Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) released the following statement regarding the denial of passports to U.S. citizens along the U.S.-Mexico Border:

“In the southern part of my district, we are facing increasing numbers of citizenship fraud along the U.S.-Mexico border. In some cases, American citizens born through a midwife are required to provide supplemental information and documentation in order to receive their passport. 

While this has been an on-going issue, we have been working diligently to support our constituents and provide them with the services and guidance for them to receive their passports. Typically this is resolved when a constituent provides additional evidence including immunizations and school records, baptismal certificate, mother’s legal status at time of birth and proof of documents used to come to the U.S. at time of birth to grant them approval of their passport. 

We must ensure that we continue to take proactive measures at addressing citizenship fraud. I will continue to work with my colleagues and with the Department of State at ensuring that proper protocol is taken, in order to properly handle fraudulent cases along the border.”