next administration is in place, who knows?

Some here have taken my original post to task for various reasons. There are many reasons for any and all people to have a passport. But some DUers see it as "cowardice," "running away," or just plain "standing on the ledge ready to jump."

It is, simultaneously, none and all of these things.

[Hortensis]

81. Yes. "It is, simultaneously, none and all of these things."

It is a useful and sensible thing to have.

[leftofcool]

103. LOL. The OP forgot to mention that having a passport does not equal immigration

Canada no longer takes US citizens to live at will. Their immigration process is about 2 years. You can't move to Australia if you are over 56. British immigration is about 2-3 years. You can move to Costa Rica but only if you have 100K in the bank and so on and so on.

[CTyankee]

6. all in order. Doesn't expire til 2018.

[rug]

7. Nope, never had one.

[Cyrano]

16. Consider it. Think.

[rug]

21. Bella, ciao.

[LanternWaste]

79. No doubt, anyone who disagrees with you either does not think or knows nothing of history.

No doubt, anyone who disagrees with you either does not think or knows nothing of history. The great prophet who rails against magical thinking...

[Maru Kitteh]

8. I do, and I live on the Canadian border.

We are financially solvent, not too old, and have very marketable skills and education.

We are very seriously considering flight, but it will be a planned, patient departure.

[cwydro]

9. I do.

And I have dual nationality.

My aunt wants me to come to Ireland .

[HockeyMom]

10. Yes, I do

Florida requires that you show proof you are a US Citizen when you get, and every time you renew, your Driver's License. Since I am a married woman, I would have to show both a BC and Marriage License (name change). Couldn't be bothered and just gave them my Passport.

Ever since then, I have this big Gold Star on my License. I fly a lot and have always been "TSA Pre-Approved"since then and go on special short lines on Security, including with the Flight Crew. My husband doesn't have that Gold Star (just showed BC) and he has to go on the regular lines.

Yes, yes, YES, if you can afford it today with Dtrump Presidency get a US Passport. Required Voter ID? Will they argue with a US Passport as Voter ID? BTW, hate to say this, but I think there is also a CHIP now in that Passport. Creeps me out.

All this was started under George Bush Presidency and National Security ID going into total effect in 2017. Trump Presidency will make it even worse. Maybe President Orange will require all US citizen carry around Federal ID with them at all times. Papers, Citizen?

[Cyrano]

27. Yes, "Papers, please" may soon be dreaded words here

[pangaia]

38. How can a state make a requirement for a passport?

[HockeyMom]

43. No, it's not

They do require your birth certificate, and if you are a married woman, you need to show marriage license with a surname change from your BC.

I just could not be bothered to find both forms of ID and gave them the Passport, which was only one ID satisfying my birthplace, age, and current name.

My point is that the US Passport apparently granted increased privileges, which my be a good idea in our current nation if you can do it.

[pangaia]

44. But, states have nothing to do with issuing passports.

I'm not quite sure what you mean.

You can apply on line with the Dept of State...

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/forms.html

or use any of several passport/visa services.
I have used this one for years....... http://cibtvisas.com/ -used to be Zierer Visa service..

[Amaril]

86. She's talking about needing those documents......

.....when renewing or updating (change of address, etc.) a Florida driver's license. Everyone has to show their birth certificate, and if you are a married woman who's name differs from the name on your birth certificate, you have to show your marriage license............OR you can just show your passport.

[pangaia]

89. Got it. Thanks..

Birth certificate is only needed when applying for new passport, not RE-newing.

But, that probably is what she meant anyway.

[HockeyMom]

92. No

You still need to show your birth certificate, and marriage license as a woman, when you renew your US Passport. I suppose this is why a US Passport holds so much weight across the country.

[pangaia]

93. Humm...

Guess as a man I was never asked for a marriage license. LOL.. Or actully maybe NOt so lol.

[HockeyMom]

97. You wouldn't be

since in all likely hood you birth certificate is the same name as your currently use. Both my daughters kept both their birth surnames along with their spouses surnames. Hyphenated. One daughter is married to a man and my other daughter is married to a woman.

I am pretty sure this also applies to gay men who take their husband's surnames. They will need to show their marriage licenses also for a Passport with a name change from their BC. Thank the SC for even letting them do so.

Anytime your BC surname does not match your current one, you have to show legal proof why.

[pangaia]

98. I know. I was talking somewhat tongue in cheek..

[dhol82]

102. Not when you renew

I have renewed several times and only needed the pix and a check.

[peggysue2]

105. Same here

I renewed by mail a few months ago. Only thing required was a new photo, my original passport (which was returned and voided) and check for $110. The forms can be pulled off the gov website. Fill them out, mail them in. Easy-peasy.

