To administer laws, formulate regulations and implement policies relating to the broad range of consular services provided to American citizens abroad.
In carrying out this responsibility, the Office of Overseas Citizens Services of the Bureau advises and supports our Embassies and Consulates around the world in such matters as deaths, arrests, robberies, citizenship and nationality, Federal benefits, notarization of documents, international parental child abduction and international adoptions. To assist the traveling public the Bureau issues Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements concerning conditions in countries where Americans may be planning to visit or reside.
To issue passports to U.S. citizens.
In Fiscal Year 1999, the Bureau of Consular Affairs through fourteen U.S. passport agencies and one processing center issued over 6.7 million U.S. passports to American citizens planning to travel overseas.
To formulate and implement policies relating to immigration and consular services and to administer the provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act as they relate to the Department of State in coordination with the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service.
Following regulations established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act, consular officers overseas with the guidance of the Bureau's Office of Visa Services issued over 6 million non-immigrant visas and more than 400,000 immigrant visas in Fiscal Year 1997.