"Dual Citizens in Israel Face Severe US Passport Crunch: A Nightmare Scenario"

The US passport application process is facing severe delays and backlogs due to a combination of pandemic-related staffing shortages and a pause in online processing. With a record-breaking 500,000 applications per week, applicants are experiencing maddening delays, uncertainty, and costly measures to secure their passports in time for travel. The State Department is prioritizing urgent cases, but for most applicants, options are limited and expensive. The backlog is affecting not only US citizens but also those seeking US visas and passports abroad. The situation is particularly acute for dual citizens in Israel, where appointments are scarce and require both parents' involvement, causing significant inconvenience and stress. The government has acknowledged the problem but has not provided a timeline for resolution.