Record Number of Eastern Iowans Applying for Passports

More and more residents across the country, including record numbers here in Iowa, are applying to get their passports. Among the counties leading the way is Linn County, in Eastern Iowa.

The Benefits of Having a Passport

Having a U.S. passport comes with a series of benefits. According to the Cedar Rapids Gazette, it provides visa-free, short-term travel to well over 100 countries around the world. It can also mean faster processing time at airports, as it acts as your True ID. It is also a quick way to prove American citizenship.

Passport Applications Surge in Linn County

The Gazette reports that during the most recent fiscal year, passport applications grew by around 8% statewide. However, in Linn County, they surged by 41%. According to the U.S. State Department, nearly 27.4 million passports were issued nationwide. The Gazette reports that Linn County officials say there is no definitive answer for Linn County's sharp rise, only stating that it reflects evolving travel trends.

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Passport Applications Rise Due to Immigration Laws

While many Iowans get their passport to prepare for a trip, others apply for one for security reasons. The Gazette reports that Linn County officials say they saw a surge of applications in March as families brought children in for passports due to the rapidly changing immigration policy in the U.S.

For more information on how to apply for your passport and to start the process, you can click HERE. A new adult passport in the state of Iowa will cost you around $165.