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US announces new passport rules. It would seem they're a tad swamped. Not sure if the new rules affect you.
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I linked to a similar article two posts above.
Anyway, it makes sense for anyone even thinking of leaving the US within the next year to apply for one ASAP. And with the delays I've been reading about, if you're leaving within 5 months, use an expediting service. It's only $89 extra for 14 day service.
I got a passport 3 years ago just so I could have one. Now I'm glad I did. (I used the expediting service for my daughter's passport).