Passport Backlog Causes Travel Nightmares for Americans

Millions of Americans are facing delays in obtaining new passports or renewing expired ones, with processing times taking months rather than the usual weeks. The U.S. State Department is experiencing a massive backlog of passport applications, creating a bureaucratic maze for frustrated travelers. The delays have led to canceled trips and financial losses, with individuals unable to obtain passports in time for planned travel dates. The State Department, which is receiving around 400,000 passport applications per week, has struggled to fulfill processing deadlines and has even had to rescind expedited service guarantees. The passport backlog highlights the declining state of government services and the impact it has on citizens.