IML’s Unique Passport Identifier:

Summer has arrived and vacation season is upon us too! Many sex offenders are now subject to International Megan’s Law (“IML”). This federal law became effective last Fall. Now, many registrants may be wondering whether IML will affect their travel plans.

Under IML, passports for affected sex offenders will state the following:

“The bearer was convicted of a sex offense against a minor, and is a covered sex offender pursuant to 22 United States Code Section 212b(c)(l).”

Individuals who must get a passport that has the above language are those who have been both:

1) Convicted of certain sex offenses,

and

2) Currently required to register on any sex offender registry.

For those who already have a passport, they must get a new one that complies with IML.

IML creates Angel Watch Center:

International Megan’s Law does not prohibit sex offenders from traveling to other countries. But IML also created the “Angel Watch Center.” The Angel Watch Center provides advance notice of these individuals to other countries. The Center also makes sure that U.S. citizens who travel overseas have registered as sex offenders at least 48 hours before their departure.

It is up to each individual country about whether it will allow a registered sex offender to travel within its borders. But, many registrants face enhanced scrutiny when they go through security. Some countries refuse to grant entry to any registered sex offender. Other countries deny entry after Angel Watch notifies them of a registered sex offender’s intent to travel into their country. Therefore, it is vital to consult with a lawyer if you are a registrant and want to travel overseas.

While IML has faced legal challenges, unfortunately, none have been successful so far. At this point, it is unknown whether IML will ever be struck down in the future. However, until then, if you are a registered sex offender and are thinking about traveling to another country, you should talk to an attorney.

Legal Services We Offer:

At Maynard Law Office, LLC, our firm is dedicated to sex offense law. We have vast experience getting individuals off various states’ sex offender registries. IML applies to people who have been convicted of certain sex offenses AND currently register on any sex offender registry. If this applies to you, then you should consult with an attorney about your options to get off any jurisdiction’s Megan’s Law. IML may hinder your ability to freely travel to other countries. This is why it is so crucial to petition to end your registration obligations. To put it another way, even if you were convicted of a sex offense, you may not be subject to International Megan’s Law if you have no registration duties. At Maynard Law Office, LLC, we offer full reviews to determine whether someone was properly put on a sex offender registry in the first place. If you or a loved one are thinking of traveling overseas, but are a registered sex offender, call us at (973) 540-0054 for a free consultation!