American passports with Microchip?

Question

is this truth, that all new American passports has a microchip and the passport holder can be tracked and monitored ??

Answer 1

It is true they are being issued with RFID microchips.  There is a lot of controversy surrounding them.  They have only a very limited range, which would make the monitoring and tracking you are suggesting impossible.  But tests have been done to show that the range is greater than originally thought.  The more pressing concern is, since these chips hold your personal information.  Even if they have a range of only a few feet, what's to stop some unscrupulous person from using a device to capture that information?  You could have your passport in your pocket and someone could still capture your information if they got close enough.

It is supposed to be more convenient.  Make it quicker and easier for customs to check your information.  Personally, I don't think it is worth it.