PASSPORT CHANGES

I truly wanted my first post to be my INTRODUCEYOURSELF post. Unfortunately I got this "bug" that's been going around so I haven't been in the mood to do my #STEEMIT picture. Even though it's just a suggestion, that's how I wanted to authenticate myself. So you'll just have to settle for my #PASSPORT photo :-)
(throughout this post you will see famous human beings passport photos)

I didn't want this month to end without posting anything so I figured I'd blog about the upcoming passport changes that will affect the way we #TRAVEL

My passport expires in April 2019. I received my first passport in 2009. The first time I flew out the country was in 2003 to Bahamas. Back then it wasn't required to have a passport. All you needed was your birth certificate. (my friend at the time and I exchanged birth certificates as we were waiting to board the plane. We are only four years apart but her birth certificate in the race column said Negro, I believe mine said Black. I guess today America refers to people born of Melanated skin African American. I assume my mothers probably said Colored but I digress)
They gave me so much trouble trying to get back in the United States. They literally checked me three times. They probably thought I was young and dumb and was trying to sneak the devils lettuce back in the country. Who knows LOL.

Fast forward--- Since then I've only been to Mexico (as far as international goes). If you live in California (LA) we don't really count that because it's just a two-hour drive to the border. Even then though I was excited because I was gonna get my first stamp. Got up to the ticket counter and all she did was scan it and sent me on my merry way. I was like "sooooooooo you're not gonna give me a stamp!?" She was like "nah, we don't do that for this". I was headed on a three day cruise to Ensenada and I wanted a DAMN STAMP. I damn near had an argument with her for not giving me a stamp.

Anyways, I said all that to lead up to the current circumstances that you may or may not be aware of if you live in the U.S.

Just like how we are in the process of getting rid of paper money (which in my opinion we been on that journey, everyone pretty much swipes a card) and transitioning into digital currency (cryptocurrency). The passport services at the State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs is trying to be more "future-focused" and move from a paper to digital functionality.
You will soon be able to renew your passport online ( CLAPS HANDS LOUDLY)
I'M ALL FOR THAT !

Events will be held around the country to help first time passport applicants and children obtain their passports earlier and faster.

Currently, If you want to check the status of your new or renewed passport, you have to constantly check the states department outdated website or call them (which they receive more than one million call per year).

Well this year, status updates will come via email or text. ( STANDING OVATION)

Did you know on January 22nd 2018 state issued drivers licenses that don't meet the REAL I.D. ACT requirements will not be good enough to board domestic flights?
I can't imagine having to use my passport to go one state over. Don't nobody wanna carry this book around within there own country! SMH
U.S. passport cards and passports may be required to fly within the U.S if your state has yet to comply with the REAL I.D. mandate.

Back in 2007, the government made passports a requirement for travel to the Caribbean, Mexico and Canada. I used to watch the news back then and I remember seeing Americans apply for passports in droves. Mainly the Latin community. Its amazing how much we allow people that don't truly care about us run our lives. We got to do better people.

At what age did you get your 1st passport?
Where was the first place you travelled internationally?

Much Love,
Meek