A more thorough explanation:

Bureau of Consular Affairs

The Bureau of Consular Affairs is a department within the U.S. Department of State that is responsible for safeguarding the interests and well-being of U.S. citizens who are traveling or living abroad. One of its main functions is to issue passports to U.S. citizens.

Each year, the Bureau of Consular Affairs issues more than 7 million passports to U.S. citizens who are planning to travel internationally. Additionally, the bureau provides a range of services to U.S. citizens who are living or traveling abroad, including emergency assistance, travel advisories, and information on local laws and customs.

For example, if a U.S. citizen loses their passport while traveling in a foreign country, they can contact the Bureau of Consular Affairs for assistance in obtaining a replacement. The bureau can also provide guidance on how to stay safe while traveling in areas that may be experiencing political unrest or other security concerns.

These examples illustrate how the Bureau of Consular Affairs plays a critical role in protecting the interests and safety of U.S. citizens who are traveling or living abroad. By providing essential services like passport issuance and emergency assistance, the bureau helps to ensure that U.S. citizens can travel and live abroad with confidence and security.