Key Takeaways:
- Misinformation surrounding the U.S. passport redesign debunked: Claims that the Biden administration removed patriotic symbols are false.
- The passport redesign process predates President Biden and was initiated under previous administrations for enhanced security measures.
- The redesigned U.S. passport still features patriotic imagery, including the bald eagle, but in a revised position.
Misinformation Surrounding the U.S. Passport Redesign Debunked
In recent discussions about changes to the United States passport, misinformation has swarmed the internet, leading to confusion and concern among citizens. A claim surfaced on Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter) on January 12, suggesting that the Biden administration has removed patriotic symbols like the bald eagle, the American flag, and the phrase “We The People” from the U.S. passport. However, this claim is misleading and does not accurately reflect the current state of the U.S. passport redesign.
Understanding the Passport Redesign Process
Contrary to the claims circulating online, the bald eagle image in the new passport design has not been omitted but simply placed on a different page. This move is part of a broader initiative that predates President Biden’s tenure by nearly a decade. The redesign process began under President Barack Obama’s administration and continued through President Donald Trump’s term, making it clear that the current administration did not initiate these changes.
Patrick Bixby, a professor at Arizona State University and author of a book about the history of passports, emphasized this when he told USA TODAY:
“The design was certainly completed under the Trump Administration.”
Tom Topol, a passport history expert and publisher of the Passport Collector website, shed light on the rationale behind such redesigns. He explained in an email to USA TODAY that the International Civil Aviation Organization advises a redesign every 10 years to embed new security features and combat potential risks of fraud and forgery. Notably, the previous passport design had been in use since 2006, signifying that a revamp was due.
The Introduction of the Next Generation Passport
The first Next Generation Passport was unveiled in 2021, with a core focus on enhanced security. New aspects include a data page made from polycarbonate plastic and a laser-engraved photo of the passport holder. It is important to recognize that these improvements were in the pipeline for several years, with the Government Publishing Office receiving approval to begin the redesign process in October 2012 during the latter part of Obama’s first term. This endeavor was a collaborative effort with Homeland Security and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, as documented in a 2020 report by the Office of the Inspector General.
Further evidence of the longstanding redesign efforts is the 2018 production of a test run of thousands of new passports which took place in Washington D.C., and Mississippi—while Trump was still in office—as part of quality control measures. Security company Keesing Technologies confirmed that the redesigned version was completed in 2020.
Patriotic Imagery Remains Intact
The confusion seems to arise from a comparison of the second and third pages—the signature and data pages—of both the older and newer version of passports. Despite changes in layout, a State Department spokesperson has provided sample pages, which clearly showcase the bald eagle on the fourth page of the new passport. Patrick Bixby reassured that the redesign does not compromise on patriotic elements:
“The design of the stamping pages – filled with patriotic imagery from America’s past – remains virtually identical to the previous generation passport. The only pages that have really changed are the signature and data pages.”
Debunking the Biden Administration Passport Changes Myth
It’s crucial for the public to rely on verified and authoritative sources when information about government-related changes circulates. The myth suggesting that the Biden administration has scrubbed patriotic symbols from passports is unfounded. For those seeking accurate details about the U.S. passport redesign, resources such as the State Department’s official passport information page provide truthful and updated data.
Conclusively, adjustments to the U.S. passport design were driven by security upgrades and collaborative efforts spanning across multiple administrations. Patriotic imagery like the bald eagle continues to grace the pages of the passport, just as it has before, albeit in a revised position to accommodate new design elements. Misinformation, though prevalent, can be effectively countered with facts and understanding—the hallmark of well-informed citizenship.
Learn Today:
Glossary or Definitions:
- U.S. Passport: A travel document issued by the United States government that allows its citizens to travel internationally and serves as proof of identity and citizenship.
Passport Redesign: The process of updating and improving the design and security features of a passport. This may include changes to the layout, materials, and visual elements of the passport.
Misinformation: False or inaccurate information that is spread, often unintentionally, leading to confusion and misunderstanding among the public.
Bald Eagle: A symbol of the United States and its national bird, often depicted on official emblems, documents, and currency.
“We The People”: The opening phrase of the United States Constitution, emphasizing the democratic principles and the power of the people in the governance of the country.
Revamp: To renovate or update something to make it more modern or efficient.
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO): A specialized agency of the United Nations that sets standards and regulations for international aviation, including passport design and security features.
Polycarbonate Plastic: A durable and tamper-resistant material often used in the production of secure documents, such as passports, to enhance security and prevent counterfeiting.
Laser-Engraved: The process of using a laser beam to etch or engrave detailed designs or images onto a surface, in this case, a passport page.
Government Printing Office: An agency of the U.S. federal government responsible for the production and distribution of various official documents, including passports.
Bureau of Engraving and Printing: A U.S. government agency that designs and prints currency, stamps, and other security documents.
Homeland Security: The U.S. government department responsible for ensuring the security and safety of the country, including immigration and border control.
Office of the Inspector General: An independent office within government agencies responsible for conducting audits, investigations, and evaluations to promote efficiency and prevent fraud and abuse.
Quality Control: Procedures and measures taken to ensure that products or services meet specified requirements and standards.
State Department: The U.S. government department responsible for the country’s foreign affairs, including the issuance of passports.
Signature Page: The page in a passport where the passport holder’s signature is placed for authentication purposes.
Data Page: The page in a passport that contains the passport holder’s personal information, photo, and other details.
Myth: A widely held but false belief or idea.
Verified Sources: Reliable and trustworthy sources of information that have been confirmed as accurate and authoritative.
Well-informed Citizenship: The state of being knowledgeable, aware, and critical in understanding events, policies, and developments in society, allowing individuals to make informed decisions and actively participate in civic life.
And there you have it! The rumor mill can sometimes churn out misinformation, causing unnecessary panic and confusion. But fear not, dear readers. The U.S. passport redesign is not as drastic as some may have you believe. The patriotic symbols, like the majestic bald eagle, are still proudly displayed within the pages. So next time you plan your international adventure, remember to check out visaverge.com for more helpful insights and tips. Stay informed, stay curious, and keep exploring!
This Article in a Nutshell:
Claims that the US passport redesign removes patriotic symbols like the bald eagle and the American flag are misleading. The redesign process began before President Biden took office and aims to enhance security. The bald eagle image is still included, just on a different page. Don’t fall for misinformation; check official sources.