Would I recommend a passport ID as a back-up in light of current unknowns? Yes, I would. Not suggesting $100 is chump change to throw away. But in this case, it's a wee bit of security you can slip in your pocket. And if you really luck out? You could spend a weekend in Paris. Not too shabby.

[adnoid]

107. I did not.

I renewed my passport within the last 6 months. All I sent in was the application and my old passport, no BC.

I have always had a valid passport, so the rules may be different if you are renewing one that expired. I don't even think I have my BC, I would have to get a new copy if I needed it.

I also got a new DL with the gold star, my passport was good for that.

[shanen]

69. My passport in relation to presidential politics...

Reagan's reelection persuaded me to get a passport, but it was Quayle's election that got me to use it. When Dubya was reelected I applied for permanent residence, but Trump has pushed things so far I'm seriously considering changing my citizenship. Sometimes your birthright citizenship can become too embarrassing to endure?

[mike_c]

11. renewed ours this year....

Yep.

[Freethinker65]

13. Just applied for mine at the USPO today... money well spent

Along with three other random people in the span of about 15 minutes (I had to redo my application because it was out of date). This was in a Cook County suburb outside of Chicago.

[Aristus]

14. I'm on my third passport.

I make sure it's always up-to-date.

My license to practice medicine is valid in Canada, and probably other places I'd be likely to emigrate. ( Ireland, New Zealand, etc.)

But I'm willing to sit tight for the time being, and wait for trump to implode...

[Horse with no Name]

15. I am getting one. n/t

[AngryAmish]

17. I have 2 passports. Dual citizenship.

[PJMcK]

18. A passport is an important document and all US citizens should get theirs

A passport has so many powerful uses.

In addition to making international travel possible, it's an excellent ID. For example, I've found that when going through airport security, my use of a passport has often expedited the process because of its underlying authority. When I was acting as an executor for an estate, my passport was the strongest piece of ID I could provide and its use simplified a complicated transfer process.

The State Department makes it relatively simple for US citizens to obtain their documents. Here's an informative webpage:

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/apply.html

Passports issued to US adults are generally valid for ten years; for minors, it's five years. You can get the application information online as well as at most US Post Offices.

Having a valid passport is as important as having a valid driver's license or Social Security card. I urge all DUers to keep their documents up to date.

Kindly do not construe my comments as alarmist as I am not suggesting we flee our country.

[bdamomma]

88. I agree with your post

a passport is good to have it' s a necessary document to have.

[onethatcares]

19. got mine

and like the look and feel of it. I often wonder who the handsome guy is in the photo though.

[Quackers]

113. You should have asked his name when you took it from him.

lol

[onethatcares]

114. are you

"Quackers"?????

He'd think I was hitting on him.

[mnhtnbb]

20. Yes.

And it was due to expire next November. After the election I submitted my application to renew and expect to have my new passport in hand--good
for another 10 years--before the first of January.

I also advised both my sons (with passports due to expire next year and 2018) to renew theirs and not rely on a Trump regime to
get new passports. My husband's is good until 2021.

[oneshooter]

22. Don't have one, don't see any need to get one.

Been around the world three times and never needed one.

[cwydro]

72. Curious as to how you did that.

I travel frequently, and I've always needed my passport to leave and enter the country.

[oneshooter]

73. Eight years in the USMC,

No passport needed, just ID and travel orders.

[cwydro]

74. Aha!

Got it!

[Vinca]

23. Yes . . . and a Canadian/American husband.

[jpak]

24. You may need to show it to vote in 2018

word

[Cyrano]

30. Couldn't agree more

Voter suppression is a GOP belief/doctrine/and virtual religion.

[grantcart]

25. Yes and am making arrangements to move to our

family's second country of residence. For me it's a health choice. I get overly aggravated at this level of idiocy.

[rzemanfl]

26. My first thought was the Gestapo asking for "papers."

Never had a passport. Where is "outside?"

[sarisataka]

28. Don't need one

I'm not going anywhere.

[CountAllVotes]

31. Had one since age 21

and still have it and keep it up-to-date.

[Laffy Kat]

32. Ahead of you.

Mine was going to expire early next year. Already got renewal application. It's actually pretty easy if you already have one. Either way, start at the Post Office.

[Txbluedog]

33. i encourage everyone to get one

If for no other reason, get out of the US and see how the rest of the world lives

[treestar]

34. Yes, I always keep mine current

I think it is silly not to have one.

