(Clearwisdom.net) The new passport law of the People's Republic of China (abbreviated as the passport law) was signed by Chinese President Hu Jintao and became effective in January 2007. Most people would think that the new passport law would loosen the control on Chinese people entering and leaving the country, but I found out that it is not this simple.

A friend of mine submitted an application for a new passport and was given the following list of "Supplementary Documents required for Personal Travel Abroad" by the Port of Entry Authority of Hengshi City in Hebei Province. It is clearly written on the list that the applicant's local police station must submit documents showing that the applicant is not a Falun Gong practitioner.

"Supplementary Documents required for Personal Travel abroad" by the Port of Entry Authority of Hengshi City in Hebei Province

It was found that this procedure is not carried out only in Hengshui City, but also in many cities and provinces. This is trampling and illegally depriving Falun Gong practitioners' basic human rights in broad daylight. Since Jiang Zemin's regime started persecuting Falun Gong, over 3000 Falun Gong practitioners are confirmed to have been tortured to death. Tens of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners have been put in jail or forced labor camps, where they are tortured. Millions more practitioners are forced to attend brainwashing sessions. Countless happy families have been torn apart. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) controls all media in Mainland China and spreads slanderous propaganda about Falun Gong, yet tries all means to cover up the crimes it has committed. The CCP tries to stop Falun Gong practitioners from leaving China, because it is afraid that they will expose the crimes that the CCP has committed to the international community.

As the 2008 Olympic Games approach and because of globalization, the CCP has invented the so-called passport law to show that it is "working hard" toward communicating with the rest of the world. The passport law states that "citizens need to show their residence registry and ID in to apply for a passport." But the CCP will not state clearly any rules that allows it to persecute Falun Gong practitioners. It uses higher administrative orders to pressure the lower authorities.

Staff of the Port of Entry Authority also told my friend that it was much easier to obtain a passport before the new passport law was implemented in 2007. The so-called "supplementary materials" were required after the passport law became effective. This shows that the CCP did not loosen its grip on Chinese people, but instead has denied many rights to the Chinese people.

The Xinhua news agency and the Public Safety Department's website also state:

"A reporter interviewed the director of the Port of Entry Authority. The following is an excerpt:

Question: What materials do citizens need to attach when they submit their application for passport?

Answer: According to Item No. 6 of the passport law, 'Applicants should submit their residence ID, residence registry, passport photos and relevant supplementary materials. State officials and staff should also submit relevant documents according to state law when they apply for a regular passport.'

So far, 231 cities across the nation requires applicants to submit their residence registry and residence ID when they apply for a passport. For regions where application based on need is not yet implemented, or in regions where illegal immigration is problematic, applicants need to submit additional supplementary materials."

The Department of Public Safety has categorized the regions in China. This is an obvious discrimination and violation of citizens' rights, and it purposely creates social conflicts. Even in the 231 cities mentioned above, government officials also try to limit Falun Gong practitioners' right to leave the country.

The truth will certainly be uncovered. Nowadays, more and more people are learning the truth of Falun Gong. More and more people, including people both inside and outside of China, have come forth to support Falun Gong practitioners and expose the CCP's atrocities. Restricting Falun Gong practitioners from leaving the country cannot help the CCP to hide its crimes, but will instead let more people see the true nature of the CCP.

Port of Entry Authority of Hengshi City in Hebei Province, Tel: 86-318-2324525