Thousands of American parents who are owed huge sums in unpaid child support are going to lose their passports as the US government is set to expand enforcement of a long-standing federal law, the Associated Press reports.The U.S. State Department confirmed the cancellations will begin Friday, initially targeting parents who owe $100,000 or more. Based on data provided by the Department of Health and Human Services, officials estimate that about 2,700 passport holders fall into this category.The move is a change from earlier practice, where passports were usually marked only when people applied for renewal or used consular services. Under the new system, officials will now proactively cancel passports based on debt information shared by federal and state agencies.“We are expanding a common-sense practice that has proven effective in helping child care providers repay their debts,” said Mora Namdar, Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs.He added: “Once these parents resolve their debts, they can once again enjoy the privileges of a U.S. passport.”The policy is expected to be expanded further to include parents who owe more than $2,500 in unpaid child support, the limit set under a 1996 law. The number of people affected at that level has not yet been confirmed, but could reach several thousand once state-level data collection is complete.Under the system, DHHS will notify the State Department about individuals who are in arrears. Those identified will have their passports canceled and will have to repay their debts before reapplying for travel documents.Parents whose passports have been canceled will be informed that their documents are no longer valid for international travel. People who have already left the country at the time of revocation will need to contact a U.S. embassy or consulate to obtain emergency travel documentation to return home.The program has already had consequences for some parents paying overdue amounts after news of the crackdown broke earlier this year.This policy is part of the passport denial program created under federal law in 1996, which allows the government to restrict passports to individuals with significant child support arrears. Since its launch, the program has helped collect hundreds of millions of dollars in unpaid support, including more than $156 million in the last five years alone. Enforcement will be implemented in phases, starting with higher loan limits and then potentially moving to lower levels of outstanding amounts.