The birth certificate is the document most frequently presented as evidence of American citizenship by first-time applicants for a passport, the State Department says.

All applicants are screened and a mandatory 28-day waiting period is imposed on first-time applicants.

"Focusing on first-time applicants misses a very dangerous warning sign," he said.

All applicants are screened, and a mandatory 28-day waiting period is imposed on first-time applicants, but response time may be longer.

Ms. Barrett said that the excellent economy was encouraging travel and bringing in first-time applicants.

For first-time applicants, the refusal rate is 75 percent.

In addition, first-time applicants are being offered more funding for their research grants than those who have received grants in the past.

Included in these were a criminal record check, health check, and consulate/embassy interview for first-time applicants.

Another would offer financial benefits to states requiring drug tests for all first-time applicants for drivers' licenses.

Mr. Gayer said the ruling applied to first-time applicants for security clearances and probably would affect about 1,000 people every year.