To: WSFAlist at KeithLynch.net
Date: Thu, 28 Dec 2006 16:07:51 -0500
Subject: [WSFA] Lucy, you got some 'splainin' to do
From: ronkean at juno.com
Reply-To: WSFA members <WSFAlist at KeithLynch.net>

On Wed, 27 Dec 2006 22:03:51 -0500 (EST) "Keith F. Lynch"
<kfl at KeithLynch.net> writes:

> Rich Lynch <rw_lynch at yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> > Just recently I had to have my Official passport replaced because
> > when it was renewed the passport preparers transposed the month
> and day of birth, in effect moving my birthdate to April.
>

> Why bother?  I didn't bother to get the birthplace corrected on
> mine.
> So long as you're listed as being born somewhere in the US, and
> your
> age is listed as over 21, what difference does it make?
>

Those who remember the TV series 'I Love Lucy' may recall the episode
about Lucy's passport difficulties.

Most of time when a passport is being used for its nominal purpose as an
international travel document, small technical errors on the passport
would not cause a problem.  But whenever there is a reason to check the
traveller's documentation more deeply, such errors could create trouble
for the traveller.

For example, the traveller's name might be on a watch list (apparently
Senator Edward M. Kennedy was), or the traveller's passport number might
be erroneously on a list of lost/stolen passports, so when a traveller
presents that passport, the border agents may ask to see supplementary
ID, such as a driver's license.  Then when the information doesn't match,
the traveller would have some 'splainin' to do.

A U.S. passport holder travelling abroad who loses his passport would
have to apply for a replacement passport at a consular office.  It would
be easy enough for the consular office to check the records and view the
details of the passport which had been issued, but if those details fail
to match with other ID the traveller has, such as a driver's license,
again, the traveller would have some 'splainin' to do.

In a larger context, passports are often used as proof of identity or
nationality status.  For example, when an employee is hired, the employer
needs to examine and copy the employee's ID documents for the I-9 form.
A passport might be used as ID when getting documents notarized or when
opening a bank account.  In some cases, an erroneous birthdate on a
passport would then become part of an official record and could lead to
further problems.  When applying for Social Security benefits, the date
of birth affects eligibility and the amount of benefits due.  Erroneous
information on an important official document such as a passport could
sow confusion about the vital facts of the person concerned, in ways that
may be hard to foresee.

Ron Kean

.