[Travis_0004]

35. Calm down

Nobody needs to get a passport. If you want to move to Canada or mexico, then do so. If you don't have a passport it takes 3 weeks. Filing papers to move to another country takes much longer. And nobody is going to decide "I'm going to move to Canada" "When" "Now". This stuff takes time.

Get a passport, see the world. But to get a passport just because trump is president is a bit of an overreaction.

[PasadenaTrudy]

50. Seriously n/t

[Tommy_Carcetti]

36. I think I'm going to get one in the next couple of months.

Always wanted one in case I actually had the time and money for international travel, and hopefully that's all I'll have to use it for....but now, just as a fail safe if the shit truly hits the fan.

[panader0]

37. I have one but I'm not running away from anything,

and I don't agree that it's better to "oppose oppression from the outside".
I have seen far too many of the "sky is falling" group around here.
It's embarrassing. I've seen "it's the end of the world (or the US)",
I've seen "I'm having a nervous breakdown" "My life is ruined" etc, etc.
Trump doesn't take office for six more weeks.

[DinahMoeHum]

76. Me neither. If I do leave the USA, it will not be permanent. . .

. . .instead, I might be away for a year or two with like-minded companions sailing throughout the Mediterranean and/or the Caribbean.

[benld74]

39. Expired. But I'll fight

[Skittles]

40. yes, but I wil always fight these fascist bastards

fuck that running away bullshit

[KingCharlemagne]

106. If you cut and run from this fascist and his goons, all you are

doing is exercising a privilege that most workers don't have. And you sure as fuck ain't going to be fighting oppression from your privileged sanctuary abroad. Give me a fucking break! True courage in Trumpland is the willingness to take a bullet to prevent a Muslim from being registered or a Latino from being deported. Im steeling myself for it right now for the next seven weeks.

[Barack_America]

41. Yep. And renewed my sons' passport day after election.

Whole family documented and ready to go. Canadian family ready take us in.

Already exploring opportunities for job transfer.

Nothing reactionary, more like getting ourselves ready for 1-2 years from now.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

45. I got my first passport in 1970,

and have only once not renewed before the expiration date.

My current one is good until 2025.


I would never keep my passport in a safe deposit box. My personal theory is that you never know when you might need it. I also don't quite understand those who seem to be saying righteously that they don't have one, don't need one, don't intend to get one. No interest in travelling to other countries? That strikes me as a bit sad.

When I got the current one I also got the little card that's good for Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean, but (stupidly in my opinion) not for airplane travel, which makes zero sense since it requires exactly the same documentation as the regular passport.

[beaglelover]

54. I carry mine everyday in my briefcase. Been doing so for years.

[sinkingfeeling]

47. Mine's good until 2020. This is my third one.

[KewlKat]

48. Canadian passport here. I need to check my expiration date.

[Raine]

51. No, I've never had one but I sure think it would be

a very good idea to get one.

[beaglelover]

53. Yes, have had one since I was 2.

About to mail in my passport renewal form with old passport and fee tomorrow. When I renewed 10 years ago, the fee was $67. The fee is now $110!

[theglammistress]

56. Yes

And I've suggested others get them if they don't already possess a current one as well.

[scscholar]

57. Had trouble getting one

It sucks that our government requires permission to travel.

[Ace Rothstein]

64. Every country on Earth requires you to have a passport to enter.

[scscholar]

75. Which is fine for them, but it is wrong four our country to not allow us to leave

It's like the USSR used to be where they tried to keep people prisoners.

[Ace Rothstein]

84. The only people that disallow us to leave are the airline employees.

They won't let you board a plane to an international destination without a passport. I've never had to show paperwork to actually leave the country. I have no idea what you're talking about.

[Recursion]

100. The US government does zero exit controls. We're pretty much unique in that

It's one reason we can't really "fix" undocumented immigration: we don't actually know who is and isn't in the country right now.

[scscholar]

111. But you have to go somewhere...

and as far as I know every country requires a passport to enter from the US so requiring the government's permission in order to get a passport is a de facto ban on travel. I live in Seattle, and I would love to be able to go to Canada but the US government doesn't allow me to.

[dumbcat]

112. I'm sure you are quite the scholar

but you appear to be somewhat confused as to who is allowing (or not allowing) what.

Just my opinion, of course.

[scscholar]

116. The US government is requires us to get their permission to get a passport

That is what I'm talking about. It is the US government that is making this decision.

[Recursion]

119. But a passport is not required to leave the country

You're just mistaken on that. You can head out to international waters, for example, without one. Or charter/fly a plane. Commercial airlines won't let you get on a flight without a visa to enter the destination (which generally requires a passport), but that has nothing to do with what you're saying.

