Can't get a passport. Can one get a NEXUS card instead?

Upvote:1

First, Tom has a good idea for a DS-71. Let me amplify the suggestion.

Assuming that the birth certificate is a proper certified copy, the issue is connecting your friend to the certificate. To this end, it may help to have documents like the government requests for her parents (to prove they are US Citizens or Permanent Residents), and DS-71 affidavits from them.

Photographs of church events (I say this because many homeschoolers attend church) of the family. DS-71 from a long-time pastor wouldn't hurt either.

Child medical records show the parents' names. The pediatrician may also have either a photo or a thumbprint or both on file.

Upvote:3

It's possible to get a NEXUS card without a passport. A US citizen must show one of the following documents:

  • a valid passport;
  • a birth certificate and photo ID;
  • a proof of U.S. citizenship;
  • a certificate of naturalization; or
  • a border crossing card.

Source: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5084-eng.html

Unfortunately, the NEXUS card will be useless for travel outside North America. Having it might help with future passport applications, however.

The question of how to satisfy the documentation requirements for the passport application itself is interesting, but should probably be asked as a separate question.

Upvote:3

Touching on the passport issue, applying for a passport really only requires two documents, ID to prove you are you and a birth certificate or naturalization certificate to prove you are a US citizen. The fact that the clerk who accepted her application assumed it was complete really means nothing, other than the clerk got the necessary documents from her. The clerk really doesn't have the ability or authority to double check the validity of those documents, that lies in the hands of the passport office itself.

As the Passport Office is requesting additional documents, means that one or both of her proofs are suspect.

Was the birth certificate an "original" or a certified copy from the government agency that records births where she was born? If an "original", then consider getting a new certified copy of her birth certificate from the town/state she was born in.

Have you checked into the possibility of providing an Affidavit of Identifying Witness (DS-71 form) in lieu of the requested documents.

Does she have a bank account (that would have name & signature)? Has she no school records? No extracurricular activities at those schools (permission slips might have names, signatures, group photos)?

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