Why do passport applications ask for the information they ask for?
<p>In the U.S., the passport application asks for:</p>

<ul>
<li>A contact and their information</li>
<li>Intended destination for the first use of the passport</li>
<li>Details about one's parents</li>
</ul>

<p>Why is this information part of the passport application?</p>

<p>(In my opinion, these questions leave the applicant open to being put in touch with people they'd rather not be in touch with or having the parents learn about the applicant's travel plans.)</p>

<p>You have the right to withhold this information; they have the right to withhold a passport.</p>

<p>You <strong>do not</strong> have a right to a passport; it is a privilege and that privilege may be withdrawn at the discretion of the State Department for all sorts of reasons. </p>

<p>As a US citizen you have a right to travel within the US; you don't need any papers for this. However, if you wish to cross an international border then both the country you are departing and the country you are arriving in will decide the circumstances under which you can.</p>

citizenship passport travel