If you go to just about any other country, when you leave the government stamps your passport, along with when you enter. That's what we don't do, and it's why the US government can't actually stop somebody from leaving the country.

[Recursion]

115. Why do you keep bringing up the US government? They don't do anything to keep you from leaving

They not only don't care if you leave the country, they don't know when you leave the country, which is why you are urged to register with the US embassy in the country you are visiting.

The airline will prevent you from boarding if you don't have a visa for your destination country, because that country makes them pay to repatriate you if they don't. Got nothing to do with the US government.

[mountain grammy]

58. Yep, expires in 2018

so does my drivers license. Mmmm, maybe that's MY expiration date.

[dflprincess]

66. Just renewed it this summer.

They told me it would take 6-8 weeks to get the new one, it arrived in 3 (glad I didn't pay for the expedited delivery).

[petronius]

67. Just renewed mine last month - not because of the election, but for some

travel plans. Looking forward to the trip, but not looking forward to explaining (apologizing for) Trump to probably every person I meet...

[DFW]

71. Only for the last 48 years.

I keep my US citizenship and live in Germany. That doesn't work without a passport.

My wife is just fine with her German passport, and our children have both.

[brooklynite]

77. Perhaps the folks who want to run and hide should do so...

...so those of us who are staying will know what resources we'll have to work with.

[KingCharlemagne]

117. I think the elderly and children should flee now while they still can. This isn't

going to be their fight and never was.

Otherwise, I agree with you 100%!

[LanternWaste]

78. I use mine simply for vacations rather than melodramatic pronouncements of opposition.

I use mine simply for vacations rather than melodramatic pronouncements of some sort of opposition, despite hearing the precise same implications of incitement in 1980, 1988, and 2000.

[KingCharlemagne]

118. Three words: one-party state. - nt

[sylvanus]

82. My wife and I did just in case Trump won,

Guess that was money well spent if shit goes the way it's looking.
Went to Quebec, this summer, god I wish I had gotten stranded there.
Even the airpot would've been fine.

[deaniac21]

83. i have never tried airpot. Good?

[Tracer]

85. Have 2 passports.

U.S. and Ireland.

I probably need to renew one or both.

[KatyMan]

87. Same here!

My Irish one is expired, but fixing that is on the to-do list next year--we have to send our US passports as well when renewing the Irish ones, and we need them for a trip in early Jan or else it would have been done already.

We were planning on retiring in Ireland in 5 years, but we've moved that date up and are planning on moving in 2 years. We've lived there before, so we know what to expect lifestyle-wise.

[Coventina]

94. Thanks for the reminder. I need to renew mine.

[smirkymonkey]

95. Just expired last year, but I still carry it with me as backup ID.

Not sure why.

[PJMcK]

99. It's incredibly easy to renew your passport

Mine had expired and the postal employee took care of the process in about ten minutes. The new passport arrived by FedEx about two weeks later.

You'll want to do it sooner rather than later. If too much time goes by, you have to start from the beginning, that is, new application, new copy of birth certificate, etc

[smirkymonkey]

101. I know, I should. I have just been lazy.

Thanks for the reminder. I think I will. I actually could claim citizenship in Italy but it's a long drawn out process. However once I am there I could claim asylum if things get really bad.

[angel823]

96. Oh yeah

Just renewed mine last month, and applied and got one for my daughter.

Always smart to be prepared.

Angel in Texasperated

[Farmgirl1961]

104. Yes, the entire family does. And my husband has dual citizenship (American/Irish)

Interestingly enough, we lived in Spain for a year about 5 years ago. Our youngest daughter (now 15) told us that when she was in high school, she wanted to study in the EU. Some months ago she applied to a public sixth form college in England and she learned today that she was accepted for next year. So, it looks like we may be headed to England for a couple of years.

I know...trading Trump for Brexit isn't great...but I think it will be good to be anywhere across the pond.

[samir.g]

108. I have two

[Liberal In Texas]

109. Just renewed today.

Mine had expired in 2010 and never got around to it. Not planning on any trips but it's good to have "just in case."
Cost was $110 plus $25 for some processing fee I guess charged by the county because I went to that office to get it done. Very nice helpful people and they were able to correct a couple of mistakes I had made on the paperwork.

[yuiyoshida]

110. Having a passport means nothing

For the longest time, citizens of mainland China were not allowed to leave the country. Today with background checks, even a Democrat can be held back, for just being suspicious.. and if you happen to look Black, Hispanic, Native American, Middle Eastern, or Asian, who says they will even allow you back in the country?

We are so screwed.