There are many reasons why you might need a US passport. In general, if you are a US citizen, you should secure a US passport as soon as you can. A passport allows you to travel in and out of the United States, and it provides a space for any visas you will need when traveling to foreign countries. A passport or passport card allows you to cross the border into Canada and Mexico, as well. Even if you are only traveling across the border by car or boat for very short period of time, you generally need a passport to enter the US again.
A US passport is only available for US citizens. If you are a green card holder or someone who is visiting the US on an immigrant or non-immigrant visa, you will need a passport from your home country in order to leave and re-enter the United States and in order to get a visa to put into your passport so that you can remain in the United States on a temporary basis. Depending on your status, you may also need a travel document or other authorization document to leave the United States and return again.
When you are outside of the United States, your US passport is an important travel document. It not only allows you to re-enter the United States, but it ensures that you can get help at a United States Embassy or Consulate if there are any problems while you’re traveling abroad. If you run into any legal problems or if a natural or man-made disaster hits your travel destination, your US passport can ensure that you can visit a US embassy or consulate in order to get help. If you lose your passport while traveling abroad, you also need to visit the United States Embassy or Consulate in order to get a travel document to return home.
There may be other reasons why you want a US passport. Even if you are not traveling, for example, a passport can serve as identification in many situations. In some cases, can also help you prove your United States citizen status.
