WASHINGTON, D.C. (The Adobo Chronicles, Washington Bureau) – Donald Trump’s executive order on travel has generated nationwide protests, but the president himself is protesting a law passed by Congress in late 2015 which could have his U.S. passport cancelled by the State Department.

More than a year ago, H.R.22 gave the IRS a new weapon to collect taxes. Tax code Section 7345 is labeled, “Revocation or Denial of Passport in Case of Certain Tax Delinquencies.” The law isn’t limited to criminal tax cases, or even cases where the IRS thinks you are trying to flee. The idea of the law is to use travel as a way to enforce tax collections. It was proposed and rejected in 2012. But by late 2015, Congress passed it and President Obama signed it.

If you have seriously delinquent tax debt, IRS can notify the State Department. The State Department generally will not issue or renew a passport after receiving certification from the IRS. 

Now we all know who has refused to release his tax returns amid reports that he has paid zero taxes, or could possibly owe the IRS huge sums of money.

Will Donald Trump become the first world leader to be passportless?

More important question is, can he be president of the United States if his most important proof of citizenry is cancelled? He’d better start carrying his birth certificate wherever he goes.

Now that’s what we call Obama karma!