WIVB - New birth certificate policy. New law takes effect July 1.

From my archive of press clippings:

WIVB

New birth certificate policy


New law takes effect July 1


Updated: Wednesday, 17 Feb 2010, 7:50 PM EST

Published : Wednesday, 17 Feb 2010, 5:27 PM EST


There are some major changes coming for identity measures if your were born in Puerto Rico.

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"Your birth certificate will become void as of July 1st - part of a new law designed to reduce identity theft and passport fraud.

The U.S. State Department reports that 40 percent of the 8,000 cases of identity theft and passport fraud in the United States is related to stolen Puerto Rican birth certificates."

&

"According to U.S. Customs and Immigration, a Puerto Rican birth certificate runs for about $5,000 to $10,000 on the black market.

Puerto Ricans born on the island receive an American Social Security number and are eligible for a United States passport from birth. The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Department of Health will issue new birth certificates to people upon request. There will be a $5 charge."

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For more information, call (787) 767-9120 ext. 2402 or visit their Web site.